La Liga 2025-2026: Celta Vigo-Villarreal, the probable formations

The third Sunday of La Liga opens with a confrontation that promises sparks. At 5 p.m. Celta Vigo hosts Villarreal at the Balaídos, in the match that opens the day and pits two teams with different moods against each other. The Galician team comes to the appointment after two consecutive draws: 1-1 against Mallorca and the same result in the seventh-day advance against Betis, which was recovered due to calendar requirements. Three games, two points, no wins.

The start of the season has been slow, and the need to shake things up is urgent. But the calendar does not help: we play for the third time in seven days, and the opponent is among the worst to face right now. Villarreal, in fact, is in a state of grace. After a balanced start, in the last round it overwhelmed Girona with a net 5-0, dragged by an irrepressible Buchanan, absolute protagonist with goals and assists and who months ago experienced moments of terror.

In spite of the heavy summer departures of Barry, Baena and Pino, Marcelino’s team has found new equilibrium and is now one of the brightest formations in La Liga. For Celta it will be a tough test. Fatigue is piling up, points are lacking, and Villarreal has no intention of slowing down.

Probable lineups

Celta Vigo (3-4-2-1): Radu; Rodriguez, Dominguez, Alonso; Mingueza, Moriba, Beltran, Alvarez; Aspas, Swedberg; Iglesias. Coach: Giraldez.

Villarreal (4-4-2): Luiz Junior; Mourino, Marin, Foyth, Cardona; Buchanan, Comesana, Gueye, Moleiro; Pepe, Etta Eyong. Coach: Marcelino.

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