Celta Vigo - Valencia predictions and free betting tips [26/05/2024]

On Sunday, 26 May, at 22:00 GMT, as part of the 38th round of the Spanish La Liga, Celta de Vigo will host Valencia at the Balaídos Stadium. While the home team recently climbed to 14th place in the standings and secured their safety from relegation, Los Che need to earn points to guarantee themselves a ninth-place finish.

Stadium

The match will take place in Vigo at the Balaídos Stadium.

Celta de Vigo

Just like last season, Celta de Vigo fought until the very end to secure their place in the top division, achieving back-to-back victories against Athletic Bilbao (2-1) and relegated Granada (1-2) last weekend. After a goalless first half, the Celts took the lead through Larsen and Bamba, while the White and Reds managed to respond only with a Bruno Mendes strike at the very end.

This success didn't come out of nowhere: back in March, the club's management appointed Claudio Giraldez as head coach, replacing Rafa Benitez, and the results exceeded all expectations: in the following nine rounds, they managed to collect 16 points. Notably, all three defeats during this period happened away from home, losing to Betis, Alaves, and Atletico Madrid. However, fans are somewhat worried about the fact that the Celts have conceded in nine consecutive matches. In terms of points earned at home, Celta ranks 16th overall (23 points in 18 matches, 19 goals scored, 21 conceded). 

Valencia

Stuck in the lower half of the standings for the past 2-3 seasons, Valencia has rediscovered its form this season, returning to the top 10. The team occupies the 9th place before the final round, although just a month ago Los Che were clearly aiming for European competition spots, but a series of six winless matches and five defeats shattered all hopes. The Blanquinegros consecutively lost to Betis (1-2), Barcelona (4-2), Alaves (0-1), Real Sociedad (1-0), and finally Girona (1-3) last weekend.

In the first half, Savio gave the Catalans the lead, then the favourite increased their advantage thanks to a precise strike by Dovbyk and an own goal by Gacirowski; only in the final minutes did Pepelu pull one back with a penalty kick. Valencia ranks just 11th overall in terms of points earned away (18 in 18 matches, 18 goals scored, 29 conceded). 

Head-to-Head

In the first round at Mestalla, neither side could come out on top (0-0). However, Celta de Vigo knocked Valencia out in the Copa del Rey round of 16 (1-3).

Match Prediction: Celta de Vigo vs Valencia

This season, Valencia has not fared well against Celta de Vigo, losing 1-3 in the Copa del Rey. Moreover, Los Che haven't won in the league since 15 April (5 defeats, 1 draw), while the Celts have significantly improved in recent weeks (3 wins in the last 4 rounds). I believe the Sky Blue will end the season on a high note in front of their fans, just like last year against Barcelona, so I'm betting on a victory for the home team.

Prediction on Total

Celta scored nine goals in their last three home games and have a fantastic attack led by Aspas. We confidently bet on the individual total over 1.5 goals for the home team.

Prediction on Corners

Celta will play in front of their home crowd and will strive to please the fans with a positive result in the final game, so I'm betting on a win for the home team on corners.

Prediction on Yellow Cards

Neither side has any real tournament motivation and will not risk injuries. I bet on the total under 4.5 yellow cards.

Prediction on Score

I'm betting on a 2-1 win for Celta de Vigo.