Carreira battles Nahuel Molina during the first-leg match
MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP
Atletico Madrid host Celta Vigo at the Metropolitano Stadium in a crucial LaLiga clash. Fresh from their Champions League semifinal exit against Arsenal, the Rojiblancos look to finish the season strong. Meanwhile, Celta are eager to close the gap on Real Betis, knowing that fifth place now guarantees Champions League qualification.
– Atletico Madrid, having reached the Champions League semifinals, have already secured their spot in next season’s elite European competition. On Saturday, they welcome Celta Vigo, who are still fighting for a Europa League and even a potential Champions League berth. With LaLiga earning an extra fifth Champions League spot, Atletico’s place is confirmed, fueling the dream of the Galician side.
– Atletico sit fourth in the table with 63 points, 25 behind leaders Barcelona. Real Betis, in fifth and currently the first team outside the Champions League places, are 10 points adrift of Atletico. In their last LaLiga match, Atletico won 2-0 away at Valencia’s Mestalla.
– Celta Vigo bounced back from three consecutive defeats by beating Elche 3-1 at home in their previous league fixture. They now occupy sixth place with 47 points, six behind fifth-placed Real Betis, who would currently qualify for the Champions League. Getafe, in seventh, are three points behind Celta in the race for the Conference League.
Recent Head-to-Head: Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo
1-1 draw at Balaídos
– The most recent LaLiga meeting between the two sides, held in October at Abanca-Balaídos, ended in a 1-1 draw. Iago Aspas scored Celta’s only goal in the 68th minute, while Atletico’s solitary strike came from an own goal by Celta defender Carl Starfelt.
– Atletico boast an impressive recent record against Celta, remaining unbeaten in their last 14 LaLiga encounters. A win for Celta would be their first league victory over Atletico since September 2018. During that period, Atletico have outscored Celta 23-7.
– In attack, Alexander Sørloth has been a key figure for Atletico this season. He leads the team with 12 goals, six of which have been opening goals.
– For the visitors, Borja Iglesias has been Celta’s top scorer with 13 goals.
– Atletico have been tough to beat at the Metropolitano this season, recording 14 wins, one draw, and only two losses in 17 LaLiga home matches. Celta, meanwhile, have played 17 away league games, collecting 27 points from a possible 51.
– In their last six league matches, Atletico have two wins and four losses. Celta have also won two and lost four over the same period.