Espanyol vs Celta Vigo Prediction - La Liga: A clash for sixth place
Espanyol faced Celta Vigo at the RCDE Stadium in a crucial match for a European qualification spot, with the two teams separated by just one point in the standings.
The match between Espanyol and Celta Vigo will take place at 8:00 PM on February 14, 2026, at the RCDE Stadium. This is considered a direct clash for sixth place in La Liga, where both teams are closely competing in terms of points and ambitions to secure a spot in next season's European competition.
Context and ranking position
Currently, Espanyol is in 6th place with 34 points after 23 rounds. However, the gap between them and their rivals Celta Vigo (ranked 7th) is only 1 point. This means that the result of this direct confrontation will completely change the landscape in the top half of the table.
| Team | Location | Point | Form (last 5 matches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espanyol | 6 | 34 | 4 losses, 1 draw |
| Celta Vigo | 7 | 33 | 2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses |
Analyzing the performance of both teams
Espanyol: Severe form crisis
The home team is going through its most difficult period since the start of the season. In their last 5 La Liga matches, Espanyol have failed to win, losing 4 and drawing only 1. This decline is directly threatening their position. Since the beginning of the season, Espanyol have won 10 matches but also suffered 9 defeats. The Catalan team's defensive capabilities are a major question mark, as they have conceded 31 goals in 23 matches, an average of 1.3 goals per game.
Celta Vigo: Stability is essential.
In contrast to the home team's decline, Celta Vigo is showing signs of improvement with 2 wins in their last 5 league matches. Although they have fewer wins (8), Celta Vigo is very difficult to beat, having had 9 draws. The team possesses a relatively solid defense with only 25 goals conceded in 23 matches (an average of 1.1 goals per game), while their attack is also more effective than Espanyol's, having scored 30 goals.
Head-to-head history and key statistics
Despite their current poor form, Espanyol boasts a superior head-to-head record against Celta Vigo in recent years. In their last five encounters, the Catalan team has won four times. Specifically:
- December 1, 2025: Celta Vigo 0 - 1 Espanyol
- April 12, 2025: Celta Vigo 0 - 2 Espanyol
- December 1, 2024: Espanyol 3 - 1 Celta Vigo
- January 4, 2023: Espanyol 3 - 1 Celta Vigo
However, in their most recent meeting at the RCDE Stadium in 2023, Celta Vigo came away with a 3-1 victory, showing that they are perfectly capable of causing an upset away from home.
Force situation
Both teams are facing personnel losses due to injuries. Espanyol will be without two key players: F. Calero due to a muscle injury and J. Puado due to a knee injury. Puado's absence will be a major challenge for the home team's attack. On the other side, Celta Vigo will also be without A. Nunez due to a groin injury.
Match analysis
Based on statistical indicators and current form, the match is predicted to be extremely balanced. Although Espanyol has the home advantage and a favorable head-to-head record, their recent poor form means they are not considered the stronger team. Predicted odds suggest that Celta Vigo have a similar chance of winning and a draw (45%), while Espanyol's chances of winning are only 10%. This could be a tight match with few goals, where caution is paramount for both teams.
Forecast:Celta Vigo win or draw.
Team lineup updated at 19:30 on February 14, 2026
Official lineup
Espanyol
Diagram: 4-2-3-1
CoachManolo Gonzalez
Starting lineup:
- 13. Marko Dmitrović (G)
- 23. Omar El Hilali (D)
- 38. Clemens Riedel (D)
- 6. Leandro Cabrera (D)
- 22. Carlos Romero (D)
- 18. Charles Pickel (M)
- 10. Pol Lozano (M)
- 16. Cyril Ngonge (M)
- 8. Edu Expósito (M)
- 11. Pere Milla (M)
- 9. Roberto Fernández (F)
Substitutes:
- 1. Angel Fortune
- 30. Pol Tristan Jimenez
- 15. Miguel Rubio
- 12. Jose Salinas
- 2. Rubén Sánchez
- 17. Jofre Carreras
- 24. Tyrhys Dolan
- 14. Ramón Terrats
- 20. Antoniu Roca
- 4. Urko González
- 19. Kike García
Celta Vigo
Diagram: 3-4-3
CoachClaudio Giraldez
Starting lineup:
- 13. Ionuț Radu (G)
- 32. Javi Rodríguez (D)
- 2. Carl Starfelt (D)
- 20. Marcos Alonso (D)
- 5. Sergio Carreira (M)
- 16. Miguel Román (M)
- 8. Fer López (M)
- 17. Javier Rueda (M)
- 9. Ferran Jutglà (F)
- 7. Borja Iglesias (F)
- 19. Williot Swedberg (F)
Substitutes:
- 1. Iván Villar
- 4. Joseph Aidoo
- 21. Mihailo Ristić
- 12. Manu Fernández
- 22. Hugo Stelo
- 23. Hugo Álvarez
- 15. Matías Vecino
- 39. Jones El-Abdellaoui
- 6. Ilaix Moriba
- 3. Oscar Mingueza
- 18. Pablo Durán
- 10. Iago Aspas
