Match Overview: Celta vs Nice

The third-round match of the 2025/26 general stage between Celta (Spain) and Nice (France) is scheduled for October 23 at the Balaídos stadium in Vigo. This preview offers a prediction, betting odds, and key statistics for the Celta vs Nice encounter.

Celta Vigo’s Europa League Journey

Prior to the current season, Celta had not participated in the Europa League since 2017. Their return has brought mixed results. In late September, Celta suffered a defeat to Stuttgart, extending their winless streak in this European competition to four matches. However, a week later, Claudio Giráldez’s squad broke this unfortunate run with a resilient 3-1 comeback victory against PAOK. The only minor drawback is that the Spaniards have conceded in six consecutive Europa League fixtures. Nevertheless, Celta has already scored a total of four goals in the current tournament, a tally only surpassed by three other clubs. The team currently sits 13th in the overall standings.

Celta’s Key Statistics

• The Spanish side has found the net in 8 of their last 9 Europa League matches.
• The club’s unbeaten home run in this European competition spans 5 games (3 wins, 2 losses).
• Both teams have scored in 5 of Celta’s last 6 Europa League fixtures.

Celta’s Provisional Starting Lineup (3-4-3)*

Andrei Radu – Karl Starfelt, Manu Fernández, Marcos Alonso – Óscar Mingueza, Ilaix Moriba, Damián Rodríguez, Javier Rueda – Williot Swedberg, Borja Iglesias, Iago Aspas.

Team News: Celta Injuries

Defenders Mykhailo Ristić and Yoel Lago, along with forward Williot Swedberg, are unavailable due to injuries.

Nice’s European Campaign Struggles

For several years now, Nice has faced significant challenges in their Europa League matches. In the current season, Nice has yet to secure a single point, having lost both their games against Fenerbahce and Roma. Although these defeats were by narrow margins, Franck Haise’s team ranks above other clubs with zero points in the table. However, their current 31st position hardly aligns with the team’s ambitions. The French side has been unable to win in their last 14 Europa League matches, with 11 of those encounters ending in defeat. Furthermore, Nice has conceded a total of 4 goals in the current tournament, a figure only exceeded by two other teams.

Nice’s Key Statistics

• The club has conceded in 14 consecutive Europa League matches.
• Nice has covered the +1.5 handicap in their last 5 games in this European competition.
• A minimum of 2 goals has been scored in 6 of Nice’s last 7 Europa League fixtures.

Nice’s Provisional Starting Lineup (4-3-3)*

Yvann Diouf – Jonathan Clauss, Kodjo Oppong, Douma Ba, Melvin Bard – Tom Louchet, Charles Vanhoutte, Morgan Sanson – Jérémie Boga, Tiago Gouveia, Kévin Omoruyi.

Team News: Nice Injuries

Defenders Moise Bombito, Mohamed Abdelmonem, and Youssouf Ndayishimiye, as well as forward Terem Moffi, are sidelined with injuries.

Match Official: The Referee

Sander van der Eijk (Netherlands)

Referee’s Statistics

Matches – 8 (International matches, 2025/26); Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 17; Average yellow cards per match – 2.1; Red cards shown – 2; Average fouls per match – 26; Penalties awarded – 25%.

Match Prediction: Celta vs Nice

Celta is known for its traditional tenacity and resilience. In the previous round, the team ended a four-match winless streak in the Europa League, and overall, in their last nine matches in this tournament, the Spaniards have suffered only two defeats. At home, the club is particularly formidable, having lost only 3 of their last 30 Europa League encounters, with two-thirds of those matches resulting in Celta victories.

Nice’s Troublesome Away Form

Nice continues to endure a prolonged difficult spell in the Europa League. Franck Haise’s charges failed to collect a single point in the first two rounds, and generally, the French side has not secured a victory in 14 consecutive matches in this European competition (3 draws, 11 losses). Their away results are particularly dismal, with Nice having suffered 11 consecutive away defeats in the Europa League before their trip to Vigo.

Our Betting Tip

Considering the facts presented, the hosts appear more convincing than their opponents. Our prediction is – “Celta with a (0) handicap” at odds of 1.46  * The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match in this tournament.