Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad

The upcoming La Liga clash between Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad will be played at the Estadio Abanca-Balaídos in Vigo, Spain. Kick-off is set for Sunday, 19 October 2025, at 16:15 local time. The match comes at a crucial moment in the season, with both sides searching for stability and points after inconsistent starts. The Balaídos atmosphere is expected to be electric, as Celta look to secure their first win of the campaign in front of their home fans.

Celta Vigo approach the match with several absences that could influence their squad depth. Mihailo Ristić, Franco Cervi, and Williot Swedberg are all out with injuries, though defender Joseph Aidoo has reportedly returned to the team list after a long layoff. On the visiting side, Real Sociedad face their own problems, with forward Orri Óskarsson sidelined. New signing Yangel Herrera is available again, which could provide an important boost in midfield. Both coaches will have to plan their substitutions carefully given the fitness concerns on both benches.

Tactically, Claudio Giráldez has focused on a possession-heavy approach at Celta Vigo, emphasizing short passing sequences and positional dominance, often in a 3-4-2-1 formation. His side tries to build through midfield and maintain the ball high up the pitch to control the tempo. In contrast, Sergio Francisco’s Real Sociedad favor a more balanced system, using a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 setup with selective pressing triggers. The possible inclusion of Herrera could prompt a tactical adjustment toward a double-pivot midfield, designed to improve defensive balance while retaining attacking fluidity on the break.

Spanish sports media have placed significant attention on this fixture. Local reports highlight that Celta Vigo are the only team in the top two divisions yet to register a league win this season, increasing the pressure on Giráldez and his players to deliver. On the other side, Real Sociedad’s coach Sergio Francisco is reportedly under scrutiny as his team sits near the bottom of the table. The press suggests that a poor result in Vigo could have implications for his future at the club, adding an extra layer of intensity to the match narrative.

Pre-match studio analysts agree that this encounter is likely to be tight and tactical. Many point out Celta’s inability to convert dominance into wins and Real Sociedad’s defensive lapses away from home. Some expect a low-scoring draw given the circumstances, while others believe Real could capitalize on counterattacks if they can withstand early pressure. The consensus is that both teams are under pressure to react, and that the outcome could hinge on small details—whether a moment of brilliance or a costly mistake.

Watch and Download Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad full match replay and highlights, At Sunday, October 19, 2025. The match played at Estadio Abanca-Balaídos, in LaLiga, Spain.

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