Celta Vigo vs Freiburg

Celta Vigo welcome SC Freiburg to Balaídos for this Europa League quarter-final second leg trailing 3-0 on aggregate.

The first leg was a sobering night for the Galicians, who failed to register a single shot on target as Freiburg dominated in Germany. Vincenzo Grifo's early strike set the tone, and the visitors never looked back.

Celta face a monumental task to overturn the deficit, though their impressive home record in European return legs offers a glimmer of hope. Freiburg, on the brink of a first major European semi-final, will be confident of seeing the job through.

Celta Vigo vs SC Freiburg Form

Celta Vigo's form heading into this fixture makes grim reading. They have lost three of their last four outings across all competitions, including a damaging 3-0 home defeat to Real Oviedo in La Liga, conceding an average of 2.4 goals per game in that run. Going 189 minutes without scoring across all competitions only deepens the concern.

SC Freiburg present a stark contrast, having won four of their last five matches, most recently a stubborn 1-0 away victory at Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga. Their defensive record in Europe is outstanding, conceding just six goals across the entire campaign, comfortably the best of the remaining sides. That solidity at the back, combined with their devastating efficiency on the counter, makes Freiburg a nightmare opponent for a Celta side desperately needing goals.

Celta Vigo vs SC Freiburg Predicted Lineups

Celta Vigo

Formation: 3-4-3

Predicted Starting Lineup: I. Radu; Á. Núñez, M. Alonso, J. Aidoo; S. Carreira, I. Moriba, H. Sotelo, Ó. Mingueza; W. Swedberg, B. Iglesias, F. Jutglà

Much will depend on Iago Aspas and Williot Swedberg, who together account for the bulk of Celta's creative output in this competition. Swedberg leads the side with four Europa League goals, while Aspas has contributed six goal involvements across the campaign. Their partnership in the final third is the most likely source of anything Celta can conjure at Balaídos.

SC Freiburg

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: N. Atubolu; J. Makengo, P. Lienhart, M. Ginter, P. Treu; M. Eggestein, J. Manzambi; V. Grifo, Y. Suzuki, N. Beste; I. Matanović

Freiburg arrive with a settled squad and a three-goal cushion to protect. Vincenzo Grifo is their danger man, directly involved in 15 Europa League goals for the club across the campaign, and his ability to deliver from set pieces and strike from range makes him the focal point of everything Freiburg do going forward. Lucas Höler has found form domestically, netting in his last two Bundesliga outings, and could offer an additional threat if Freiburg choose to push.

Celta Vigo vs SC Freiburg Key Stats & Match Facts

  • This is the first ever meeting between Celta Vigo and SC Freiburg in European competition.
  • Celta Vigo have won each of their last 11 home second-leg fixtures in European competition.
  • Williot Swedberg has scored or assisted in six of his last eight Europa League appearances.
  • SC Freiburg have had six or more shots on target in seven of their last ten Europa League matches.
  • Vincenzo Grifo has scored in two of his last three Europa League outings.

Celta Vigo vs SC Freiburg Prediction & Best Bets

Our prediction: Celta Vigo 2-1 SC Freiburg.

Celta need a miracle to overturn the aggregate deficit, and they have the home pedigree to at least put up a fight at Balaídos. Expect an open, aggressive display from the hosts.

However, Freiburg's quality on the break means they are more than capable of finding the net, making both teams to score an option to consider. Freiburg's away record in European knockout ties is poor, but their three-goal cushion affords them the luxury of playing without fear.

Celta Vigo vs SC Freiburg Bet Builder Tip

Our bet builder tip for Celta Vigo vs SC Freiburg is:

Williot Swedberg - To Score/Assist
Swedberg has contributed with a goal or assist in six of his previous eight Europa League matches.

Igor Matanovic - 2+ Fouls Committed
This bet has landed in all six of Matanovic's previous UEL appearances and 10/12 across all competitions.

Johan Manzambi - 2+ Fouls Won
Manzambi has been fouled 2 or more times in six of his previous seven starts across all competitions.

Both Teams to Score - Yes
With Celta Vigo chasing the tie and Freiburg's capabilities on the counter attack, both teams should have plenty of chances to get on the scoreboard.