Glasgow: Álvarez wants to repeat his goal against Juventus

In the imposing Celtic Park in Glasgow, Celta de Vigo host Celtic in a European urgency clash. Hugo Álvarez, who scored against Juventus, is once again looking for the goal that will restore victory to a team that has yet to win in the Europa League after two consecutive defeats.

Historical rivalry

The two sides had only met once, in the UEFA Cup 2002/2003, when the Scottish eliminated Celta in the round of 32 on away-goals difference, a rule that no longer exists. In that match Martin O’Neil, then a player and now Celtic’s manager, stood out, returning to restore the club’s European prestige.

Current situation of the teams

Celta arrive after the victory over Alavés, a sign of an upward momentum under the guidance of Claudio Giráldez. Their attack is one of the most potent in the Europa League, but the lack of a definitive striker is their Achilles’ heel; the injury absence of Borja Iglesias and the limited involvement of Iago Aspas and Pablo Durán leave the scoring responsibility in the hands of Ferran Jutglà.

Celtic, for their part, top the list of worst defenses in this stage, with seven goals conceded in two games (three against Ferencváros and four against Benfica). That vulnerability creates space for Swedberg and Hugo Álvarez, while veteran Camilo Durán, with six goals and one assist in twelve appearances, will also be a target to manage.

The atmosphere at Celtic Park, with its anthem “You’ll never walk alone”, is one of the most intimidating in Europe and can decisively influence the course of the match.

Kvaratskhelia, on his knee injury against Barça, said: “I realize that God chose me”. The phrase underscores the personal dimension that some players experience off the pitch.

The analysis by Salvador Sas and Pablo Planas of EFE highlights both teams’ urgency to reverse the negative run and return to the winning path in the Europa League.

A positive result for either side could reactivate their European campaigns and change the dynamics of the group stage, where every point is crucial.