The Matchday 3 encounter of the 2025/26 Europa League group stage between Celta Vigo (Spain) and Nice (France) will take place on October 23 at the Balaídos Stadium in Vigo. Celta Vigo vs. Nice: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Celta Vigo
Before this season, the team hadn't participated in the Europa League since 2017, and their return has been a mixed bag. At the end of September, Celta suffered a defeat to Stuttgart, extending their winless streak in the competition to four matches. However, Claudio Giraldez's side broke their poor run with a come-from-behind victory over PAOK (3-1) a week later. The only downside is that the Spaniards have conceded in six consecutive Europa League matches. Nevertheless, Celta has scored a total of four goals in this tournament, a tally bettered by only three other clubs. They currently sit 13th in the overall standings.
- The Spaniards have scored in 8 of their last 9 Europa League matches.
- The club's uncompromising home form in this competition stretches to 5 games (3 wins, 2 losses).
- Both teams have scored in 5 of Celta's last 6 Europa League encounters.
Predicted lineup for Celta Vigo (3-4-3)
Andrei Radu – Carl Starfelt, Manu Fernandez, Marcos Alonso – Oscar Mingueza, Ilaix Moriba, Damian Rodriguez, Javier Rueda – Williot Swedberg, Borja Iglesias, Iago Aspas.
Defenders Mihailo Ristic and Joel Lago, as well as forward Williot Swedberg, are sidelined due to injuries.
Nice
For several years now, Europa League matches have been a struggle for the team. This season, Nice has yet to earn a point, losing both games against Fenerbahce and Roma. The defeats were narrow, which places Franck Haise's side above other clubs without points. However, their current 31st position hardly matches the team's ambitions. The French side is winless in 14 Europa League matches, with 11 of those ending in defeat. Additionally, Nice has conceded a total of four goals in the current tournament, a number exceeded by only two teams.
- The club has conceded in 14 consecutive Europa League matches.
- Nice has won with a handicap (+1.5) in 5 of their previous games in this competition.
- At least 2 goals have been scored in 6 of Nice's last 7 Europa League encounters.
Predicted lineup for Nice (4-3-3)
Yehvann Diouf – Jonathan Clauss, Kodjo Oppong, Juma Ba, Melvin Bard – Tom Loche, Charles Vanhoutte, Morgan Sanson – Jeremie Boga, Tiago Gouveia, Kevin Omoruyi.
Defenders Moise Bombito, Mohamed Abdelmonem, and Youssouf Ndayishimiye, as well as forward Terem Moffi, are injured.
Referee
Sander van der Eijk (Netherlands)
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 – 25%.
Match Prediction: Celta Vigo vs. Nice
Celta is known for their resilience. In the last round, the team ended a four-match winless streak in the Europa League, and overall, they have suffered only two defeats in their last nine matches in this tournament. At home, they are particularly strong, having avoided defeat in 27 of their last 30 Europa League fixtures, with two-thirds of those being victories for Celta.
Nice's struggles in the Europa League continue. Franck Haise's side has failed to earn a point in the first two rounds, and overall, the French team is winless in 14 matches in this competition (3 draws, 11 losses). Their away record is particularly bleak, with Nice having lost 11 consecutive away matches in the Europa League.
Given these facts, the hosts appear more convincing than their opponents. Prediction – Celta Vigo with a handicap (0)
