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This Sunday, 1 March, all eyes will be on the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi as Girona host Celta Vigo in a crucial LaLiga encounter. Girona, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their familiarity with the venue to secure valuable points. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo will aim to disrupt Girona’s plans and climb up the league standings.
Both teams are eager to improve their positions in the LaLiga table, making this matchup significant for their respective campaigns. Girona’s home advantage could play a pivotal role, but Celta Vigo’s determination to succeed away from home adds an intriguing layer to the contest. As we delve into the prediction, match preview, and betting tips, this clash promises plenty of excitement for fans and punters alike.
| Bet Recommendation | Odds |
|---|---|
| Draw | 3.37 |
Considering the recent form of both teams, our recommended betting tip is a draw. Girona have drawn three of their last five games, while Celta Vigo have recorded similar results in their recent outings. Furthermore, their last three head-to-head encounters have all ended in a draw.
Girona are slight favourites in this LaLiga clash, with odds of 2.49 to secure a home victory at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi. Celta Vigo, however, are not far behind with odds of 2.86, suggesting a closely contested match.
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Girona to win | 2.49 |
| Draw | 3.37 |
| Celta Vigo to win | 2.86 |
The draw is priced at 3.37, indicating that bookmakers expect a competitive encounter. Punters may find value in betting on both teams to score, given the attacking potential on display.
Girona’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, with only one victory in their last five matches. The team has drawn three and lost one, including a notable 2-2 draw against Deportivo Alavés. Their ability to score is evident, having netted in four out of their last five games, resulting in an average of 1.20 goals per match.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deportivo Alavés | Girona | 2 – 2 (Draw) | LaLiga | 23 Feb 2026 |
| Girona | Barcelona | 2 – 1 (Win) | LaLiga | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Sevilla | Girona | 1 – 1 (Draw) | LaLiga | 8 Feb 2026 |
| Real Oviedo | Girona | 1 – 0 (Loss) | LaLiga | 31 Jan 2026 |
| Girona | Getafe | 1 – 1 (Draw) | LaLiga | 26 Jan 2026 |
Recent Form:
Defensively, Girona have struggled, conceding an average of 1.20 goals per game in their last five outings and failing to secure a single clean sheet. Despite this, they have shown resilience at home, winning two of their last five home fixtures. Their most impressive result came against Barcelona, where they secured a 2-1 victory, highlighting their potential to challenge top teams. Currently positioned 11th in LaLiga with 30 points, Girona’s performance at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi has been slightly better, boasting a home win ratio of 40% over the last ten matches. Their reliance on Vladyslav Vanat, who has scored 8 goals this season, is a key aspect of their attacking strategy.
Girona are currently dealing with a significant list of injuries that could heavily influence their tactical setup against Celta Vigo. Key player Juan Carlos is out with a cruciate ligament injury but is expected to return in early March 2026. This presents a challenge for Girona in the goalkeeping department, as Paulo Gazzaniga is also listed as doubtful with a finger injury. Marc-André ter Stegen’s hamstring injury, sidelining him until early April 2026, further complicates matters in goal.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Ricard Artero | Broken ankle | Unknown |
| Juan Carlos | Cruciate ligament injury | Early March 2026 |
| Donny van de Beek | Cruciate ligament injury | Late April 2026 |
| Portu | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Marc-André ter Stegen | Hamstring injury | Early April 2026 |
| Álex Moreno | Calf injury | Early March 2026 |
| Thomas Lemar | Physical discomfort | Doubtful |
| Paulo Gazzaniga | Finger injury | Doubtful |
In midfield, the absence of Donny van de Beek, who is out until late April 2026 due to a cruciate ligament injury, limits Girona’s creativity and depth. The long-term absence of Portu, out for the season with a similar injury, continues to be a tactical blow. However, Thomas Lemar, despite recent physical discomfort, is expected to feature, providing some relief in midfield.
Defensively, Álex Moreno’s calf injury might see him return in early March 2026, which could bolster Girona’s backline. In the meantime, Daley Blind and Arnau Martínez are expected to maintain their positions, with potential for tactical adjustments depending on Moreno’s fitness. The tactical impact of these injuries could see Girona adopting a more conservative approach, especially if Gazzaniga is unable to play. This could affect betting markets, with Girona potentially seen as less dominant due to their weakened squad.
The potential absence of crucial players may lead Girona to rely on their bench strength, with possible tactical adjustments to accommodate the available squad members. The team’s ability to adapt to these challenges will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in the upcoming match.
Vladyslav Vanat stands out as Girona’s top scorer, having found the back of the net eight times this season. His clinical finishing and intelligent runs make him a constant threat to the opposition’s defence. Vanat’s ability to exploit spaces and convert chances will be pivotal against Celta Vigo. Supporting him in attack, Viktor Tsyhankov’s pace and crossing ability on the wing can create numerous goal-scoring opportunities, while Axel Witsel’s experience and composure in midfield provide the team with a solid foundation to build their attacks.
In defence, Daley Blind’s leadership and tactical awareness will be crucial in organising the backline and thwarting Celta Vigo’s offensive plays. Blind’s versatility allows him to contribute both defensively and in initiating attacks from the back, which could be key to Girona’s tactical approach. Together, these players form the backbone of Girona’s strategy, with their individual strengths complementing the team’s overall play.
Expected lineup for Girona
Girona Tactical Breakdown:
Girona’s 4-5-1 formation is designed to provide midfield dominance while facilitating effective play on the flanks. With Axel Witsel and Thomas Lemar anchoring the midfield, the team aims to control possession and dictate the tempo. Bryan Gil and Viktor Tsyhankov are tasked with exploiting spaces on the wings to support lone striker Vladyslav Vanat.
Defensively, the back four, led by Daley Blind and Vitor Reis, faces challenges as the team has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five outings. This highlights potential vulnerabilities, particularly against teams with pacey attackers.
Offensively, Girona rely on leveraging their midfield depth to create opportunities, with an emphasis on quick transitions and utilising the width of the pitch. Vladyslav Vanat, their top scorer, plays a pivotal role in capitalising on these chances, supported by creative inputs from the midfield.
Celta Vigo come into this match with strong recent form, having secured three wins in their last five matches. This includes impressive victories over Mallorca (2-0) in LaLiga and a narrow Europa League win against PAOK Thessaloniki FC (1-0). Their only defeat in this period came at the hands of Osasuna (1-2), highlighting occasional defensive lapses.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celta Vigo | PAOK Thessaloniki FC | 1 – 0 (Win) | Europa League Final Stage | 26 Feb 2026 |
| Celta Vigo | Mallorca | 2 – 0 (Win) | LaLiga | 22 Feb 2026 |
| PAOK Thessaloniki FC | Celta Vigo | 1 – 2 (Win) | Europa League Final Stage | 19 Feb 2026 |
| Espanyol | Celta Vigo | 2 – 2 (Draw) | LaLiga | 14 Feb 2026 |
| Celta Vigo | Osasuna | 1 – 2 (Loss) | LaLiga | 6 Feb 2026 |
Recent Form:
Celta Vigo’s attacking prowess is clear, averaging 1.60 goals per match in their last five fixtures, while the defence has been reasonably solid, conceding only 1.00 goals per game. Notably, they have managed to keep two clean sheets, demonstrating improved defensive organisation. Away from home, Celta have managed a balanced record with one win, three draws, and one loss over their last five away games, showing resilience on the road.
Key Insights:
With Borja Iglesias as their top scorer, netting ten goals this season, Celta Vigo’s attack remains a constant threat. Their performance statistics reveal a 60% win ratio in recent matches, underpinned by consistent scoring, having found the back of the net in every game during this period. As they prepare to face Girona, maintaining their defensive integrity and capitalising on scoring opportunities will be crucial.
Celta Vigo face a significant challenge with the absence of Borja Iglesias, who is suspended for accumulated yellow cards. As a key forward, his absence means Celta will need to find a suitable replacement to maintain their attacking threat. Fer López or Ferran Jutglà could step up in the forward line, but replicating Iglesias’s influence will be no easy task.
| Player | Suspension | Matches Remaining | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borja Iglesias | Yellow cards | 1 | Unknown |
The injury list for Celta Vigo further complicates matters, with several key players sidelined. Franco Cervi, Hugo Sotelo, and Andrés Antañón are among those expected to return in early March, which might not be in time for the upcoming clash. Their absence could force coach Claudio Giráldez to adjust his midfield setup, potentially giving Matías Vecino a more prominent role.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Jaime Vázquez | Groin strain | Unknown |
| Andrés Antañón | Muscle strain | Early March 2026 |
| Franco Cervi | Muscle strain | Early March 2026 |
| Hugo Sotelo | Ankle sprain | Early March 2026 |
| Pablo Durán | Knee injury | Late March 2026 |
With Jaime Vázquez’s return date still unknown, the depth of the squad is tested, particularly in the midfield and defensive areas. Pablo Durán’s knee injury keeps him out until late March, limiting options for tactical flexibility. These absences might influence Celta Vigo’s ability to execute their preferred style of play, possibly impacting betting markets as they face Girona.
Celta Vigo’s attacking threat is significantly driven by the dynamic forward Ferran Jutglà. With Borja Iglesias suspended, Jutglà’s role becomes even more pivotal. Known for his agility and sharp finishing, Jutglà is likely to be the focal point of Celta Vigo’s offensive strategies. His ability to exploit spaces and create opportunities will be crucial against Girona’s defence. Supporting him in attack, Fer López brings versatility and pace, making him a constant threat on the wings.
In midfield, Matías Vecino stands out as the key playmaker. Vecino’s vision and passing accuracy are vital for linking defence and attack, orchestrating plays that could unlock Girona’s defensive setup. His contributions are complemented by Miguel Román’s energetic presence, offering both defensive support and forward momentum.
Expected lineup for Celta Vigo:
Defensively, Joseph Aidoo is a central figure, with his robust tackling and aerial dominance providing stability at the back. Alongside him, Marcos Alonso’s experience and ability to push forward add an extra dimension to Celta Vigo’s tactical setup. Overall, their combined strengths in defence and attack could shape the tactical approach and be decisive in the match against Girona.
Celta Vigo Tactical Breakdown:
Celta Vigo’s 3-4-3 formation under Claudio Giráldez is designed to maximise their attacking prowess while maintaining defensive stability. The use of a back three with Joseph Aidoo, Javi Rodríguez, and Marcos Alonso provides a solid foundation, allowing wing-backs Javi Rueda and Hugo Álvarez to push forward and support attacks.
Borja Iglesias, the team’s top scorer with ten goals, leads the line in the forward trio alongside Fer López and Ferran Jutglà. This setup allows for fluid attacking movements and versatility in transitions, which is crucial in breaking down opposition defences.
Defensively, Celta Vigo have managed two clean sheets in their last five matches, showcasing their ability to remain compact and organised. The midfield duo of Matías Vecino and Miguel Román play a pivotal role in both defending and initiating counterattacks, providing balance and depth to the team’s overall strategy.
In their last 20 head-to-head encounters, Celta Vigo have a slight edge with seven wins to Girona’s six, while they have drawn seven times. Their most recent meeting ended in a 1-1 draw at Celta’s home ground, keeping things tight in LaLiga.
The last time Girona hosted Celta Vigo, it was a thrilling 2-2 draw in March 2025. Girona have shown resilience at home, managing to hold Celta to a draw or better in recent fixtures. Both teams have scored 26 goals each in these encounters, highlighting the evenly matched nature of this rivalry.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celta Vigo | Girona | 1 – 1 | LaLiga | 2025-09-14 |
| Girona | Celta Vigo | 2 – 2 | LaLiga | 2025-03-01 |
| Celta Vigo | Girona | 1 – 1 | LaLiga | 2024-09-29 |
| Celta Vigo | Girona | 0 – 1 | LaLiga | 2024-01-28 |
| Girona | Celta Vigo | 1 – 0 | LaLiga | 2023-10-27 |