Celta Vigo vs Malaga

Celta Vigo face Malaga in round five of the La Liga regular season on September 13, 2026, with both clubs desperate to secure their first victory of the campaign. The early weeks of the season have proved difficult for both sides, leaving them searching for answers to kickstart their autumn schedule.

Celta Vigo Team News: Iglesias Ruled Out

Claudio Giráldez's squad arrives at matchday five sitting in 16th place with just three points from five outings. Celta's primary issue has been turning stalemates into victories, most recently grinding out a 0-0 draw against Real Sociedad in a match where they struggled to create clear-cut attacking opportunities.

To complicate matters, Celta will be without key forward Borja Iglesias, who remains sidelined with a muscular issue. In his absence, veteran talisman Iago Aspas is expected to lead the line alongside Ferran Jutgla and Williot Swedberg. Finding a clinical edge is vital for a team that has managed just two league goals so far this term.

Malaga Injury Latest and Goal Drought

Malaga's return to the top flight has been equally frustrating. Sitting 18th in the standings, the visitors have just two points from their first four fixtures and have scored a solitary league goal, courtesy of 22-year-old forward Chupe.

Manager Juan Francisco Funes is also navigating a mounting injury list. Diego Murillo and Aaron Ochoa are definitively ruled out, while Moussa Diarra, Fernando Calero, and Adrian Nino are all fitness doubts. With seven goals already conceded, fielding a depleted backline is a major obstacle for the newly promoted side.

Key Battle: Aspas vs Malaga's Depleted Defence

The outcome of this fixture could hinge on how Malaga's makeshift defence handles Celta's experienced attack. Aspas brings a wealth of La Liga knowledge and will be tasked with penetrating a vulnerable Malaga backline missing key personnel. Celta goalkeeper Ionut Radu, meanwhile, will look to maintain his focus against a Malaga attack that relies almost entirely on the youthful energy of Chupe to find the back of the net.

Securing maximum points in this fixture could act as a springboard for either side to pull clear of the early relegation scrap. For the loser, however, the pressure will only intensify as the campaign continues.