Valencia vs Celta Vigo

Valencia welcome Celta Vigo to the Estadio de Mestalla on Saturday 22 August for a La Liga Matchday 2 encounter that doubles as the season curtain-raiser for both clubs. Neither side featured in the opening round, so the 6.30pm UK kick-off in Valencia marks their first competitive action of 2026/27.

Team News and Injury Latest

Carlos Corberán’s preparations have been shaped by a crowded treatment room. José Copete is out until October, while Diego López and Sergi Canós will not play again this year after cruciate ligament ruptures. Luis Rioja, who picked up a right quadriceps injury against Stoke City in pre-season, has no fixed return date and is not expected to feature. Alberto Marí is being moved on, and both Foulquier and Rioja are absent.

To cope, Corberán is leaning towards a 5-3-2 system that was trialled at the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna. Jesús Vázquez is pencilled in at right wing-back, with Dimitrievski in goal behind a back three of Tárrega, De Haas, and Pepelu. Gayà operates on the left, while Guido Rodríguez, Ugrinic and Javi Guerra supply midfield energy behind Hugo Duro and Sato.

Celta de Vigo arrive with minor doubts of their own. Javi Galán and Pablo Durán were still in partial training as of 13 August, so late fitness tests will determine their availability. Otherwise, Claudio Giráldez can choose between Ferran Jutglà—who scored the equaliser in a 1‑1 draw with Napoli—and the physical presence of Borja Iglesias, who returned from international duty in early August. Iago Aspas, entering his final active season before moving into a club role, remains the creative heartbeat.