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Opposition lowdown: Celta de Vigo
The Galician side visit the RCDE Stadium on the dawn of the international break
RCD Espanyol welcome Celta de Vigo to the RCDE Stadium on Saturday.
In the final match before the international break, Espanyol face a crucial match against a side close in the table, looking to make up ground of their own for recent defeats. Celta have kept three consecutive clean sheets as they push on for the top half, which the Mágico are desperate to break into themselves.
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Name: RC Celta de Vigo
Nickname: Los Celestes (The Sky Blues)
Manager: Carlos Carvalhal
Stadium: Estadio de Balaídos – 29,000 capacity
Last match: W 3-0 vs Rayo Vallecano
Current position: 11th
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The season so far
Having spent most of the season dangerously close to the relegation zone, a string of decent results sees Celta in 11th and at the summit of the tight bottom half. That being said, they have been inconsistent at times despite showing their potential throughout the campaign.
Standout player
Celta have own of the breakout stars of the season in Gabri Veiga, the 20-year-old academy product who is bursting onto the scene. An intelligent player who makes it happen in the final third, Veiga has eight goals and three assists in LaLiga, only bettered in the squad by veteran striker Iago Aspas.
Last time at the RCDE Stadium
This will be Celta’s second trip to the RCDE Stadium in 2023, having come to the Temple in the Copa del Rey round of 32. After ending all square after 90 minutes, Espanyol showed their strength and prevailed 3-1 after extra time thanks to goals from Sergi Darder and Nico Melamed.
Club links
Espanyol fan favourite Quique De Lucas had a spell at Celta later in his career, making over 100 appearances from 2010 to 2013. However, he was made in the blanquiazul academy where he eventually graduated to the first team, remaining a true perico after representing Espanyol for many years.