7M - Match Preview: Celta Vigo vs PAOK – Europa League knockout playoff second leg

Celta Vigo welcome PAOK to Balaidos for the decisive second leg of their Europa League playoff on Thursday February 26, 2026 at 8.00pm local time. The Spanish side hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Greece, giving them a cushion to progress.

Celta Vigo come into the match in decent form, having won two and drawn two of their last five across all competitions. Their most recent league outing was a 2-0 victory over Mallorca, continuing their solid run. Claudio Giraldez's team collected 13 points in eight Europa League group games (4 wins, 1 draw, 3 defeats) and have been strong at Balaidos, winning three of four European home fixtures.

PAOK arrive needing a comeback after a 2-1 defeat at home in the first leg. The White-Blacks have been inconsistent recently, with one win from their last five games in all competitions, a 1-1 draw with AE Larissa their latest result. In Europe, PAOK have won one of four away games this season, drawing one and losing two. Razvan Lucescu faces a tactical challenge as his side seek goals but must tighten at the back.

Team News

Celta Vigo could be without Alvaro Nunez due to a groin issue, and Carl Starfelt is sidelined with a calf problem. Franco Cervi remains out with a muscle injury, Hugo Sotelo is unavailable with an ankle problem, and Pablo Duran misses out with a knee injury. In goal, Ivan Radu is expected to start, with a back four of Carreira, Aidoo, Alonso, and Rodriguez. Midfield likely to be Mingueza, Moriba, and Ilaix Moriba, with Aspas, Iglesias, and Swedberg leading the line.

PAOK will again be without Andrija Zivkovic due to suspension. Dejan Lovren is out with a knee injury (MCL), Dimitrios Pelkas unavailable due to a knock, goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka sidelined with a chest injury, and Kiril Despodov out with a muscle problem. In defence, Tsiftsis is likely to start, with Kedziora and Michailidis at centre-back. Giorgos Giakoumakis could lead the line with support from a midfield and attack including Zafeiris and Chatsidis.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Celta Vigo: Radu; Carreira, Aidoo, Alonso, Rodriguez; Mingueza, Roman Gonzalez, Moriba; Aspas, Iglesias, Swedberg

PAOK: Tsiftsis; Taylor, Kedziora, Michailidis, Kenny; Ozdoyev, Camara; Taison, Zafeiris, Chatsidis; Giakoumakis

Prediciton: Celta Vigo 2-0 PAOK

With their first-leg advantage and strong home form, Celta Vigo are well positioned to seal progression. PAOK's away struggles and need for goals could prove costly.