7M - La Liga Preview: Barcelona vs Celta Vigo - prediction, team news, lineups

Barcelona welcome Celta Vigo to Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, as the league leaders look to maintain their title charge against a struggling visitor. Sitting atop LaLiga with 79 points, Hansi Flick's side cannot afford complacency with the championship race still tightly contested.

Barcelona arrive in confident form, having secured two victories in their last three outings. After a 0-2 setback against Atletico Madrid, the Catalans responded with a commanding 4-1 win over Espanyol followed by a 2-1 away triumph against Atletico. At home, Barcelona have been imperious, claiming maximum points from their last six LaLiga fixtures at Spotify Camp Nou, scoring 20 goals while conceding just four. Their attacking prowess is evident, averaging 2.7 goals per game across recent matches, with 27 goals scored and only eight conceded in their last ten contests, including four clean sheets.

Celta Vigo face an uphill battle after enduring three consecutive defeats. Losses to Freiburg (3-0), Real Oviedo (0-3), and another 1-3 setback against Freiburg have left manager Giraldez searching for answers. On the road, Celta have managed two wins, three draws, and one loss in their last six away league matches, scoring nine and conceding nine. While their away record shows resilience, defensive fragility remains a concern.

Head-to-head history strongly favors the hosts. Barcelona have won their last two encounters against Celta, prevailing 4-3 and 4-2, and hold a 6-2-2 advantage in recent meetings. The Blaugrana have also excelled against top-half opposition this season, securing 11 wins and 33 points from 13 such fixtures.

Team news sees Barcelona without Ronald Araujo and Raphinha due to rotation or minor concerns. Celta Vigo face suspension issues, with Matias Vecino, Oscar Mingueza, and Ilaix Moriba unavailable after accumulating disciplinary points. Key threats include Barcelona's Lamine Yamal (15 league goals) and Ferran Torres (14), while Celta will rely on Borja Iglesias (11) and Ferran Jutgla (7) to trouble the hosts' defense.

With Barcelona's home dominance and Celta's recent struggles, the hosts are clear favorites. However, both teams have shown attacking intent in recent meetings, with over 2.5 goals landing in six of their last ten encounters.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Celta Vigo