The Round 8 match of the group stage of the 2025/26 Europa League between Crvena Zvezda (Serbia) and Celta Vigo (Spain) will take place on 29 January at Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade. Crvena Zvezda vs Celta Vigo: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Crvena Zvezda
Crvena Zvezda have taken only 1 point from their first 3 Europa League matches, but then managed to turn things around thanks to a solid run of 4 wins. Notably, in all 4 matches the hosts won by the same scoreline of 1:0. Last week the Serbian side beat Malmö; as a result of that game the club secured a place in the playoffs and rose to 11th in the table. The hosts are aiming for direct qualification to the last 16, but given the fierce competition they must beat Celta Vigo to reach the top eight. It is worth noting that since the start of the group stage the home side have conceded a total of 5 goals – only four clubs have a better record in this regard.
- At least one team failed to score in the home side's previous 5 Europa League matches.
- The home side's uncompromising run in this tournament stretches to 6 matches (4 wins, 2 losses).
- No more than 2 goals were scored in 5 of the club's Europa League matches.
Potential Crvena Zvezda Lineup (4-4-2)*
Mateus – Sol En U, Milos Veljkovic, Nair Tiknizyan, Rodrigán – Rade Krunic, Vladimir Lucic, Vasilije Kostov, Timi Elsnik – Marko Arnautovic, Aleksandar Katai.
Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo secured a valuable 2:1 win over Lille in the last round despite playing an hour with ten men. That ended a short run of two consecutive Europa League defeats. The visitors have guaranteed a place in the playoffs, but they still need 2 more points to reach eighth place. To qualify directly for the last 16, the visitors need the maximum possible result – in Serbia it is important not only to take 3 points but also to improve the goal difference. It is worth noting that the away side have scored in every match of this Europa League season and have a total of 14 goals – only PAOK (15) and Midtjylland (16) have more.
- All 7 of the away side's matches in the current Europa League campaign were over 2.5 goals.
- The club's uncompromising run in this competition has reached 7 matches (4 wins, 3 losses).
- Both teams scored in 7 of Celta Vigo's last 8 Europa League games.
Potential Celta Vigo Lineup (3-4-3)*
Andrei Radu – Carl Starfelt, Marcos Alonso, Javi Rodríguez – Javier Rueda, Miguel Román, Ugo Sotelo, Sergio Carreira – Veliot Svedberg, Iago Aspas, Borja Iglesias.
The suspension of midfielder Ilaix Moriba has ended, but midfielders Veliot Svedberg and Ugo Sotelo are now serving suspensions.
Referee
Andrea Colombo (Italy)
Matches – 5 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow/Red Cards Shown (including second yellows) – 22;
Average Cards Per Match – 4.4;
Red Cards Shown – 2;
Fouls Per Match (average) – 23;
Penalty Rate – 40%.
Crvena Zvezda vs Celta Vigo: Match Prediction
After an uninspiring start to the Europa League Crvena Zvezda did not despair and rescued the situation with 4 consecutive wins. Moreover, regardless of the opponent's strength the club won without conceding, although scoring just one goal in each game. Now the home side again need 3 points to break into the top eight and secure direct qualification to the last 16. Importantly, at such a crucial moment the hosts have the advantage of playing at home. Crvena Zvezda are unbeaten in 5 home Europa League matches, and 4 of those 5 games were wins.
Celta Vigo are also fighting for a top-eight place and are set on victory. In the last round the visitors beat Lille at home, but now they travel to Serbia, and away matches have traditionally been more difficult for the club than home fixtures. The visitors have won only one of their last five Europa League away games. In the three recent away matches of the current campaign Celta Vigo have taken only 3 points from a possible 9.
Prediction: Crvena Zvezda Draw No Bet
* The starting lineup listed for each team is the one used in their last match in this tournament.
