Celta de Vigo begins Europa League campaign away at Omonia Nicosia

Celta de Vigo will begin their second consecutive UEFA Europa League campaign with an away match against Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia on September 16, 2026, at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia. The fixture marks Matchday 1 of the Europa League league phase, with kick-off scheduled for 18:45 CET (or 12:45 according to one source; sources differ on exact time).

Celta arrive in urgent need of a positive result after failing to win any of their opening six La Liga matches, collecting just four points and sitting 15th in the Spanish league standings. Manager Claudio Giráldez expressed enthusiasm about competing in European football for a second consecutive season, emphasizing the need for focus and concentration. The squad will feature rotations due to the absence of injury-plagued forward Iago Aspas and goalkeeper uncertainties, with goalkeeper Altay Bayindir potentially making his debut. Giráldez acknowledged the short recovery time since the previous weekend but expressed confidence in the team's preparation and mental resilience.

Omonia, managed by Norwegian coach Henning Berg, qualified for the Europa League main draw after winning the Cypriot First Division last season and progressing through two qualifying rounds, including a 4–2 aggregate victory over Belgian club Sint-Truiden. The Cypriot side arrive with an unbeaten domestic record (five points from three First Division matches) and a perfect home record in European competitions this season, having won all three European home games. Omonia's attacking threat centers on strikers Loïs Diony and Muamer Tankovic, with the team known for physical strength and set-piece prowess.

Recent form shows contrasting trajectories: Celta have drawn three consecutive La Liga matches and lost two of their previous five competitive outings, scoring only three goals across five games. Omonia have won just one of their last four competitive matches but have been defensively solid, conceding only twice and recording clean sheets in three of those four games. Hungarian referee Balázs Berke will oversee the match.

Bookmakers favor a Celta away victory, citing their La Liga experience and tactical discipline against Omonia's emerging European credentials. Both teams are seeking early momentum in the competition, with Celta hoping to end their domestic winless streak and Omonia aiming to build on their strong home form.