Thu Oct 02 18:20:00 UTC 2025: **Celta Vigo Returns to European Home Stage After Seven-Year Hiatus, Faces PAOK in Europa League Clash**

**Vigo, Spain** – Celta Vigo is set to play their first European home match in seven years this Thursday as they host Greek side PAOK at the Balaídos stadium in a Europa League group stage clash. The Galician club’s return to continental competition follows a seventh-place finish in La Liga last season, marking their first European appearance since a memorable run to the Europa League semi-finals in 2016-17.

However, Celta’s return has been overshadowed by their poor domestic form, currently sitting 17th in La Liga, just outside the relegation zone. They are winless in eight competitive games so far this season, despite striker Borja Iglesias scoring in five consecutive matches, including a late consolation goal in their opening 2-1 Europa League defeat to Stuttgart. Iglesias also scored in Sunday’s La Liga away clash against Elche, but once again, his goal proved to be in vain as Celta fell to another 2-1 loss.

Manager Claudio Giraldez hopes the upcoming run of four consecutive home games, starting with PAOK, will revitalize the team. Historically, Celta has a solid record against Greek opposition in Europe, winning three and drawing one of their previous four encounters.

PAOK, meanwhile, are making their second consecutive appearance in the Europa League group stage after dropping down from Champions League qualifying. They come to Spain following a 0-0 draw against Maccabi Tel Aviv in their first group stage match and a disappointing 3-3 draw against Asteras Tripolis in the Greek Super League. PAOK has struggled for form, with no win in their last four games. Historically, PAOK faces an uphill battle, having never won a major European match against a Spanish team.

Celta Vigo will be without Sergio Carreira, Mihailo Ristic, and Carl Starfelt due to injury. Giraldez is expected to make changes to the starting lineup, with Javier Rodriguez, Fran Beltran and Iago Aspas all pushing for recalls. PAOK will likely be without Dimitrios Pelkas, and Giannis Michailidis, Abdul Rahman Baba, Magomed Ozdoev and Andrija Zivkovic are all pushing for recalls after dropping down the bench at the weekend.

Celta Vigo fans will be hoping that home advantage and historical precedent will give their team the edge, with Celta desperate to turn their season around on the European stage.

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