What time is Valencia vs Celta Vigo kick-off?

Valencia vs Celta Vigo kicks off at 17:00 CEST (15:00 UTC) on Saturday 22 August 2026 at Mestalla, Valencia.

Iago Aspas is Celta Vigo's legendary captain and La Liga's most beloved veteran — a technically gifted forward from Moaña, Galicia, who has spent most of his career at his hometown club. A brief spell at Liverpool notwithstanding, Aspas has been the heartbeat of Celta Vigo for over a decade, consistently scoring and creating despite advancing years.

Is Mestalla a difficult away ground?

Yes — Mestalla is regarded as one of La Liga's most intimidating atmospheres, especially when Valencia are in form and the ground is full. The steep, close-to-the-pitch stands amplify the crowd noise, creating genuine pressure on away teams. Even elite clubs can struggle there.

Valencia vs Celta Vigo — Jornada 1 La Liga Preview, Predicted Lineups & Prediction

Mestalla hosts its first competitive match of the 2026/27 La Liga season on Saturday 22 August as Valencia welcome Celta Vigo in Jornada 1. Kick-off is 17:00 CEST. Both clubs enter the season with the ambition of pushing for a European place — Valencia's fabled old ground provides the backdrop for what should be an open, entertaining match between two sides that prefer to play attacking football.

Valencia: rebuilding at Mestalla

Valencia have navigated financial turbulence in recent years but retain a passionate fanbase and a historic stadium that remains one of La Liga's most intimidating. Their strength lies in team organisation and the ability to press high in home games, backed by the iconic noise of Mestalla. Hugo Duro has been a reliable striker, and their midfield can be energetic and combative. A fast start to the season is essential — early home wins settle the nerves and the crowd.

Celta Vigo: Aspas and the Galician flair

Celta Vigo are one of La Liga's most attractive sides when they are at their best. Iago Aspas — the Galician legend who seemingly has one foot on the pitch and one foot in retirement every summer but keeps performing — remains their talisman. Celta play fluid, inter-changing football with quick passing triangles. On their day they can beat anyone in La Liga; on a bad day the lack of defensive rigidity can hurt them. Away from Balaídos, they can be inconsistent, but their quality in attack always makes them dangerous.

Valencia Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-3-3

Valencia

4-3-3

Predicted XI · tap a player for their profile

Celta Vigo

4-2-3-1

Predicted XI · tap a player for their profile

Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.

Key match-up

Aspas vs Valencia's centre-backs is the main event. The veteran forward drops deep, combines cleverly and then arrives in the box late — tracking him requires discipline that not all back-fours possess. Valencia's wide players pressing Celta's full-backs will also be key — if Celta's build-up is disrupted, their attacking patterns break down.

Prediction & picks

Both teams to score (61%) — both sides are attack-minded and open.
Over 2.5 goals (56%) — Mestalla atmosphere and two attacking teams.
Aspas to score or assist (52%) — his quality never seems to fade.
Prediction: Valencia 1–2 Celta Vigo. Aspas inspires a narrow Celta win.