La Liga | Matchday 17 | Saturday, December 20, 2025
Real Oviedo host Celta Vigo at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere on Saturday afternoon in turmoil, having sacked manager Luis Carrión following a 4-0 demolition by Sevilla. The promoted side sit 19th on 10 points and winless in nine matches, while Celta occupy eighth with 22 points after stunning victories over Real Madrid and Athletic Club.
Table Context
Oviedo’s minus-19 goal difference (7 scored, 26 conceded) represents La Liga’s worst attack and second-worst defense. They have managed just seven goals in 16 matches. Celta’s plus-1 (20 scored, 19 conceded) reflects a more balanced outfit pushing for European qualification.
The managerial sacking on December 14th leaves Oviedo likely fielding an interim coach or a very new appointment, adding uncertainty to an already fragile situation.
Head-to-Head History
This Asturian versus Galician clash carries regional significance. Overall across the last 10 meetings, Celta lead 4-3-3 with three victories by two or more goals. At the Tartiere over the last six encounters, the record is evenly split: two Oviedo wins, two draws, two Celta victories.
Real Oviedo Form
Oviedo’s last six league matches overall produced W0-D2-L4, averaging just 0.33 goals scored and 2.00 conceded per game. They remain winless in nine consecutive fixtures, a run that cost Carrión his job.
Their last three home matches show W0-D2-L1 with 0.67 goals scored and 1.33 conceded per game. More alarmingly, Oviedo have failed to score in six of their eight home matches this season. The Tartiere faithful are restless.
Celta Vigo Form
Celta arrive as genuine giant killers. Their last six overall reads W3-D1-L2, averaging 1.50 goals scored and 1.17 conceded per game. A 2-0 victory at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid marked the season’s highlight.
Away form has been excellent. Their last three on the road produced W2-D0-L1 with 1.67 goals scored and 1.00 conceded per game. Celta have found the net in 85% of their away matches and have won the first half in their last three road trips.
Tactical Outlook
The statistical mismatch is severe. Oviedo average 43% possession and generate just 8.5 shots per game, the lowest in La Liga. Celta control at 52% and produce 12.8 shots per game under Claudio Giráldez’s transitional system.
Timing patterns spell danger for Oviedo. They have conceded 70% of their goals in second halves, suggesting fitness and concentration issues. Celta’s impact substitutes Williot Swedberg and Tasos Douvikas consistently deliver late goals. Swedberg scored the decisive strike at the Bernabéu.
Discipline remains another concern. Oviedo have conceded six penalties this season, the most in the division.
Team News
Oviedo lose Santi Cazorla to suspension following a red card, removing their creative heartbeat at the worst possible moment. Álvaro Lemos (ACL) remains sidelined. Federico Viñas returns from suspension, offering a crucial boost for a side desperately lacking firepower.
Celta are without Joseph Aidoo (hamstring) and Pablo Durán (shoulder). Borja Iglesias (muscle) and Jailson face late fitness tests. The defense is slightly weakened without Aidoo, though Carl Starfelt and Marcos Alonso have stepped up.
Oviedo will likely deploy a defensive 4-2-3-1 or 5-4-1 under interim management. Celta are expected to line up in Giráldez’s preferred 3-4-3 with Iago Aspas floating freely.
Numbers to Watch
- 9: Oviedo’s winless streak in all competitions
- 6 of 8: Oviedo home matches without scoring this season
- 85%: Celta away matches with at least one goal scored
Where to Watch
Kickoff: 2:00 PM CET / 1:00 PM UTC
Spain: DAZN, Movistar+ | International: ESPN+ (US), Premier Sports (UK)
