Celta de Vigo vs OGC Nice (Europa league): odds and picks 23.10.2025

I have a fairly specific take on this match: Celta Vigo are approaching the game with a sense of urgency to get positive results that will round off their good start to the European campaign, while Nice are in better form in Ligue 1 and will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in their opponents.

Here is everything you need to know about both teams, how they are doing, the key factors and my personal prediction.

Background and context

• Celta have yet to win in their first few league games of the 2025-26 season, accumulating seven draws in nine matches with a score of 1-1, which represents a historically poor start for the club.
• On their return to the Europa League group stage, Celta secured a significant 3-1 victory against PAOK Thessaloniki at Balaídos.
• For its part, Nice has shown some offensive dynamism recently, for example winning 3-2 against Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1.
• As for the head-to-head record between the two clubs, there is very little data available: there are hardly any references to a previous match between them.
• The match will be played at Celta’s stadium, which implies a home advantage, although this does not guarantee clear superiority given the Galician team’s recent poor results.

Celta Vigo analysis

Celta has had a very difficult start to the league season: although they draw a lot, they have failed to win, which is creating pressure and some internal questioning.

Their recent big win in Europe against PAOK gives them some breathing space, but their defensive inconsistency and lack of offensive effectiveness are evident. Prior to PAOK, they were dominated by Stuttgart in Germany (2-1).

In addition, there are certain unknowns regarding the squad and the need to correct mistakes so as not to drop more points at home.

Strengths

• Playing at home can help them impose their rhythm and crowd.
• The victory against PAOK shows that when confidence is high, it can make a difference.
• Key player: Iago Aspas continues to be an offensive reference point who can appear at decisive moments. Borja Iglesias is also in good form.

Weaknesses

• They are yet to win in the league and have accumulated draws that can be mentally draining.
• Their defence has had its hiccups – for example, goalkeeper Andrei Radu has performed well individually, but the team continues to concede goals due to individual errors.
• The fact that they do not have much history against their opponents adds a degree of uncertainty.

OGC Nice analysis

Nice has a more dynamic offensive profile: in the league, it has achieved good results in terms of goals scored, although it has also had ups and downs in defence.

In Europe, their results are not overwhelming, but their ability to create chances is greater than Celta’s at certain moments. They have been defeated by Roma (1-2) and Fenerbahce (2-1).

Strengths

• Good recent offensive production (e.g. 3-2 win over Lyon at the weekend), indicating that they can “break” games. They have scored in their last nine games.
• They do not rely so much on pressure to perform, which allows them to approach away games like this one with a certain degree of freedom.
• Traditionally performs well away from home when not under pressure to dominate the game.

Weaknesses

• Defensive inconsistency: in some matches they concede too much.
• Has not been as solid in Europe as in the league, which could work against them against an opponent with a lot at stake at home.
• Visiting a stadium like Balaídos with a team that needs to react is always a challenge.

Key factors

• Home advantage vs away form: Celta will want their fans to see a home win, while Nice will try to impose themselves by maintaining their attacking style.
• Mental momentum: Celta have accumulated draws and need a victory to ease the tension; Nice are more relaxed, which could give them a psychological advantage.
• Offensive performance: if Celta manages to activate Aspas and combine well, they can create danger; Nice will have to take advantage of spaces and execute well.
• Celta’s defence: key to avoiding mistakes that Nice can capitalise on. If they concede early, the pressure could increase.
• Tempo control: Nice may cede the initiative and play on the counterattack, while Celta will have to make their intentions clear from the outset.

Prediction

Predicted score: 1-2 or 2-2 if Celta takes the lead and Nice then reacts.