This piece covers every moment that unfolds at Balaídos.
Celta Vigo and Osasuna begin their campaigns in La Liga this Sunday at Balaídos, each focused on setting a strong tone for the season. The clash brings two ambitious teams together in a stadium charged with anticipation as they aim to start with a victory in the top flight.
Live coverage of Celta Vigo vs Osasuna from La Liga 2023-24
This article walks readers through everything that happens between the Rafa Benítez led Celta and the Jagoba Arrasate guided Osasuna, including video clips, lineups, goals, photos and statistics.
The live overview of Celta vs Osasuna in La Liga 2023-2024: lineups, video, goals and statistics
36′ Caten a is on target with a header from Rubén García’s corner. He faced the goal with his back slightly turned yet came very close to finding the net near the post.
35′ On a quick Osasuna counter, Aidoo cleared a corner from a cross aimed at Budimir. Cervi argued for a penalty in the previous sequence, but the official call remained no penalty as the attack continued cleanly.
30′ Villar parried a dangerous cross from Rubén García that drifted in from the left, a volley-like cross that left little room for error and offered a tight angle for a shot.
24′ GOAL FOR OSASUNA! Rubén Peña delivered from the right with pace, Budimir met it with a superb header and Iván Villar produced a brilliant save that hit the woodwork. The rebound bounced to Rubén García, who headed in to open the scoring at Balaídos. The Croatian forward is known for his aerial prowess and it showed here.
12′ Celta’s first attempt comes from Aspas, with Caten a making an overlapping run into the box and turning it into a corner.
10′ Villar punched away a sideways cross from Osasuna as the ball stayed in play. The Navarre team pressed forward, but Budimir could not quite reach the ball to extend the attack.
4′ Osasuna tests the defense with a strike that struck Budimir’s post after a superb touch from Moncayola, signaling the visitors’ intent early on.
1′ The match kicks off with Celta Vigo controlling the ball at the center of the pitch, while Balaídos erupts in a chorus of the centenary anthem. Celta sports its traditional kit, Osasuna dons a bold red kit for the occasion.
Referee González Fuertes oversees the action, with Melero López and Iago Aspas among the key figures in the VAR setup. Aspas has gone without a goal or direct assist in his last eleven La Liga appearances, marking a notable drought for the Galician forward in this competition.
The opening La Liga day marks a fresh chapter for both teams. Celta Vigo has previously faced Osasuna on opening day three times in league history, winning the only two meetings at their home ground with results of 0–2 in September 2000 and 0–3 in August 2001. Osasuna, on the other hand, is coming off one of its strongest campaigns, securing second place in the cup and earning European qualification for the Conference League as confirmed by the disqualification ruling. Players such as Caten a, Arnáiz, Raúl García de Haro and Mojica join the squad as part of an ambitious rebuilding process for the Navarre club.
On the Celta side, the club has reshaped its bench and added fresh names such as Jonathan Bamba, Manu Sánchez and Carles Pérez. There is also the looming possibility of Veiga leaving this summer, a factor that could impact the squad’s dynamics as they aim to survive a challenging centenary season more smoothly than the previous edition, when survival came down to the final day.
Rafa Benítez takes charge of Celta Vigo for the first time in La Liga after a varied coaching career spanning the Premier League and other leagues. The veteran manager returns to domestic football with a clear plan to restore consistency and competitiveness to the side.
For Osasuna, Arrasate fields a starting XI featuring Herrera, Mojica, Catena, David García, Rubén Peña, Aimar Oroz, Lucas Torró, Moncayola, Moi Gómez, Rubén García and Budimir in a 4-3-3 formation. Mojica and Catena are making defensive debuts with the new signings, signaling a balanced and competitive setup for the season opener.
Lineups preview: Benítez’s Celta line-up includes Iván Villar in goal; Cervi, Unai Núñez, Aidoo, Mingueza in defense; Bamba, Fran Beltrán, Sotelo, Carles Pérez in midfield; Strand Larsen and Iago Aspas up front in a 4-4-2 formation. A notable absence from the starting eleven is Gabri Veiga, who watches from the bench as speculation swirls about a potential move to Napoli.
Welcome to La Liga Sunday as the season kicks into gear with a compelling clash between Celta Vigo and Osasuna, a game filled with fresh faces and significant questions for both clubs.
No external sources are linked here; the content reflects the reported events and lineups for the match.