Celta de Vigo faces PAOK in the Europa League playoffs
The RC Celta de Vigo is preparing for a crucial tie in the playoffs of the Europa League. The draw held in Nyon determined that their opponent will be the Greek team PAOK Thessaloniki. This matchup will decide who advances to the round of 16 in the continental tournament. ⚽
Schedule and context of the tie
The group stage left the Galician side in sixteenth position after drawing with Red Star, while PAOK finished seventeenth. Both teams already faced each other in that group stage, with a clear 3-1 victory for Celta. The first leg will be played in Greece on February 19. The second leg is scheduled for the Celestes' home ground, Balaídos, one week later, on February 26.
Key details of the tie:- Opponent: PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece).
- Prize: A spot in the Europa League round of 16.
- Next opponent in round of 16: The winner of the tie between Olympique de Lyon and Aston Villa.
Overcoming PAOK means extending Celta's European dream and reaching the next stage of the competition.
The path to the next round
The winner of this tie will advance directly to the round of 16. In that stage, they will face the winner of the matchup between Olympique de Lyon and Aston Villa. It should be noted that Real Betis avoided this playoff round and is already qualified for the round of 16. For the Vigo team, beating PAOK means keeping their European adventure alive.
Factors to consider:- Favorable precedent: The group stage victory (3-1) could provide a psychological advantage.
- Different format: A two-legged tie changes the dynamics compared to a single match.
- Directly qualified: Real Betis is already waiting in the round of 16, showing the level of the competition.
A challenge that requires concentration
In Vigo, they are already thinking about the round of 16, but the trip to Greece requires maximum attention. A trip to Thessaloniki in February is never an easy match. The draw, at least, did not send the team to a destination with extreme weather conditions, which can be considered a small logistical relief. The objective is clear: confirm the good performance shown previously and advance to the next round. 🏆