Key Takeaways:
- Last night, Celta Vigo recorded a 1-0 home victory against PAOK, ensuring a 3-1 aggregate progression to the UEFA Europa League round of 16
- Williot Swedberg scored the decisive goal, sealing a sixth straight Celta win over Greek clubs in major European competition
- Celta Vigo extended their impressive record to 10 wins in their last 11 UEFA knockout ties after winning the first leg
Match Analysis
Celta Vigo secured their place in the UEFA Europa League round of 16 after a composed 1-0 triumph over PAOK, rounding off a 3-1 aggregate success. This latest victory also underscored their dominance against Greek opposition, marking a sixth consecutive win over clubs from Greece in major European competitions.
Entering the encounter at Balaídos with a 2-1 advantage gained in Thessaloniki, Celta were aware of PAOK’s unenviable record on Spanish soil – the visitors had never registered an away European win in Spain from eight prior attempts, with two draws and six defeats.
🏁 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 with VICTORY!
🩵 QUALIFIED for the next Round of the @europaleague!
We thrilled TOGETHER with the magic of the great European nights ❤️🔥#CeltaPAOK ⋄ #EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/Jqfl9VeSUL
— Celta English (@CeltaEnglish) February 26, 2026
Tactical First Half Offers Few Chances
The opening 45 minutes unfolded at a measured pace, with neither side intent on taking early risks. The initial real chance materialised just before the half-hour, when an intricate sequence of passes culminated in Iago Aspas finding Matias Vecino at the edge of the area. However, Vecino’s effort narrowly missed the target.
Celta began to take greater control of possession as the interval approached, yet the well-organised Aspromavri defence withstood the pressure. Both sides went into half-time having failed to produce a shot on target.
Swedberg Strikes as Celta Tighten Their Grip
After the break, Celta accelerated the tempo and nearly broke the deadlock within four minutes of the restart. Javi Rueda surged down the right after receiving a long ball and delivered a precise pass to Borja Iglesias, whose curling attempt was expertly saved by Antonis Tsiftsis.
PAOK struggled to assert themselves and posed little danger to the hosts. Celta capitalised just after the hour mark, executing an effective high press deep in PAOK’s half to force a turnover. Iglesias then provided a deft touch to release Williot Swedberg, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner.
Celta’s Defensive Solidity Seals Safe Passage
With their deficit now two goals on aggregate, PAOK were compelled to attack, but with fifteen minutes left, they still had not managed a single shot in the second half. Celta maintained control to close out the tie with little resistance, easing into the last 16.
PAOK manager Razvan Lucescu will have been frustrated by his team’s inability to threaten a disciplined Celta side. The Galicians, meanwhile, continue their formidable streak in two-legged European ties, having now won 10 of their last 11 UEFA knockout contests after claiming first-leg wins. Celta will next meet the victors of the tie between Lyon and Aston Villa.
| Aggregate Score | First Leg | Second Leg | Goal scorer (2nd Leg) | Next Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-1 (Celta Vigo) | 2-1 (Celta Vigo) | 1-0 (Celta Vigo) | Williot Swedberg | Lyon or Aston Villa |
