Celta Vigo go to Glasgow to face Celtic on matchday three of the Europa League league phase, while Real Sociedad play Lillestrom in Norway at 21.00 hours on the same night. The scale of the problem is plain enough, with Celta on 0 points from two matches and Real Sociedad on 1 point from two.
Celta's rescue mission in Glasgow
Celta sit 28th in the league phase, which is already a poor place to be this early. They have not picked up a point yet, and another defeat would leave them scrambling to recover ground in the league phase. The away trip is awkward enough on its own, and the fact they have 0 points after two matches means there is no cushion in this one.
Real Sociedad's case in Norway
Real Sociedad are in a slightly better position, but only slightly. They are 22nd with 1 point, so the gap to the safer end of the table is still too big for comfort. Their domestic form is steadier, though, after a 2-5 win at Málaga and a four-match unbeaten run. Mikel Oyarzabal has also arrived in better attacking touch, scoring twice against Málaga, and that gives them a more credible route to turning one point into three.
The criticism about top-eight hopes is real, but the table does not need a grand debate to show the pressure. Both clubs need a response on the night, and the way they leave Glasgow and Norway will say a lot about how much room they still have left in the Europa League league phase.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
