The second European season in a row after all the crap – and what could be better than kicking off the competition at home against a traditional Spanish club?
The Europa League, or back then the UEFA Cup, was kind of VfB’s home in the 2000s, and to be honest, I’m a little glad we’re here and not in the Champions League. Clubs like Real Club Celta de Vigo, Fenerbahçe, Basel and others may not be the crème de la crème of international football, but they’re still big names that whet the appetite for more.
It’s also a competition where VfB doesn’t just take part with the Olympic spirit of “the important thing is to participate,” but instead steps confidently into the ring. According to Opta, we rank in the upper third, ahead of teams like Celtic or Braga. There’s no need to hide from anyone. So why not be optimistic? Why shouldn’t Leweling’s declaration become reality?
Maybe because VfB has only played one good game this season so far, and even looked weak in the cup against a second-division side. Because ever since that infamous PSG match, we’ve been chasing the sparkle of the 2024 calendar year. And because the squad overhaul in the summer left its mark. On the other hand, Chema and El Khannouss look like genuine reinforcements, and Bouanani seems promising too. Maybe the new team just needs time to gel. Plus, there’s the renaissance of Demirović, who’s been directly involved in our last three goals.
It’s going to be an exciting Europa League season – I’m really up for it. And we’ve still got a score to settle with Celta Vigo. In our last encounter, Os Celestes knocked us out of the cup with an offside goal. They went out one round later against FC Barcelona, but nevertheless, this should give us extra motivation for the match.
Squad situation
Undav is still out injured, otherwise all registered players are fit.
Possible starting XI
Never change a winning system – so Chema stays in for our captain.
Statistics
While VfB has been known for a strong attack in recent years, this season we’ve been pretty harmless up front. With five goals, we have the league’s fourth-weakest attack. Defensively, however, we’ve stabilized somewhat: with five goals conceded, we’re the fourth-strongest defense in the league. Celta de Vigo are on a similar level. In La Liga they also have just five goals, the fourth-weakest offense, while their seven goals conceded put them on par with Atlético Madrid. The Galicians are still winless this season. They’ve lost only one of their first six matches, but the other five all ended in draws.
Conclusion
Finally, European football is back at the Neckarstadion! With Celta de Vigo, we’re facing an opponent that is beatable but still dangerous thanks to their strong defense. I expect a heated game – hopefully with the better outcome for our VfB.
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