Celta de Vigo is preparing for a Copa del Rey duel against Salamanca UDS, a team from the Second Federation, at the Helmántico Stadium next Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. The visit will relive a memorable match from two years ago, when Claudio Giráldez's team beat Salamanca 0-7 in the same room, a result that has marked the relationship between both clubs.
Salamanca, led by Iker Muniain, reaches the first round of the Cup after a campaign in the Federation Cup in which they beat Caudal Deportivo, CD Derio and UD Santa Marta before losing in the semifinals against Sestao River. In the Second Federation they occupy seventh position with thirteen points, and their last league outing ended with a 2‑1 defeat against Talavera, where a penalty against and a disallowed goal defined the score. The team continues to have the advantage of not having lost in its four home games at Helmántico, which fuels its expectations of a memorable cup night.
Celta, for its part, will have a rotated squad. Coach Claudio Giráldez has decided to give opportunities to his new summer additions, including Altay Bayindir, Faye and Couhaib Driouech, who could start the game. The entry of Antañón, Burcio, Ángel Arcos and Pablo Durán are also contemplated. The team will not have regular starters such as Marcos Alonso, Javi Rueda, Febas or Ferran Jutglà, but it will have the presence of the legendary Iago Aspas, who returns to Helmántico where he debuted in 2008 and who, at 37 years old, faces his last season with the intention of winning a title with the club that made him its all-time top scorer.
The designated referee is Alejandro Quintero of the Andalusian Committee. The proven lineup for Salamanca includes Unai Ayala in goal, Sergio Rivas, Levrand, Javier Murúa, Íñigo Eguaras, Cristeto, Adur Alsua, William, Óscar León, Aimar Vicandi and Txoperena. For Celta, the probable formation is Altay in goal, with Cáceres, Yoel Lago and Faye in defense, Carreira, Antañón and Burcio in midfield, and Ángel Arcos, Hugo González, Couhaib Driouech and Pablo Durán in attack.
With the history of the last win and the commitment of both teams for a favorable result, the match promises to be a clash of contrasts. Salamanca is looking for a surprise and the possibility of advancing to the next phase, while Celta is trying to consolidate its position in the Copa del Rey and continue the career of Aspas, who continues to pursue the dream of lifting a trophy with his club. The final result will determine whether the historic match of the past will be repeated or if Salamanca will achieve a memorable comeback.