English Premier League
Celta Vigo v Osasuna opener in doubt after fungal infection damages Balaidos pitch
Reports in Spain say Celta Vigo’s opening La Liga fixture against Osasuna on Sunday is in doubt because of a fungal infection affecting the playing surface at Balaidos.
The match is scheduled to begin the 2026-27 season for both clubs, but Celta Vigo have told Osasuna and La Liga that the condition of the pitch is not suitable for the game to go ahead as planned.
According to the Spanish news agency and Spanish newspaper AS, the fixture could be postponed or cancelled unless the situation is resolved. No final decision has been made, however, and discussions between the two clubs’ boards are continuing.
Celta Vigo have formally requested that the match be delayed after raising concerns about the effects of the fungal infection on the surface. The club’s position is that the pitch is currently not in an acceptable condition for a top-flight fixture.
Osasuna, by contrast, are insisting that the match should be played. That difference of opinion means the two clubs remain in talks while the condition of Balaidos is assessed.
The fixture is due to be the first competitive match of the new La Liga campaign for both sides. Any change to the schedule would therefore affect the opening weekend of the season and require a revised date to be agreed.
Celta Vigo had the option of seeking a different date, particularly because their squad includes Borja Iglesias, a World Cup winner with Spain. However, the club’s board has ruled out that route in an effort to avoid creating a crowded run of fixtures in the weeks ahead.
That concern has been heightened by a previous alteration to Celta Vigo’s schedule. Their sixth-round meeting with Real Sociedad has already been brought forward to 3 September. Real Sociedad are representing La Liga in the Europa League, which has contributed to the adjustment.
Celta Vigo are therefore reluctant to add another rearranged match to their calendar so early in the campaign. At the same time, the club’s concerns over the playing surface have placed the meeting with Osasuna under scrutiny just days before it is due to take place.
For now, the match remains on the schedule for Sunday at Balaidos, but its status will depend on the outcome of the continuing discussions between Celta Vigo, Osasuna and La Liga.
