LaLiga has officially postponed the opening-weekend fixture between RC Celta and CA Osasuna at Abanca Balaídos due to an aggressive turf fungus affecting the pitch. According to official league and club announcements, the match originally scheduled for Sunday has been moved to Thursday, August 27, at 20:30 local time.
Official Postponement and New Match Details
The fixture, corresponding to the opening matchday of the LaLiga EA Sports season, will now take place on Thursday, August 27, 2026, starting at 20:30 local time (UTC+2) at Abanca Balaídos in Vigo. LaLiga confirmed that the decision to reschedule was made in direct coordination with both clubs and the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF).
RC Celta stated through an official press release that the playing surface is currently not suitable for professional football. The club addressed ticket holders directly, confirming that all previously purchased tickets remain fully valid for the new date and time without requiring any additional administrative steps from supporters.
The Turf Disease and Weather Complications
The pitch deterioration stems from a fungal infection detected last week. At that time, inspectors certified that the stadium met all required quality and safety parameters for competitive play.
However, subsequent weather conditions and high temperatures in southern Galicia triggered an adverse reaction in the recovering turf, reversing its progress. Both LaLiga and club officials concluded that the updated pitch conditions no longer offered the necessary guarantees to host a top-flight league match safely.
Fan Communications and Support
RC Celta management expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to supporters who had planned their schedules around the original Sunday kickoff slot. The club thanked its fan base for their understanding in an exceptional situation and opened a dedicated communication channel via email at [email protected] alongside their official fan support portal to handle inquiries regarding ticket validity and seating arrangements.
Next Confirmed Checkpoint
RC Celta and CA Osasuna will meet on August 27, 2026, at 20:30 local time at Abanca Balaídos, pending final pitch evaluations ahead of the rescheduled fixture.
