Celta Vigo and Osasuna opener in danger as Balaidos pitch suffers fungal infection

The La Liga match between Celta Vigo and Osasuna on Sunday is in doubt after a fungal infection left the pitch at Balaidos in poor condition, according to reports in Spain.

The fixture is scheduled to be the opening game of the 2026-27 season for both clubs, but its status has become uncertain after Celta Vigo informed Osasuna and LaLiga that the surface was not in an acceptable state.

Spanish news agency reports and AS say the condition of the pitch could lead to the match being postponed or cancelled. Celta Vigo have asked for the game to be rearranged, although no decision has yet been made.

Osasuna are insisting that the match should go ahead as planned, while the boards of both clubs continue to discuss the situation.

The fungal problem has created an early scheduling issue for La Liga, with the clubs needing to reach an agreement before the league decides how to proceed. At present, Sunday’s meeting remains on the calendar, but the condition of Balaidos means the opening fixture cannot be taken for granted.

A postponement would also have affected Celta Vigo’s planning because Borja Iglesias, a World Cup winner with Spain, is part of their squad. However, the club’s management decided against pursuing that option in an effort to avoid a heavy accumulation of matches in the weeks ahead.

Celta Vigo’s fixture in the sixth round of La Liga has already been brought forward. They are due to face Real Sociedad on 3 September, with Real Sociedad representing La Liga in the Europa League.

That change has reduced the club’s flexibility and was a key reason behind Celta Vigo’s decision not to seek a new date for the Osasuna match. A further rearrangement could have created an even more congested schedule early in the campaign.

For now, the two clubs remain in negotiations over whether the pitch can be made suitable in time or whether the fixture must be moved. The final decision has not been announced, and Osasuna continue to maintain that they are prepared to play at Balaidos on Sunday.