Celta Vigo has secured its place in the Europa League round of 16 for the first time since 2017, with a significant victory over PAOK at their home ground, Balaídos. The team, now under the management of Claudio Giráldez, achieved this milestone just 23 months after he took on the challenging role of coaching a struggling squad. The decisive match saw Swedberg score the crucial goal, ensuring their advancement after a favorable scoreline from the first leg in Thessaloniki.

The victory against PAOK came after a period of underperformance for Celta, who had been on the brink of relegation prior to Giráldez's arrival. His leadership and strategic resting of players during the match against PAOK highlighted a new level of tactical sophistication within the team. Celta's use of five homegrown players as starters further emphasizes the club's commitment to developing talent from its youth academy, a strategy that has begun to pay dividends on the European stage.

Looking ahead, Celta Vigo will face either Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, or Olympique de Lyon in the next round. This opportunity marks a significant moment for the club, allowing them to compete against established European teams once again. The implications of this advancement could pave the way for renewed investment in the squad and boost the club's profile internationally, while simultaneously fostering local support and enthusiasm among their dedicated fanbase.