Durango vs Santurtzi - Tercera División RFEF - Group 4

The Tercera División RFEF - Group 4 returns to Estadio Tabira on May 9, 2026, where Durango and Santurtzi will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

Both camps will view the Tercera División RFEF - Group 4 meeting at Estadio Tabira as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. It has been a torrid run for the hosts, DL in their last five and a season win rate of just 0% that has the alarm bells ringing. Santurtzi have struggled to string results together away from home, L over their last five with a win rate of 33.33%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Durango average 1.33 per game to Santurtzi's 0.67, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. In terms of net spend, Liverpool topped the table with £219.4m, followed by Ipswich (£190.7m), Spurs (£176m) and Hull (£160.5m).

Pressing intensity will define the contest. Durango will seek to win the ball high up the pitch and suffocate Santurtzi's build-up, while the visitors will aim to play through the pressure and exploit the spaces it leaves behind. Everton are aware of interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, but there has been no formal approach or contact with them, and they have no appetite to sell the 26-year-old, who has three years on his deal.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. That was more than any midfielder or attacker in the Barcelona squad.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford's mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives.