Set against the medieval Gothic backdrop of Freiburg im Breisgau, on the edge of the Black Forest, a travelling contingent of 850 Celta fans will descend on Germany this Thursday. Under clear spring skies, they will watch their side resume their Europa League odyssey, with the quarter-finals calling following a sensational knockout triumph over Olympique Lyonnais.

This clash represents the seventh time the Vigo outfit have met German opposition in competitive action, though they travel seeking only their second ever win on German soil—the first coming against Stuttgart back in 2001. Manager Claudio Giraldez has been handed a major selection boost for the first leg, with both Matias Vecino and Iago Aspas passed fit. The Moana-born forward has shaken off an Achilles issue and is ready to cement his legendary status at Celta further.

For Aspas, this European resurgence feels like a just reward after years of carrying the club through turbulent waters. The Vigo captain has endured every high and low: from the depths of the Segunda Division to the dizzying heights of continental football, navigating lean years and desperate relegation dogfights to lead a thriving, homegrown project. With his long-term future still undecided, the veteran forward has a golden opportunity to climb the club’s all-time scoring charts on the grandest stage.

Aspas chasing Karpin and Mostovoi

A goal against Freiburg would see Iago Aspas draw level with Valeri Karpin as Celta's joint-third highest scorer in European competition, spanning the Champions League and UEFA/Europa League. Currently sitting on eight goals, the skipper is just one shy of the iconic Russian playmaker who spearheaded a formidable Celta Vigo side between 1997 and 2002.

During this current campaign, 'The Prince of the Bateas' has already leapfrogged Catanha in the rankings. Aspas entered the competition with five goals—a mark unchanged since Celta's 2017 Europa League semi-final against Manchester United—but moved past 'The Seagull' with vital group-stage strikes against PAOK and Nice. He notched his eighth European goal in the play-off round against the Greeks, also turning provider for Swedberg in the first leg.

Only two names now sit significantly ahead of him: Benni McCarthy and the incomparable Aleksandr Mostovoi. The South African marksman registered 11 goals, while the Russian 'Tsar' leads the way with 12, including his memorable 2003 Champions League strike. While they set a high bar, Iago Aspas has spent a career proving he belongs in such exalted company.

Celta's all-time European goalscorers

1- Aleksandr Mostovoi (12)
2- Benni McCarthy (11)
3- Valeri Karpin (9)
4- Iago Aspas (8)
5- Catanha (6)
6- Lubo Penev (4)
7- Williot Swedberg (4)
8- John Guidetti (4)
9- Gustavo Lopez (4)
10- Mario Hector Turdo (3)

Iago Aspas

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