Athletic Club Edge Celta Vigo 2-1 to Keep Pace with LaLiga's Top Four

Athletic Club maintained their push for a top-four finish in LaLiga with a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo, courtesy of goals from Alex Berenguer and Dani Vivian.

Athletic Club maintained their pursuit of a top-four finish in LaLiga with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Celta Vigo at Estadio de Balaidos. This victory extended their unbeaten run in the Spanish top flight to 11 games, dating back to their loss to Girona in October. Following two disappointing cup exits in just eight days, Athletic sought redemption on their home turf.

Nico Williams came close to breaking the deadlock within 20 minutes, unleashing a looping effort that seemed destined for the top corner. However, Celta Vigo goalkeeper Vicente Guaita produced a spectacular one-handed save to deny the Spanish winger. Celta Vigo, who had attempted a season-high 23 shots in their previous defeat to Rayo Vallecano, struggled to replicate that intensity without their star forward Iago Aspas.

The first half was characterized by Guaita's brilliance, as he made several crucial saves to keep the visitors at bay. One notable instance was when he parried Benat Prados' sublime outside-of-the-boot strike over the bar. Despite Celta Vigo's introduction of two fresh faces after the break, it was Athletic Club who seized the initiative on the hour mark. Alex Berenguer scored the opening goal, latching onto Inaki Williams' precise pass from the right flank and coolly tapping the ball into the back of the net. This marked only the second time in their last seven away league outings that Celta Vigo had conceded the first goal.

The match took a decisive turn when Dani Vivian doubled Athletic Club's lead with a breathtaking scissor-kick from close range. The center-back's impressive strike was made possible by Unai Gomez's well-directed headed pass, which found Vivian lurking in front of the goal. This stunning goal extended Bilbao's advantage, putting them in a commanding position.

However, Celta Vigo quickly reduced the deficit through Hugo Alvarez, who capitalized on Adama Boiro's costly defensive mistake inside the box. Alvarez's goal kept the hosts within striking distance, ensuring that the match remained competitive. Despite this setback, Athletic Club maintained their composure and held firm to secure a crucial victory.

FT: #CeltaAthletic 1-2

🦁 The visitors impress and strengthen top-four claim! #LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/yoE6m1Rs9c

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) January 19, 2025

The win marked Athletic Club's fifth triumph in their last six outings across all competitions, with their most recent away league defeat dating back to early October. This impressive run has propelled the Lions up the LaLiga standings, with only Atletico Madrid accumulating more points since matchday 14. In contrast, Celta Vigo's defeat has left them languishing in 13th position, a mere five points above the relegation zone, following their 10th loss of the campaign.