In an exciting La Liga 2024-25 clash, Athletic Club secured a vital 3-1 victory over Celta Vigo at San Mamés. This encounter marked an intense head-to-head battle with both teams eager to climb the standings. Athletic Club, coming into the match with 13 points, aimed to extend their winning streak, while Celta Vigo, with 9 points, sought to recover from previous inconsistencies.
This report provides a detailed breakdown of the game, including the lineups, substitutes, key moments, stats, and post-match analysis.
Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo Head-to-Head Preview
Historically, both teams have had close encounters in La Liga. Athletic Club’s solid form was evident, having won three of their last five games, while Celta Vigo’s campaign had been more uneven, with three wins and three losses so far. This head-to-head promised action, with both sides relying on their star players for crucial points.
Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo Lineups
Here are the Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo lineups today (Sep 22, 2024)
Athletic Club (4-1-2-3 Formation)
- Goalkeeper: Julen Agirrezabala
- Defenders: Óscar De Marcos, Aitor Paredes, Dani Vivian, Adama Boiro
- Midfielders: Beñat Prados, Oihan Sancet, Mikel Jauregizar
- Forwards: Iñaki Williams Arthuer, Gorka Guruzeta, Alex Berenguer
Substitutes:
- Álex Padilla (45′ for Agirrezabala due to injury)
- Íñigo Ruíz de Galarreta (65′ for Jauregizar)
- Íñigo Lekue (65′ for Boiro)
- Álvaro Djaló (77′ for Guruzeta)
- Unai Gómez (75′ for Berenguer)
Celta Vigo (4-3-3 Formation)
- Goalkeeper: Óscar Mingueza
- Defenders: Damián Rodríguez, Carl Starfelt, Hugo Álvarez, Jailson
- Midfielders: Javi Rodríguez, Hugo Sotelo, Jonathan Bamba
- Forwards: Tasos Douvikas, Iago Aspas, Marcos Alonso
Substitutes:
- Marcos Alonso (5′ for Óscar Mingueza due to injury)
- Ilaix Moriba (63′ for Sotelo)
- Carlos Domínguez (63′ for Jailson)
- Borja Iglesias (68′ for Douvikas)
- Williot Swedberg (67′ for Hugo Álvarez)
Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo Match Commentary
First Half: Explosive Start and Tense Midfield Battles
The first half started with both teams pressing high, but it was Athletic Club who struck first. In just the 4th minute, Gorka Guruzeta found the back of the net with a well-placed right-footed shot, assisted by Iñaki Williams Arthuer. Guruzeta’s goal immediately put Celta Vigo on the back foot as they struggled to deal with Athletic’s rapid pace and direct attacking style.
Celta Vigo soon recovered and began mounting pressure on the Athletic defense. Their perseverance paid off in the 25th minute when Iago Aspas won a penalty after Julen Agirrezabala fouled him in the box. Aspas confidently slotted home the equalizer with a left-footed shot to the center of the goal, restoring parity.
However, Athletic Club was not to be subdued for long. In the 39th minute, Gorka Guruzeta struck again, this time with a precise header from the center of the box. Alex Berenguer provided the perfect assist with a curling cross that found Guruzeta, giving Athletic a 2-1 lead before the break. Despite Celta’s efforts, Athletic Club’s solid defense kept them at bay for the remainder of the first half. The halftime whistle blew with Athletic holding a slim but crucial advantage.
Second Half: Athletic Dominate, Celta Struggle to Respond
The second half began with Celta Vigo looking determined to get back into the game. Their attacking intent was evident, with multiple players pushing forward and dominating possession. Despite this, they struggled to break down a well-organized Athletic defense. Athletic Club managed to maintain their lead, despite Celta having more control of the ball and attempting to penetrate from the wings.
In the 80th minute, Athletic Club sealed the match with a third goal. Álvaro Djaló, who came on as a substitute, headed in a cross from Iñaki Williams Arthuer following a fast break. His perfectly placed header beat the Celta goalkeeper, securing a commanding 3-1 lead for Athletic Club. This goal dampened any hopes of a Celta Vigo comeback.
Celta’s frustration was apparent as Ilaix Moriba was shown a yellow card for a foul in the 86th minute. They continued to push, and in the dying moments of the game, Williot Swedberg and Carlos Domínguez came close with attempts on goal, but neither could convert. Athletic Club held firm, and after three minutes of added time, the referee blew the final whistle.
Full-Time: Athletic Club 3-1 Celta Vigo
The match ended with Athletic Club securing a well-deserved 3-1 victory. Gorka Guruzeta’s brace and Álvaro Djaló’s late strike proved too much for Celta Vigo, who, despite controlling the majority of possession, couldn’t find the finishing touch to get back into the game. Iago Aspas’ penalty was the only goal Celta could muster, and they will undoubtedly feel disappointed by their lack of clinical edge.
Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo Stats
| Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo Stats | Athletic Club | Celta Vigo |
| Possession (%) | 32.3% | 67.7% |
| Shots on Goal | 5 | 4 |
| Shot Attempts | 10 | 11 |
| Fouls | 16 | 11 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Corner Kicks | 3 | 6 |
| Saves | 3 | 2 |
Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo Timeline
Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo Timeline – First Half
- 0-0 Match begins.
- 1′ Corner, Athletic Club. Conceded by Jailson.
- 3′ Delay in match because of an injury Óscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo).
- 4′ GOAL! Athletic Club 1, Celta Vigo 0. Gorka Guruzeta (Athletic Club) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner.
- 6′ Iñaki Williams Arthuer (Athletic Club) wins a free kick on the right wing.
- 7′ Foul by Oihan Sancet (Athletic Club).
- 12′ Jonathan Bamba (Celta Vigo) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
- 13′ Foul by Hugo Álvarez (Celta Vigo).
- 15′ Marcos Alonso (Celta Vigo) wins a free kick on the left wing.
- 20′ Alex Berenguer (Athletic Club) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
- 23′ Penalty conceded by Julen Agirrezabala (Athletic Club) after a foul in the penalty area.
- 25′ GOAL! Athletic Club 1, Celta Vigo 1. Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the centre of the goal.
- 30′ Aitor Paredes (Athletic Club) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
- 32′ Gorka Guruzeta (Athletic Club) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
- 33′ Hugo Sotelo (Celta Vigo) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
- 35′ Offside, Athletic Club. Gorka Guruzeta is caught offside.
- 41′ Corner, Athletic Club. Conceded by Hugo Álvarez.
- 42′ Gorka Guruzeta (Athletic Club) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
- 44′ Javi Rodríguez (Celta Vigo) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
- 45’+1′ Gorka Guruzeta (Athletic Club) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
- 45’+4′ First Half ends, Athletic Club 2, Celta Vigo 1.
Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo Timeline – Second Half
- 45′ Substitution, Athletic Club. Álex Padilla replaces Julen Agirrezabala because of an injury.
- 47′ Foul by Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo).
- 48′ Attempt saved. Alex Berenguer (Athletic Club) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
- 50′ Oihan Sancet (Athletic Club) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
- 52′ Beñat Prados (Athletic Club) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
- 54′ Corner, Athletic Club. Conceded by Damián Rodríguez.
- 55′ Attempt missed. Dani Vivian (Athletic Club) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Mikel Jauregizar with a cross following a corner.
- 57′ Attempt saved. Oihan Sancet (Athletic Club) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
- 58′ Attempt missed. Jonathan Bamba (Celta Vigo) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Marcos Alonso.
- 63′ Substitution, Celta Vigo. Ilaix Moriba replaces Hugo Sotelo.
- 65′ Substitution, Athletic Club. Íñigo Ruíz de Galarreta replaces Mikel Jauregizar.
- 66′ Íñigo Ruíz de Galarreta (Athletic Club) wins a free kick on the left wing.
- 67′ Substitution, Celta Vigo. Williot Swedberg replaces Hugo Álvarez.
- 70′ Javi Rodríguez (Celta Vigo) wins a free kick on the right wing.
- 71′ Corner, Celta Vigo. Conceded by Dani Vivian.
- 75′ Substitution, Athletic Club. Unai Gómez replaces Alex Berenguer.
- 77′ Foul by Ilaix Moriba (Celta Vigo).
- 78′ Substitution, Athletic Club. Álvaro Djaló replaces Gorka Guruzeta.
- 80′ GOAL! Athletic Club 3, Celta Vigo 1. Álvaro Djaló (Athletic Club) header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Iñaki Williams Arthuer following a fast break.
- 83′ Attempt missed. Álvaro Djaló (Athletic Club) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
- 85′ Williot Swedberg (Celta Vigo) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
- 86′ Álvaro Djaló (Athletic Club) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
- 88′ Williot Swedberg (Celta Vigo) wins a free kick on the left wing.
- 90’+1′ Fourth official has announced 3 minutes of added time.
- 90’+2′ Corner, Celta Vigo. Conceded by Aitor Paredes.
- 90’+3′ Attempt saved. Carlos Domínguez (Celta Vigo) header from the left side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Damián Rodríguez with a cross.
- 90’+3′ Attempt missed. Williot Swedberg (Celta Vigo) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Iago Aspas.
- 90’+3′ Second Half ends, Athletic Club 3, Celta Vigo 1.
Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo Key Events and Player Performances
- Man of the Match: Gorka Guruzeta – Two crucial goals, a constant attacking threat, and decisive play earned Guruzeta the top honors.
- Impact of the Match: This win takes Athletic Club to 16 points, solidifying their position in the top four. Celta Vigo, meanwhile, remains mid-table with 9 points.
Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo Goals Summary
- 4′ Athletic Club 1-0: Gorka Guruzeta (Assist: Iñaki Williams)
- 25′ Athletic Club 1-1: Iago Aspas (Penalty)
- 39′ Athletic Club 2-1: Gorka Guruzeta (Assist: Alex Berenguer)
- 80′ Athletic Club 3-1: Álvaro Djaló (Assist: Iñaki Williams)
Athletic Club’s solid display and clinical finishing earned them a deserved 3-1 win over Celta Vigo. Despite dominating possession, Celta Vigo failed to capitalize on their chances, while Athletic’s effective counter-attacking football led them to victory. This match could prove pivotal as Athletic Club aims to challenge for European places in the 2024-25 La Liga season.
FAQs on Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo
Q1: Who scored for Athletic Club on Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo Sep 22, 2024?
- Gorka Guruzeta scored two goals, and Álvaro Djaló added a third.
Q2: How did Celta Vigo score on Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo Sep 22, 2024?
- Iago Aspas scored for Celta Vigo via a penalty in the 25th minute.
Q3: Who was the man of the match on Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo Sep 22, 2024?
- Gorka Guruzeta was named the man of the match for his two-goal performance.
Q4: What impact does this result have on the standings?
- Athletic Club moved to 16 points, strengthening their push for a top-four finish, while Celta Vigo remains with 9 points.
Q5: How did Celta Vigo perform in terms of possession on Athletic Club vs Celta Vigo on Sep 22, 2024?
- Celta Vigo dominated possession with 67.7%, but struggled to convert it into meaningful opportunities.
