Athletic Bilbao welcomed Celta Vigo to San Mames on Monday looking to make it nine points from a possible 12 in La Liga.
Celta took the lead after 14 minutes courtesy of a cool finish from Charles, but Mikel San Jose levelled for Bilbao four minutes later.
Charles had a chance to score his second from the spot moments before the 30-minute mark, but he fired his penalty high and wide of the crossbar.
Bilbao completed the turnaround in the second period, however, when Andoni Iraola found the bottom corner from inside the box, before Benat made it three 20 minutes from time.
Santi Mina had one back for Celta in the latter stages, but it was a case of too little too late as Bilbao held on for all three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Matchday four in La Liga is completed this evening as Athletic Bilbao welcome Celta Vigo. The home side have made an encouraging start to the season with wins over Real Valladolid and Osasuna, but they were beaten last time out by Real Madrid. Celta, meanwhile, have taken five points from their opening three matches.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Bilbao have enjoyed the best of it with two wins from the last five matches, with Celta winning once and the other two ending with a share of the spoils. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 1-0 win for Bilbao in December.
Celta had been tipped to struggle this season after losing the services of Iago Aspas to Liverpool, but they have responded in positive fashion. They opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Espanyol, before taking all three points from Real Betis on August 25. They continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-1 draw with Granada before the international break.
TEAMS:
BILBAO: Iago; Iraola, San Jose, Laporte, Gurpegi; Susaeta, Benat, Herrera, Moran; Aduriz, Muniain
CELTA: Yoel; Mallo, Fontas, Costas, Oubina; Fernandez, Toni, Lopez, Rafinha; Nolito, Charles
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Bilbao XI this evening with Ander Herrera selected in the middle of midfield alongside the summer signing Benat. Meanwhile, Iker Muniain will continue in a central position. For Celta, Nolito, Charles and Rafinha all start in an attacking lineup. Right, the home side get the action underway.
It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium is just wonderful this evening. It has been a bright start from Bilbao, meanwhile, with Benat meeting a loose ball outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Let's hope for goals at San Mames on this warm evening in Spain.
The first attack for Celta comes down the right as Rafinha collects possession in a wide area before delivering a deep cross into the box, but Iraola is on hand to make the challenge. Moments later Aduriz is down the other end, but he is muscled off it by Fontas at the vital moment. End-to-end opening four minutes.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side to take the lead as Herrera collects possession on the edge of the box before finding Iraola, but the defender's effort is wide of the post. Benat gathers moments later before attempting to find Muniain, but again Fontas is on hand with the clearance.
Another opportunity for the home side as Muniain combines with Aduriz before striking one towards the top corner, but it was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. I have a feeling that this could be a difficult evening for the referee as the challenges continue to fly in from both sides. Still goalless with eight minutes on the clock at San Mames.
Again it's good work from the home side as Susaeta drives past two challenges before delivering a low cross into the box, but Hugo Mallo is across to make the clearance. Rafinha attempts to make some ground for the away side moments later, but he loses possession under pressure from Benat. Aduriz strikes one into the ground down the other end moments later, but it just moves wide of the post.
Bilbao have certainly not wasted their time in delivering crosses into the box this evening with the Celta defence forced to deal with a number of high balls. Nolito becomes the first player to enter the book moments later for a foul on Herrera on the edge of the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Benat, but his effort is straight into the wall, before he fires the rebound over the crossbar.
GOAL! Bilbao 0-1 Celta (Charles)
Celta take the lead against the run of play as Rafinha capitalises on a mistake from San Jose before squaring to Charles, who slots past the goalkeeper from just inside the box. Wonderful counter attack from the away side. They lead with 15 minutes on the clock.
Well, it has been all Bilbao thus far, but one moment has cost them. It had been questioned whether Charles could make the step into La Liga this season after scoring plenty of goals for Almeria last season, but he has certainly proved the doubters wrong. Bilbao are down the other end with Susaeta moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper.
GOAL! Bilbao 1-1 Celta (San Jose)
Bilbao equalise moments later as San Jose collects a loose ball inside the box before turning home from close range. Again, he has Benat to thank for wonderful delivery. Celta simply could not deal with the quality of the cross.
Hardly time to take a breath at the moment with both sides committing numbers to each attack. I would be astounded if we had see the last of the goals this evening. The referee continues to be called upon, meanwhile, with the challenges flying in from both sides. What an opening 21 minutes we have seen at San Mames.
Bilbao come close to taking the lead as wonderful delivery from Benat causes all sorts of problems inside the Celta box, but the danger is scrambled clear at the vital moment. Susaeta threatens moments later with another deep cross towards Muniain, but Mallo manages to beat Aduriz to the ball. End-to-end football at San Mames.
Nervy moment for Iago as the Bilbao stopper comes to gather a cross from Toni, but loses the flight of the ball. It almost falls for Alex Lopez, but San Jose does manage to clear at the vital moment. Neither side has really settled thus far with both enjoying spells in possession. Still 1-1 with 25 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides just attempting to settle into proceedings. Just a reminder that Celta have not lost this season with one win and two draws from their first three games, while Bilbao have taken six points from a possible nine. Little over 15 minutes remaining in the first period. It has the potential to be the game of the weekend.
It's good work from Muniain as the Bilbao youngster collects possession in a wide area before driving into the box, but Mallo is across with a fine challenge at the vital moment. The resulting corner from Benat is delivered straight under the crossbar, but despite a shout of handball, Celta manage to break in numbers.
PENALTY TO CELTA!
MISS! Celta are handed a penalty as Nolito is felled by Iago inside the box, with the goalkeeper picking up a card for his troubles. The resulting spot kick is taken by Charles, but the Brazilian fires his effort into the stands. Wow. What next?!
It would be fair to say that there have been some disappointing matches in La Liga this weekend, but this does not fall into that category. Neither of these sides are too interested in defending at the moment as both continues to commit numbers to each attack. Will Celta be made to regret that missed penalty? You simply have to take those opportunities at this level of football.
Another half-chance for the home side as Herrera finds a pocket of space on the edge of the box before attempting to bend an effort into the bottom corner, but Yoel is across to make the save. The resulting corner is delivered into the area by Benat, but Fontas makes the clearance before the away side break with numbers once more. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Bilbao continue to threaten in wide areas with Muniain and Susaeta delivering a number of dangerous crosses into the box. Aduriz twice comes close to making contact in quick succession, but the Spaniard is closed out by Mallo. Despite the possession for the home side, Celta remain a threat on the counter.
It is a case of 'you attack, we attack' at the moment as both sides continue to commit players in the final third. Aduriz is again the recipient of a couple of fine crosses from Susaeta, but his first header is straight at Yoel before his second moves high and wide of the crossbar. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Possession football from Bilbao in the last couple of moments as they attempt to play their way through the Celta defence, but there is no room in the final third. Both sides are finding it difficult to break through with a measured approach, with the majority of the chances coming on the counter. Will we see another goal before the interval?
Good spell for Celta in the last couple of moments with Rafinha and Charles both causing problems with their movement in the final third. The latter comes close to scoring his second when he attempts to curl one towards the top corner, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining in the first period.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to take the lead in the latter stages of the half as Charles collects a pass from Toni before advancing into the box, but he lifts his effort just wide of the post. The Brazilian striker could have had four in the first period.
HALF-TIME: Bilbao 1-1 Celta
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Celta had the lead after 14 minutes courtesy of a smart finish from Charles, but San Jose levelled moments later. Charles had the opportunity to put the away side back ahead from the spot moments before the 30-minute mark, but he fires his effort into the stands.
STATISTICS: Bilbao have had the majority of the possession with 60%, while they have had six attempts to Celta's three. It has not been a particularly dirty match, but the referee has been forced to issue three yellow cards. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side are without the services of the injured Kike Sola, but they do have options on their bench in the shape of Ibai Gomez and Oscar de Marcos. Celta, meanwhile, have the likes of David Rodriguez, Orellana and Madinda in reserve. I suspect that we will see changes as the second period gathers pace.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal could be decisive. One thing is for certain, neither of these two teams are set up to defend. No changes for either side at the interval. Celta get the second period underway on this warm evening in Spain.
Confident start to the second period for Bilbao with Benat, Herrera and Moran all seeing plenty of the ball. The latter attempts to force the issue with a through pass towards Muniain, but Mallo is across to make the challenge. Sensational noise inside the stadium with both sets of supporters contributing.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the second period with both sides adopting more of a measured approach thus far. A mistake from Costas allows Muniain to pick his pocket outside the box, but the Bilbao striker can only roll his cross into the arms of the Celta goalkeeper Yoel.
The first period delivered so much, but the second has been fairly disappointing thus far. Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about with their team struggling to keep hold of the ball, while Bilbao continue to look for the through pass at every opportunity, which is playing into the hands of Celta's deep defensive line.
Finally Celta threaten the Bilbao goal as a deep cross from Toni finds Rafinha, but Iago is on hand to collect at the vital moment. Bilbao are down the other end moments later with Susaeta, but his cross is hooked clear by Alex Lopez. Little over 35 minutes of football remaining at San Mames.
The tempo has certainly risen in the last couple of moments with both sides opening up in the final third. However, each defence has tightened up following an open first period. It would not be a surprise to see both managers look to their bench as we enter the final 30 minutes of action. Still 1-1 between the two Spanish rivals.
It's good work from Aduriz as the Bilbao striker uses his strength to gain a yard of room outside the box before spotting the run of Muniain, but his touch lets him down at the final moment, allowing Costas across to clear. Meanwhile, it prepares that Bilbao are preparing to make a double change, which is not much of a surprise.
GOAL! Bilbao 2-1 Celta (Iraola)
Bilbao have their second just past the hour mark as Iraola finds some space inside the box before turning and curling a wonderful effort into the bottom corner. That is some finish from the right-back, who has spent most of the second period in the Celta half.
Well, Bilbao were preparing to make two changes with Ibai Gomez and Oscar de Marcos standing on the sidelines, but both have been told to take a seat following that goal. Bittersweet! Can Celta respond? They have not really featured in the second period.
Good response from the away side as Toni combines with Nolito before attempting to deliver a low cross into the box, but San Jose is across to make the clearance. The resulting corner is delivered straight under the crossbar, but Iago manages to punch clear. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining at San Mames.
GOAL! Bilbao 3-1 Celta (Benat)
Bilbao have their third of the evening and surely all the points as Benat collects a long pass from San Jose before turning Mallo and firing a curling effort into the top corner. Moments later, Bilbao make a change with Rico entering the field in place of Herrera, who has been impressive this evening.
It is certainly a surprise that Celta have not looked to their bench after falling 3-1 behind, but they still have players capable of turning this one around. Rafinha attempts to force the issue with a mazy run into the Bilbao box, but Laporte stops the forward in his tracks. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining at San Mames.
Finally Celta make a double change with Madinda and Mina replacing Alex Lopez and Fernandez, who have both faded in the second period. It has been a good response from the away side with Nolito and Charles both coming close with efforts from outside the box, but Iago is able to watch both move past his post. Meanwhile, Bilbao are preparing to make their second change.
It's a standing ovation for Muniain as the Bilbao winger is replaced by Ibai Gomez for the final 15 minutes of action. It does seem that Bilbao are moving towards their third win of the season, but a goal for Celta would certainly make the final 10 minutes or so interesting. Can the away side provide a sting in the tail?
Bright work from Susaeta once more as the Bilbao winger bursts past two challenges before delivering a low cross into the box, but Oubina manages to make the clearance. Ibai Gomez delivers a similar ball moments later, but the danger is cleared. Celta make their third change moments later as Orellana replaces Bolito.
GOAL! Bilbao 3-2 Celta (Mina)
Game on! Celta have their second of the evening as Mina rises in the box before planting his header past Iago from close range. Bilbao had taken their foot off the pedal and they have been punished. What a 10 minutes of football we have coming up.
Half-chance for Aduriz to put this game beyond doubt as he attempts the spectacular inside the box, but his bicycle kick is into the arms of the goalkeeper. Bilbao look to their bench for the third and final time moments later as Benat, who has been fantastic this evening, is replaced by Oscar de Marcos.
The referee has been called into action to deal with a number of late challenges in the last couple of moments with Mallo entering the book for a late tackle on Gomez. Celta have not been able to push on since scoring their second with Bilbao keeping hold of the ball. However, there is still more than five minutes plus stoppage time remaining.
Clever tactics from Bilbao in the last couple of moments with the Basque outfit slowing the tempo at each opportunity. Meanwhile, a number of free kicks continue to frustrate the away side, leading to a yellow card for Rafinha. Time is just starting to run out as we enter the final two minutes of normal time.
POST! Wonderful chance for Bilbao to put this game to bed in the final minute as De Marcos arrives late inside the box, but he can only poke his effort against the post after a powerful header from Aduriz. A succession of strikes follow, but Celta manage to clear before launching an attack of their own.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Celta have not been allowed to force the issue here with Bilbao comfortable in possession of the ball. It does appear that they are closing in on their third league win of the season.
FULL-TIME: Bilbao 3-2 Celta
So there we have it. Bilbao pick up their third win of the season with a 3-2 win over a battling Celta side. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
