Athletic Bilbao welcomed Celta Vigo to San Mames on Sunday with the two sides occupying spots in the bottom half of the table.
A dull first period brought just the singular goal with Aritz Aduriz heading into the back of the net with 33 minutes on the clock.
Chances remained few and far between in the second half with Bilbao holding on to secure a vital three points in the context of their season.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back La Liga commentaries comes from the Basque area with Bilbao welcoming a Celta outfit to San Mames. Both sides have 15 points after 14 matches, but Celta will certainly be the happier with their position in the table.
Many will remember the way Bilbao took Manchester United apart in the Europa League last season and wonder what has happened at the club this campaign. The Fernando Llorente saga has certainly not helped, while the loss of Javi Martinez in the summer was a bitter pill to swallow.
Teams:
Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz; Borde, Amorebieta, Dominguez, Ekiza; Ramalho, Susaeta, Herrera, De Marcos, Gomez, Aduriz
Celta: Varas; Mallo, Lago, Arceo, Oubina; Vila, Fernandez, Insa; Bermejo, Aspas, Krohn-Dehli
Bilbao struggled in the early stages of the season with just two league wins to their name by the beginning of October. Meanwhile, a run of three defeats in all competitions further upset the harmony at the club.
They did record back-to-back La Liga wins against Granada and Sevilla at the beginning of November, but suggestions that their form had taken a turn for the better were quelled when they were thumped by Real Madrid and Barcelona and could only pick up a home point against lowly Deportivo La Coruna.
Celta, meanwhile, began their league campaign with defeat to Real Sociedad, but picked up three points in their next match at home to Osasuna. A period of win/loss then followed, but they have struggled in the league since losing away to Real Madrid on October 20.
They have managed just two wins in their last nine matches in all competitions, with one of those coming against Almeria in the Copa del Rey. The fact they have managed just one win in the league since early October is clear indication of their troubles. But that said they are unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions.
However, with a run of tough fixtures ahead, you just get the feeling that Celta need to start picking up some points. They travel to Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the league before the winter break, while they also have a two-legged Copa del Rey affair against Jose Mourinho’s men.
In among those matches is also a home tie against Real Betis, who have Champions League football on their mind. The way the La Liga table has shaped up this season means that there is just five points from 13th to the bottom of the table. Such closeness could see a couple of defeats for Celta, and indeed Athletic, dragged into the relegation battle.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Handshakes? Check. Flags exchanged? Check. Passionate home crowd? Check. Time for a prediction. I think Bilbao will edge it 3-1 this afternoon.
Celta get the action underway on this mild afternoon in Spain. Just a reminder that this is the first of three back-to-back live commentaries on La Liga this afternoon. Be sure to remain with us for the action. You just get the feeling that Bilbao have to start well in order to get the home crowd on side.
Positive start from the away side as Bermejo wins a free kick just outside the Bilbao box. Jonathan Vila takes the set piece and fires it towards Iago Aspas, but Iraizoz comes to claim the danger. Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa looks on from the sidelines. Will he be the Bilbao boss come the end of the season?
Bilbao have just settled with possession in the past few moments with Susaeta and Ander Herrera enjoying a period with the ball in the middle of the mark. However, the play has been ever so narrow thus far with neither side able to spread the play.
Bilbao continue to pass and probe in the early stages. Meanwhile, they have a penalty shout as Aduriz in bundled over in the penalty area, but Roberto Lago is deemed to have touched the ball and indeed picks up an injury for his troubles. The defender holds his shoulder as he walks off the field but it does appear he will be able to continue.
The home side continue to play the better football as they look for gaps in the Celta box. A counter attack from the away side comes close to bringing the opening goal, however, as Aspas strikes from outside the box, but it just moves high of the crossbar and out for a goal kick.
Slightly sloppy period to the match at the moment with both sides giving away possession in midfield. But the threat from Celta has improved in the past couple of minutes with Aspas and Bermejo both coming close with shots inside the area. The tempo just seems to be rising.
Penalty shout for Celta as Amorebieta appears to handle inside the area, but the referee shakes his head. The Bilbao defender is in trouble moments later, however, as he wrestles Aspas to the ground outside the penalty area and picks up a yellow card for his troubles.
After a slight delay the free kick is taken by Aspas, but he curls his effort wide of the post. Bilbao have certainly had the majority of the possession in the opening 15 minutes. But the away side have just started to influence proceedings in an attacking sense.
Half-chance for Bilao as Susaeta whips a dangerous free kick into the penalty area, but Hugo Mallo rises highest to clear the danger. The pressure remains on the away side as the ball drops just outside the area, but it is hooked clear at the second time of asking.
Celta continue to hassle and harry Bilbao in midfield as the half wares on. This time it's good work from Insa as the midfielder dispossesses Susaeta before looking for the run of Krohn-Dehli, but the Dane cannot collect and the danger is cleared. It is easy to see whey these two teams are so close in the league table.
End-to-end football at the moment as Celta force a couple of corners in quick succession, but the danger is cleared before Bilbao advance down the other end with Ibai Gomez carrying possession forward. However, neither side has been able to find that elusive final pass thus far.
Half-chance for Bilbao once more as Oscar De Marcos drives down the right and whips a searching cross into the penalty area, but Gomez just cannot make contact with Mallo heading the danger clear. We are still awaiting our first real chance of the match with 23 minutes on the clock.
Another sighter for Bilbao as Gomez once more strikes from outside the box, but he sliced his effort horribly wide of the target. It has been that type of match thus far. This is a completely different Bilbao side to the one that took apart Manchester United in the Europa League last season. Unrecognisable.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes. Bilbao have started to take control of the possession, but they have been unable to find Gomez and Aduriz in attacking areas. Meanwhile, Aspas remains the brightest spark for Celta.
I would love to be able to tell you that this has been 30 minutes full of chances and incidents, but sadly that has not been the case. Both sides have had decent periods with possession, but the fact we are still awaiting the first real chance tells you everything you need to know about the match thus far.
Decent pressure from Bilbao as they force a couple of corners and throw ins inside the Celta half, but the away side's defence has been on top thus far. It is evident that neither side is really prepared to go and open up in search of the first goal. A point apiece would not be the worst result in the world for either team.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Celta Vigo (Aritz Aduriz)
Finally the deadlock is broken as Susaeta whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area and Aduriz is on hand to thump his header past the onrushing goalkeeper. You cannot say that it has been coming, but Bilbao have certainly looked the side most likely to open the scoring.
Suddenly the match has just opened up with both sides going in search of the next goal and is leaving gaps in the opposing defence. You just get the feeling that the next goal could ultimately decide the points in this match. It has been that close.
Another long-range effort comes from Bilbao as Jonas Ramalho strikes from all of 30 yards, but it was never really troubling Varas who let the ball drift over the crossbar. At least the goal has raised the tempo and suddenly we have a period of excitement. The crowd are responding.
It is all one-way traffic from Bilbao at the moment with the full backs pushing into advanced areas. It is forcing Celta's midfield three to move apart and therefore allowing room to operate in the middle. The away side need to get to the interval just the singular strike behind.
The match has just settled in the past few moments with Celta enjoying possession of the ball. But they have not really offered anything as an attacking threat in this opening period and you just get the feeling that a change needs to be made at the interval.
Another half-chance comes to Bilbao as Herrera whips a dangerous corner into the penalty area, but Varas just beats San Jose to the ball and the danger is cleared. Little over one minute of the half remaining.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half. Bilbao force another corner deep in stoppage time, but the referee blows his whistle with Varas launching the ball down field.
Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Celta Vigo
So there we have it. A header from Aduriz just past the 30-minute mark in the match was enough to hand Bilbao the lead at the interval. The home side have enjoyed more of the play, but clear chances have been at a premium.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Bilbao have dominated possession with 64%, but they have managed just three shots to Celta's four. Although all of the away side's have been off target. There is no question that Bilbao deserve to be ahead.
As it stands Bilbao would move into 13th spot in the league, while Celta would drop into 15th. To put into context the importance of the three points, Bilbao would move six points above the dreaded drop zone. Meanwhile, Celta would remain just three points outside with a defeat.
Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Madrid with Atletico hosting Deportivo La Coruna in a penultimate La Liga commentary of the weekend. Meanwhile, leaders Barcelona travel to Real Betis in arguably the fixture of week 16 at 8pm. Be sure to remain with us for both of those key matches.
Bilbao get us underway in the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. Let's hope for some more excitement in the second 45 minutes. Celta surely have to come out and play because they have offered nothing in attack thus far.
Decent start to the second half from the away side with Insa firing wide of the target from long range. Meanwhile, the midfielder attempts to find the run of Aspas moments later, but the striker is just ruled offside and play is restarted with a free kick.
Much better tempo to the second period with both sides looking to find their forward players with one pass rather than 10. But the lack of width has forced the players inside and there is simply no room to operate. The next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could ultimately decide the match.
Half-chance for Bilbao as Gomez whips a corner into the penalty area, but Borja cannot collect from close range and Lago hooks the danger clear. Bilbao are so comfortable at the moment it is untrue. But we all know how quickly football can change. Goals change games. Sorry for the cliché!
Bilbao continue to look the most likely to add to the scoring as they pass and probe around the edge of the Celta box, but the away side have defended well thus far. It would be fair to say that there has been just one clear chance in this match - the only goal. It has been that close.
Celta really are struggling to find their forward men at the moment. Krohn-Dehli has been so impressive in recent weeks, but I honestly do not think he has touched the ball. Meanwhile, Aspas and Bermejo have simply had no serve. Something needs to change.
Slightly better from the away side as they force a free kick just outside the penalty area. However, the delivery is poor and Aurtenetxe is on hand to clear the danger. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and just the one goal separates the sides.
Really sloppy period to the match in the past few moments with both sides giving away possession on two separate occasions within a 30-second period. Neither team has really covered themselves in glory thus far. Meanwhile, the first change is made by the away side as Insa is replaced by De Lucas.
Certainly a positive change from Celta with De Lucas joining the likes of Aspas, Bermejo and Krohn-Dehli in the final third. However, you do worry how they will cope in midfield with Bilbao playing three men in that area. They could be left awfully short.
Bilbao have the ball in the back of the net as Aduriz turns a Susaeta cross into the net from close range, but the offside flag is raised and the celebrations are cut short. Replays have shown that the striker was indeed behind the final defender.
Half-chance for Bilbao once more as Herrera picks up possession outside the penalty area before striking towards goal, but his effort is deflected straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. The match has just gone ever so flat in the past few minutes. Iker Muniain anyone?!
End-to-end couple of moments in the match with Gomez striking over the crossbar for Bilbao before Aspas fires a low cross into the penalty area down the other end. But clear chances have eluded both sides all evening. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and the score is still 1-0.
CHANCE! Big opportunity for Bilbao to add their second as Varas comes to collect a loose ball, but gets nowhere near it. Susaeta fires the ball back into the penalty area, but Aduriz's header is cleared off the line by Mallo. That would have been game set and match right there.
Half-chance for Celta as Aspas collects a pass from Bermejo before striking an effort on target, but Iraizoz is on hand to make the save. The away side have plenty of attackers on the pitch, but their final pass continues to elude them as we enter the latter stages.
Decent period for Celta at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the Bilbao half, but they just cannot break the breakthrough. Meanwhile, it appears that they are preparing their second change of the match. Bilbao are just retreating and inviting the danger.
The change is indeed made with Bermejo being replaced by Antonio Rodriguez. It is a surprise that Bilbao have not looked to their bench with their attack going stale in this second period. You just get the feeling that there will be a late goal in this match.
Bilbao do indeed make their first change of the match as Ibai Gomez is replaced by Muniain. His pace will surely aid his side in the remaining 10 or so minutes. But there has been no place on the pitch for Fernando Llorente thus far.
Just a quick review of the vital statistics. Bilbao have had two shots on target and scored one goal. Meanwhile, Celta have had just one shot on target. Those numbers tell you everything you need to know about how this match has been in an attacking sense thus far.
Another half-chance falls the way of the away side as Aspas lines up a free kick outside the penalty area. However, his effort is poor and moves straight over the crossbar. Little over eight minutes of football remaining and just the one goal separates the two teams.
Celta continue to pump the ball long into the Bilbao penalty area, but the home side's defence has stood up to the threat thus far and cleared the danger on each occasion. I am going to put my neck on the line here and say this match will end 1-0.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few moments. Celta have dominated possession in the last five or so minutes, but as has been the case in the previous 85 minutes, their final pass has eluded them. But wouldn't it be just like Bilbao and their season to concede late on.
Bilbao make their second change of the match as Toquero replaces Susaeta. The striker will provide some more legs in the final stages. Little over one minute of football remaining, although there is expected to be a couple of minutes injury time.
Bilbao make their final change as Herrera is replaced by Agen Laporte. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of added time. Can Celta force a dramatic leveller?
Possession football from Bilbao at the moment as they pass and probe in the Celta half. Meanwhile, a couple of free kicks have wasted vital seconds. Little over two minutes of added time remaining. If Celta are to score then it has to be now.
Celta desperately attempt to force the ball into the Bilbao box, but they cannot find that elusive pass. Aspas fires wide of the target from outside the box and that may well be just about that for this match.
Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Celta Vigo
So there we have it. A first-half header from Aduriz was enough to secure the points for the home side. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for action from Madrid. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
