Swedberg and El Abdellaoui Strike as Celta Stun Athletic

VIGO, SPAIN — Both teams entered this fixture with contrasting ambitions as seventh-placed Athletic Club (23 points) looked to maintain their European qualification push against tenth-placed Celta Vigo (19 points), who desperately needed points to climb away from mid-table mediocrity. The hosts delivered a tactical masterclass at Balaidos, securing a convincing 2-0 victory that showcased their clinical finishing and defensive resilience when it mattered most.

The decisive moments arrived in a devastating seven-minute spell that turned the match on its head. Williot Swedberg broke the deadlock in the 48th minute with a close-range header to the top right corner, capitalizing on excellent delivery from Javi Rueda down the left flank. The Swedish forward's positioning proved impeccable as he ghosted between Athletic's center-backs to nod home from very close range. Jones El Abdellaoui doubled the advantage in the 55th minute, cutting inside from the right side of the box before drilling a precise right-footed shot into the bottom left corner, leaving Julen Agirrezabala with no chance.

The tactical battle centered around Athletic's attempts to break down Celta's compact defensive structure, with the Williams brothers causing constant problems down the flanks. Carl Starfelt and Miguel Román formed an impressive defensive partnership for the hosts, while Óscar Mingueza's overlapping runs from right-back provided crucial width in attack. Íñigo Ruíz de Galarreta and Mikel Jauregizar controlled Athletic's midfield tempo, but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Celta's disciplined defensive shape.

Despite Athletic Club edging possession with 50.1% compared to Celta's 49.9%, the visitors managed 14 shots to the hosts' 11, yet failed to convert their territorial dominance into goals. Athletic registered 13 corners compared to Celta's five, highlighting their sustained pressure, but the hosts proved more clinical with their limited opportunities, managing two shots on target to Athletic's two.

The turning point arrived in the 65th minute when Ionut Radu produced a stunning penalty save to deny Nico Williams after Sergio Carreira had fouled Iñaki Williams in the box. The Romanian goalkeeper's heroics preserved Celta's two-goal cushion during a nervy final 25 minutes, as Athletic threw everything forward in search of a lifeline. Urko Izeta struck the post late on, but Celta's defensive resolve held firm through seven minutes of added time.

Looking ahead, Celta Vigo will travel to face Real Oviedo on December 20 in what promises to be another crucial fixture in their season.