Marcelino: “Very happy with a solid performance”

Athletic Club head coach said he was satisfied after the Lions beat RC Celta 0-1 at Balaídos to grab a first LaLiga Santander win of the 2021-22 season.

Iñaki Williams put Athletic ahead in the 33rd minute. The striker thought he’d made it 0-2 in the second half, but his goal was ruled out contentiously after the referee consulted with VAR and decided Alex Berenguer had fouled Denis Suarez in the build-up.

“With five points we’re doing well. They are positive, especially in terms of the team’s competitive level. The team is solid. We are happy,” Marcelino said post-match.

“Getting ahead on the scoreboard was important. We found it difficult in the first half. But we defended well, got into their box a few times and scored a goal.

“In the second half we were better organised and had chances to kill off the game. Now we must stay composed and be prudent going forward.”

Athletic have conceded just one goal in the three LaLiga matches played so far and on Saturday they got an essential first victory before the international break. Marcelino praised his side’s defensive efforts.

He said: “With that narrow lead, we tried to finish the game off with a counter-attack, but we couldn’t do it. The feeling is that in the first half we were in disarray and in the second half we were more balanced and it allowed us to win duels, something which wins you matches.”