Athletic dreaming of Europe again

Athletic Club have taken a big step forward at just the right time. A well-deserved 2-1 win over RC Celta means the Lions will sleep in seventh place tonight, with three games to go.

Fantastic strikes from Iñaki Williams and Alex Berenguer have given Ernesto Valverde's side renewed hope of qualifying for the Europa Conference League.

Winning in LaLiga Santander does not come easy. Celta have gone several matches without a victory now and Athletic knew the Galicians would come to Bilbao hungry for points. But the Lions were hungry too. The players came out firing and in the fourth minute Iñaki put Athletic ahead with an Aduriz-esque header from a measured Oscar de Marcos cross.

Athletic were in control and could have scored more in the first half. Celta keeper Iván Villar twice stopped Los Rojiblancos from doubling their lead, first turning away a dangerous goalward cross from Berenguer and then keeping out a Yuri Berchiche header with an acrobatic save. At the other end, Unai Simon pulled out a marvellous stop to deny Gabri Veiga from distance.

Celta reacted after the break, Strand Larsen scoring a header that had the fans at San Mames with their heads in hands. However, Athletic struck back immediately, Berenguer restoring Los Leones' lead with a classy curling effort inside the box.

The Lions had no trouble holding on to the treasure and could even have made it 3-1. Berenguer crashed a remarkable effort against the crossbar and Mikel Vesga threatened with a header. 

The fans breathed a sigh of relief at the final whistle after difficult second half which included injuries to Ander Herrera and Dani García. It's time to stay focused and go for the win at El Sadar on Thursday.