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- Athletic Club - RC Celta
Athletic Club - RC Celta
- 37' O. Sancet
- 45'52' Guruzeta
- 96' Berenguer (p.)
- Aspas 25'
- Bamba 41'
- Larsen 66'
LocationSan Mamés , Bilbo
44.435 assistants
A comeback for the ages
A last-gasp Berenguer penalty sees Athletic win 4-3 in a thrilling, action-packed encounter
It was the kind of fightback that will go down in history, a clash San Mamés will never forget. Los Leones strengthened their grip on fifth place after beating RC Celta 4-3.
The visitors twice took the lead only to be stopped by Unai Simon, who saved an Iago Aspas penalty with the scores at 3-3. Another penalty, called after a clear handball by Oscar Mingueza, ultimately condemned Rafa Benitez's side to defeat.
Alex Berenguer, with the last touch of a thrilling and crazy encounter, sent Vicente Guaita the wrong and San Mames erupted in jubilation.
The match was one of those that make you love this sport. And even better for Athleticzales, the victory has put Athletic just one point away from the Champions League. The lions attacked very well but had serious issues in defence.
Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta were a nightmare for Vigo, but so were Jorgen Strand Larsen and Iago Aspas for us. In the space of two minutes, Aspas tested Simón three times.The keeper saved one and the other crossed the line, but was disallowed as Larsen was offside.
Celta's talisman was on fire and in the 24th minute he squeezed a long-range effort passed Simon. Athletic equalised in the 36th minute. Oihan Sancet finding the back of the net after being set up by Nico.
However, Celta broke the deadlock again in the 40th minute as Jonathan Bamba fired in from outside the area. Ernesto Valverde's side got a crucial equaliser in the dying seconds of the first 45, a stellar Nico finding Guruzeta at the near post for the first of his two goals.
The Lions came out hungry in an even crazier second half. Guruzeta and Nico connected again as the striker got his second of the match to put Athletic ahead in the 52nd minute. Los Rojiblancos looked to kill off the match, Sancet striking over the crossbar with a left-footed effort.
Celta struck back. First Strand Larsen had an effort disallowed for offside but just a minute later he made amends to make it 3-3. In the 71st minute, Simón kept out Aspas' penalty, which was given after a VAR check, and Athletic looked to retake the lead.
Oscar de Marcos was unlucky not to be rewarded a penatly after being brought down in the box. Then a Raúl García headed flick found Dani García, whose volley was stopped by Guaita.
With the clock ticking down, the ball struck Mingueza's arm in the box. Berenguer stepped up to the plate with nerves of steel to bring home the win. What a game! This is why we love this sport!