RC Celta

A disappointing evening in Vigo

Athletic came undone after a poor start to a second half which also included Nico missing a penalty and Izeta hitting the post late on

Athletic lost 2-0 at the Abanca Balaídos in Vigo on Sunday afternoon. The defeat can mostly be put down to a poor start to the second half, in which they fell behind after strikes from Williot Swedberg and Jones El-Abdellaoui.

With everything going against Athletic in the second half, Nico Williams had a chance to drag the team back into the game from the penalty spot, but Ionut Radu saved the forward's effort.

Selton tried his luck and Urko Izeta went close with a powerful low shot that hit the post, but it was an afternoon of missed opportunities.

It was a shame Athletic couldn't take another step forward. Although there were no major chances, the Lions controlled the match and had the upper hand going into the break.

Gorka Guruzeta and Oihan Sancet made inroads, whilst Aitor Paredes was alert to intercept a dangerous move by Williot.

Ernesto Valverde made two changes at half-time, bringing on Selton and Iñaki Williams, the captain making his return from injury.

But Celta scored two goals in ten minutes to leave the Lions empty-handed. To make matters worse, Yuri picked up a knock and asked to be subbed off.

Iñaki Williams won a penalty, which was awarded after a VAR check, but Radu saved Nico's attempt from the 12-yard spot.

Selton threatened Radu a couple of times, but Izeta had the clearest chance of the evening, the forward smashing a low shot off the post after the ball landed at his feet in the box.

There's no time for regrets. Athletic's 2025/26 Copa campaign kicks off in Ourense on Thursday and three days later we see out the year against RCD Espanyol at San Mamés.