Athletic Bilbao 1 - Celta 1

Athletic: Aranzubia; Expósito (Tiko 72'), Luis Prieto, Murillo, Lacruz; Orbaiz, Gurpegui (Ibon Gutiérrez 84'); Iraola, Yeste, Dañobeitia (Llorente 63'); Urzaiz. 4-2-3-1.
Celta: Pinto; Angel, Sergio (Méndez 34'), Lequi, José Enrique; Iriney, Borja Oubiña; Antonio Nuñez, Canobbio (De Ridder 70'), David Silva; Javi Guerrero (Jonathan Aspas 28'). 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Athletic: Expósito for Tiko / Celta: Lequi, José Enrique, Canobbio, Javi Guerrero for Contreras, Placente, Jorge, Jesús Perera.

Goals:
1-0. 24. Gurpegui. Drove shot past Pinto after Urzaiz header only part cleared.
1-1. 58. Angel. Turned Silva's cross wide of Aranzubia from inside six yard box.

Celta arrived at San Mames looking to recover quickly from last week's defeat in Mallorca. History was against the Galicians who have recorded only two league wins to date in the cathedral of San Mames. Both sides began the match cautiously. Silva created an opening for Celta in the 11th minute. After combining with Canobbio he slid an effort under Aranzubia but across goal. Athletic were reduced to long range efforts from Yeste and Urziaz.

Midway through the first half the home side claimed a penalty but Sergio appeared to chest rather than handle. Yet, this provided the spur Athletic were looking for and they took the lead shortly afterwards. Celta failed to clear their lines when a Yeste free kick was headed across goal by Urzaiz. Gurpegui pounced to lash home the loose ball.

Celta were enjoying the bulk of possession but they lack firepower and are missing the services of top scorer Baiano. Shortly after the goal they withdrew sole striker Javi Guerrero and replaced him with Jonathan Aspas, another midfield player.

Urzaiz was causing plenty of problems for Celta's defenders with his robust play. He won another header in the six yard box which led to Sergio leaving the field concussed. He was replaced by the ex River Plate defender, Mendez. Meanwhile, Urzaiz created another chance for himself just before half time but his shot lacked power.

Celta's passing game overcame Athletic's power play in the second half and the Galicians will feel they could have left with all three points. A Jonathan lob came back off the crossbar and was cleared to safety. Moments later, Jonathan failed to connect with only the keeper to beat. It was clear that Athletic would not hold out and after some tricky play on the left from Silva, the Brazilian's low cross was side footed into the net by Angel.

Yet, Athletic could have been ahead again from a corner only two minutes later. Dañobeita was surprised to find the ball land at his feet only yards out but was too hesitant. Athletic created little after that and Canobbio had a wonderful chance to take the three points to Vigo. But he shot wide from 12 yards after a great through pass from Silva.

This result has led to the departure of Athletic coach, Jose Luis Mendilibar. Javier Clemente has taken charge of the Basques for the third time. His first match will be a bottom of the table clash against Espanyol at Montjuic. The Catalan club may also dismiss with the services of their own coach, Lotina, before the weekend.