- Date and Time: Sunday, January 19, 2025, 13:00 GMT+1
- Venue: Estadio ABANCA Balaídos, Vigo, Spain
Celta Vigo vs Athletic Club Preview
Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo approaches this fixture with determination as they look to stabilize their La Liga campaign. The Galicians have shown recent flashes of brilliance, like their convincing 2-0 home victory over Real Sociedad. Pablo Durán stole the spotlight with a brace.
However, inconsistency remains a concern, as evidenced by their hard-fought but ultimately unsuccessful 2-1 defeat to Rayo Vallecano. That game highlighted their potential in attack and vulnerabilities in defence, particularly during transitional moments.
Offensively, Claudio Giráldez has relied heavily on a fluid 3-4-3 system designed to maximize the creativity of players like Borja Iglesias and Alfon González. The wingbacks play a crucial role in providing width, but lapses in defensive concentration often leave them exposed.
Contra vento e marea. Contra todo.@Farodevigo ⋄ #RealMadridCelta pic.twitter.com/MreLrOpG1x
— RC Celta (@RCCelta) January 17, 2025
Pablo Durán, a rising star, has emerged as a beacon of hope for Vigo. His sharp movements and clinical finishing are vital for breaking down compact defences.
Celta’s backline has struggled under pressure. The partnership of Starfelt and Mingueza needs to tighten up to withstand Athletic’s pacey counterattacks. Additionally, the absence of Iago Aspas, who remains sidelined due to injury, is a significant blow to Celta’s creativity and leadership.
Without him orchestrating play, much will depend on Ilaix Moriba’s ability to dictate the tempo and connect midfield to attack.
Grazas por apoiarnos un día máis ata o derradeiro alento, celtismo!
Sempre xuntos 🩵 O Celta é a nosa vida. pic.twitter.com/OfwkBM7iN2
— RC Celta (@RCCelta) January 16, 2025
Celta’s recent performances in the Copa del Rey offer some optimism. Their dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Racing Santander showcased their fighting spirit. However, the question remains whether they can maintain such energy and composure against an Athletic side known for its discipline and work rate.
Athletic Club
Athletic Bilbao comes into this match as a formidable opponent. Under the experienced guidance of Ernesto Valverde, the Basque side has consistently delivered strong performances this season.
Their La Liga campaign has seen them firmly positioned in the hunt for European spots, a testament to their tactical organization and attacking flair.
Athletic’s strength lies in their balanced 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows for defensive stability while enabling dynamic assaults through the flanks. The Williams brothers are key to this setup.
💪 We’ll pick ourselves up and keep going.
Always together. Always Athletic.#AthleticOsasuna 🏆 #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/Olv7TyONKA
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) January 16, 2025
Nico, in particular, has been in sensational form, frequently tormenting defences with his blistering pace and trickery. Iñaki, on the other hand, offers a physical presence and the ability to hold up play, creating space for midfield runners like Oihan Sancet and Alex Berenguer.
Defensively, Athletic have shown resilience, though cracks have appeared in high-pressure situations. Their 2-3 loss to Osasuna in the Copa del Rey highlighted a susceptibility to quick transitions and set-piece scenarios. These are areas that Celta will likely aim to exploit.
🔚 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘
Athletic lose to Osasuna and fall out of the 2024/25 Copa in the round of 16.#AthleticOsasuna 🏆 #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/0dIYZ1eQ7B
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) January 16, 2025
However, with Unai Simón in goal, Valverde’s club possesses one of Spain’s most reliable shot-stoppers. His command of the box and quick reflexes often prove decisive in tight games.
Athletic’s away form has been solid, with a disciplined approach often earning them results in challenging environments. This encounter represents an opportunity to build on their momentum and maintain their position in the upper echelons of the league table.
Bet hereCelta Vigo vs Athletic Club Prediction
- Football pick: Both Teams to Score
- Odds: 1.94 (22Bet)
- Score prediction: Celta Vigo 1-2 Athletic Club
Celta’s 3-4-3 formation provides attacking width and overloads in wide areas, but it also leaves their defence exposed during turnovers. Giráldez may instruct his wingbacks to sit deeper against Athletic’s dangerous wingers.
The guests, meanwhile, will look to exploit their hosts’ high defensive line with long balls to the Williams brothers, who thrive on running behind defenders.
Set pieces could play a significant role, as both teams have shown vulnerabilities in defending dead-ball situations. The Galicians, in particular, must avoid unnecessary fouls around their penalty area.
66′ THIS IS ATHLETIC!
4️⃣8️⃣,2️⃣3️⃣0️⃣ lionhearts roaring at The Cathedral! 🧣
2-2 I #AthleticOsasuna 🏆 #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/Y3opWgXu2b
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) January 16, 2025
Sunday promises a thrilling encounter between two sides with contrasting strengths. Celta’s attacking potential, led by Durán and Alfon González, ensures they’ll create chances, especially at home.
However, Athletic Bilbao’s superior organization and firepower, coupled with their ability to counterattack effectively, give them the edge. Expect goals from both teams, with the visitors narrowly clinching victory.
Celta Vigo vs Athletic Club Betting Tip
- Football Pick: Total Over 2.5 Goals
- Odds: 2.32 (22Bet)
This game offers a fascinating clash of styles: Celta’s adventurous yet fragile approach versus Athletic’s disciplined and counterattacking prowess. For the former, securing a positive result will depend on defensive solidity and set-piece opportunities. For Valverde’s men, superior form and exploiting their opposition’s defensive gaps could see them take all three points.
𝑭𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉. 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆.
WE´RE CELTA 🩵🤍 pic.twitter.com/g6Zv4gR8bD
— RC Celta English (@RCCeltaEN) January 16, 2025
Both teams have shown a tendency for high-scoring games, making a total of over 2.5 goals an attractive bet. Celta’s defensive lapses and Athletic’s clinical attackers suggest that goals will be plentiful. Additionally, players like Nico Williams and Pablo Durán are in excellent form, bolstering the likelihood of an open and entertaining match.
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