La Liga 2024-2025: Celta Vigo-Athletic Bilbao, the probable formations
Celta Vigo-Athletic Bilbao, the probable formations
Celta Vigo and Athletic Bilbao, still hurt by the elimination in the Copa del Rey, face off at 2 p.m. at the Balaidos in the 20th day of La Liga. Celta Vigo, defeated 5-2 in extra time against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, è looking for vital points to distance themselves from the relegation zone. The Galicians, currently 12th with 24 points, boast the fourth-best home record in La Liga, with 20 points won in 10 games, but will have to deal with the absence of disqualified Marcos Alonso and uncertainty over Aspas's presence.
On the other side, Athletic Bilbao hunting for redemption after the double defeat in the Super Cup against Barcelona (2-0) and in the Copa del Rey against Osasuna (3-2), but è in excellent form in the league. Valverde’s team, in fourth place with 36 points, has not known defeat in La Liga since October and has ambitions for a Champions League spot, which has been missing since 2014. Their away performance è impressive (18 points in 9 games), and the offensive trident formed by Williams, Guruzeta and Berenguer è fearsome.
In last season’s confrontation, Celta got the better of it (2-1), but Athletic has already taken its revenge by winning 3-1 in this year’s first leg. Giraldez relies on Borja Iglesias, supported by Bamba and Cervi, to penetrate the Basque defense, while Valverde hopes to have Sancet available to reinforce an already top-notch midfield.
Probable lineups
Celta Vigo (4-2-3-1): Guaita; Mingueza, Starfelt, Dominguez, Carreira; Moriba, Beltran; Duran, Bamba, Cervi; Iglesias. Coach: Claudio Giraldez.
Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Yuri; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Guruzeta. Coach: Ernesto Valverde.
