Athletic Club kicked off the new year with their first away victory of the season, defeating Celta 2-1 in the first match of Aitor Elizegi's reign as president.
Given that Athletic Club had won just one away game in the entirety of 2018, and that they're now unbeaten in five matches under Gaizka Garitano, this was a hugely encouraging night.
They have tightened up defensively since Garitano replaced Eduardo Berizzo last month, conceding just twice in five games. In this clash they played a 4-2-3-1, which arguably was a 4-4-1-1 because the wingers Oscar De Marcos and Inigo Cordoba tracked back and defended so diligently. Dani Garcia and Benat were excellent screening midfielders and Iker Muniain provided a link to Inaki Williams in attack.
Athletic were able to exploit gaps in the Celta midfield. Miguel Cardoso opted for a 4-3-3 system in the absence of top scorer Iago Aspas, and his side never really looked in control. Their passing was laboured and predictable - much like Athletic's was under Berizzo.
Unai Nunez forced a good save from Ruben Blanco on 11 minutes, before Maxi Gomez rattled a post with a free kick.
Five minutes later Athletic went in front after an magnificent counter attack. Williams and Muniain were involved in their own half before De Marcos sent a long ball forward for Williams to chase. The 26 year old kept it in and danced beyond Gustavo Cabral, into the box. Muniain had made a lung bursting run from deep, and Okay Yokuslu failed to track him. The Athletic captain finished from close range, scoring his fifth goal of the season, and his first in nine matches.
Celta were subdued for the remainder of the half. Although Athletic were without Raul Garcia and Yeray Alvarez (both suspended) they were compact in defense and Celta struggled to provide service for Maxi. Sofiane Boufal and Brais Mendez (on his 22nd birthday) were frustrated on the wings, as were Hugo Mallo and David Junca who came forward frequently from full back.
In added time at the end of the half Maxi did force a corner, and out of the blue Fran Beltran popped up to equalise after Maxi's flick on. This was the 19 year old's first goal in 85 matches, and his first ever goal in the Spanish top flight.
After half time Celta pressed a little more aggresively but Athletic remained the more effective team. Williams had already missed one chance when Celta were caught napping: they allowed a clearance from goalkeeper Iago Herrerin to run between their centre backs and put Williams through on goal. The Liberia-born number nine never looked like missing - he took four touches to coolly finish beyond Blanco. This was his 15th consecutive league goal away from San Mames. For only the second time in 14 matches, Athletic had scored more than one goal.
Cardoso's team never mounted a creditable fight back. Their three substitutes: Pione Sisto, Dennis Eckert and Andrew Hjulsager had one goal between them all season, and failed to make an impact. Cardoso's team became more of a 4-4-2 with Brais Mendez and Sisto on the flanks and Eckert joining Maxi in attack. But Athletic remained comfortable. Celta's crosses were frequently inaccurate, and cleared by Inigo Martinez and Unai Nunez who were both strong in the air.
Celta did, however, fashion one clear chance. It came in the 96th minute but Maxi headed wide when well placed. It was an uncharacteristic miss from the sort of cross he usually thrives on.
Cardoso's team lost for the second match running and are now two points above the relegation zone. They've scored just once in five hours and nine minutes of play. They face 19th place Rayo Vallecano, away, next.
Athletic climbed to 17th, meaning Villarreal drop into the bottom three. Garitano's team will now play Sevilla three times in seven days: twice in the Copa Del Rey and once in the league.
Images from La Vanguardia and AS
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