Athletic Club secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Sunday, scoring twice in a quick first-half burst before holding off a spirited second-half response from the hosts.
Álex Berenguer opened the scoring in the 20th minute after being picked out by Iñaki Williams, curling his effort into the net to give Athletic the lead.
The visitors doubled their advantage just two minutes later when Robert Navarro finished calmly after being set up by Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta.
Athletic dominated the opening period and could have extended their advantage before the break.
They registered 12 shots compared with Celta’s two and enjoyed 59 percent possession, while also creating several clear opportunities.
Celta improved considerably after the interval following a series of substitutions.
The hosts controlled 66 percent of possession in the second half and created opportunities to reduce the deficit, but Athletic’s defence remained firm.
Unai Simón made important interventions when required, while Celta goalkeeper Ionuț Radu also kept the scoreline respectable with several saves.
Despite Celta’s sustained pressure, Athletic remained organised and limited the hosts to just two shots on target throughout the match.
Athletic finished with 17 attempts to Celta’s eight and also created more dangerous opportunities.
The visitors’ defensive resilience ensured their two-goal advantage remained intact until the final whistle.
The victory gives Athletic Club another strong result early in the La Liga campaign, while Celta will be left to rue their failure to make their second-half dominance count on the scoresheet.
