Sofia Quijada
Athletic Bilbao and Celta Vigo face off in a late-season La Liga clash at San Mamés Stadium, both seeking to finish strong in a campaign where consistency has eluded them. With just six points separating the teams, every point still holds weight for both clubs’ final standings. Both sides have produced mixed results lately but retain threats capable of deciding tight games. Gorka Guruzeta for Bilbao stands out as a reliable source of goals, while Borja Iglesias for Celta Vigo remains a danger up front. Hot stat: Celta Vigo have committed 60 fouls and received 11 yellow cards in their last five matches, indicating their physical edge could influence the flow of play.
| 🏆 Tournament: | La Liga 2025/26 Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao |
| 🗓️ Date: | 17.05.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:00 CEST |
Athletic Bilbao vs Celta Vigo prediction
We predict a match that will be tightly contested, with both teams showing attacking intent but also defensive vulnerabilities. Our preferred value pick: Both Teams To Score (Yes). Bilbao’s home games have seen frequent goal exchanges, and Celta’s attack, led by Borja Iglesias and Ferrán Jutglà, has been productive against similar opposition. Bilbao’s latest form (13 goals in their last five) and Celta’s willingness to commit men forward point to open play. The visitors’ physical style — as shown by their high foul and yellow card numbers — might disrupt Bilbao’s passing but will also lead to set-piece opportunities on both ends. Expect aggressive duels and moments of space in transition.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Over 4.5 cards |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Athletic Bilbao come into this fixture after a disappointing 0-2 home loss against RCD Espanyol. Their recent five-match form is patchy: two wins, three defeats, with 7 goals scored and 7 conceded. The side generates a solid number of shots (53 in the last five) and relies on Guruzeta for attacking threat. Defensive lapses remain an issue, as shown by 53 goals conceded in 36 games. The latest match highlighted issues in transition and difficulties breaking down deep blocks.
Celta Vigo are fresh from a frustrating 2-3 home defeat to Levante. Their last five produced two wins, three losses, with 7 goals both scored and allowed. Celta show energy in the final third, yet discipline is a concern — 11 yellow cards in five games, combined with 60 fouls, reflect their aggressive approach. Their 2353 passes over five matches suggest a technical midfield, but turnovers and defensive gaps have led to costly concessions, especially late in games.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Athletic Bilbao | Celta Vigo |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 7 | 7 |
| Total shots | 53 | 35 |
| Free kicks | 0 | 1 |
| Corner kicks | 38 | 16 |
| Total fouls | 60 | 60 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 79% | 86% |
| Interceptions | 44 | 34 |
| Offsides | 5 | 12 |
🚨Check out our dedicated Athletic Bilbao vs Celta Vigo stats page for more info.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Athletic Bilbao the favourite
- Moneyline Athletic Bilbao 2.23–2.31 | Celta Vigo 3.54–3.67
- Draw 3.12–3.25
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.02 | Under 2.5 1.75
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.85 | No 1.92
Bookmakers see Bilbao as marginal favourites, given their home edge and Celta’s patchy away results. The value on the visitors is tempting, but Bilbao’s home scoring rate and Celta’s defensive record tilt the probabilities. The odds on goals markets suggest an open contest, and both teams’ recent defensive showings make the Both Teams To Score market attractive. The relatively balanced odds reflect both sides’ recent inconsistencies.
Possible Starting Lineups
Athletic Bilbao possible starting eleven
- GK: Unai Simon
- DF: Andoni Gorosabel, Aymeric Laporte, Yeray Álvarez, Yuri Berchiche
- MF: Oihan Sancet, Iñigo Ruiz De Galarreta, Mikel Jauregizar, Alejandro Rego Mora
- FW: Gorka Guruzeta, Nicholas Williams Arthuer
Simon starts in goal, providing stability. Laporte and Álvarez anchor the back four with Gorosabel and Berchiche as attacking full-backs. In midfield, Sancet brings creativity, Jauregizar and Ruiz De Galarreta add work rate and passing. Rego Mora offers versatility. Guruzeta leads the line with Nicholas Williams’ pace a key threat. Valverde likely opts for a 4-4-2, maximizing width and direct attacks. Keep a close eye on Guruzeta and Williams, both influential in recent fixtures.
Celta Vigo possible starting eleven
- GK: Ionuț Andrei Radu
- DF: Javier Rodríguez Galiano, Sergio Carreira Vilarino, Yoel Lago, Marcos Alonso
- MF: Oscar Mingueza, Hugo Sotelo, Ilaix Moriba, Fer López, Williot Swedberg
- FW: Borja Iglesias
Radu starts between the sticks. The defense, marshaled by Rodríguez Galiano, blends youth and experience with Carreira, Lago, and Alonso. Mingueza and Moriba anchor the midfield, supporting attacking midfielders Sotelo, López, and Swedberg. Iglesias starts as the lone striker, benefiting from service out wide. Claudio Giráldez prefers a 4-2-3-1, with plenty of support for Iglesias. Iglesias and Swedberg are the key attacking outlets, capable of breaking open Bilbao’s defense.
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Celta Vigo. Source: Official Website
TipsGG Match Prediction
We predict a high-tempo clash at San Mamés. Both teams possess enough attacking power to score, yet defensive errors are likely. Celta’s physicality and Bilbao’s directness point to an open game. Our top pick: Both Teams To Score, with over 2.5 goals a close second. Cards and set-piece situations could prove decisive, particularly with Celta’s aggressive style. Expect a fast start, plenty of transitions, and goals on both ends.
