Celta Vigo vs Ath Bilbao Prediction & Betting Tips (14 December)

Celta Vigo enter this clash against Athletic Bilbao with renewed confidence after a turbulent but encouraging run of results. In the past two months, Claudio Giráldez’s side has shown resilience despite struggling at Balaídos, where they fell 0-1 to Espanyol at the end of November. Away from home, however, they have been far more effective, securing a 1-0 win over Alavés and a stunning 2-0 triumph at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid, a result that shocked the league and highlighted the potential of young midfielder Williot Swedberg, who scored twice. This victory was particularly significant as it marked Celta’s first win at Madrid in nearly two decades, and it has injected belief into a squad that had previously been hovering near the lower half of the table. Their form remains inconsistent, but the ability to upset giants has made them a dangerous opponent.

Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, arrive with mixed fortunes of their own. Ernesto Valverde’s men suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat at home to Real Madrid on December 3, where Kylian Mbappé’s brilliance proved too much for their defense. Yet they bounced back impressively just days later, defeating Atlético Madrid 1-0 at San Mamés thanks to a late strike from Alex Berenguer. This result reaffirmed their reputation as a team capable of grinding out results against top opposition, especially in front of their passionate home crowd. Prior to that, Bilbao had beaten Levante 2-0 away and Oviedo 1-0 at home, though they were humbled 0-4 by Barcelona at Camp Nou in late November. Their campaign has been marked by inconsistency, but they remain firmly in the hunt for European places, sitting in the upper mid-table with a squad blending experienced figures like Iñaki Williams and Aymeric Laporte with emerging talents.

The narrative of this fixture is shaped by both clubs’ recent highs and lows. Celta Vigo’s shock win over Real Madrid has given them momentum, while Athletic Bilbao’s victory against Atlético has restored belief after their setback against Los Blancos. Both sides have demonstrated defensive vulnerabilities, but also flashes of attacking quality that can turn games in an instant. Celta’s reliance on Iago Aspas for leadership and Swedberg’s growing influence contrasts with Bilbao’s wide threats from Nico Williams and Berenguer. The tactical battle will likely hinge on whether Bilbao can impose their pressing style or if Celta can replicate the disciplined, counter-attacking approach that worked so well in Madrid. With both teams eager to climb the table, the stakes are high, and the atmosphere promises to be intense.

Looking ahead to the encounter, the prediction leans toward Celta Vigo capitalizing on their newfound confidence and Bilbao’s occasional lapses in defense. The Sky Blues have shown they can rise to big occasions, and with home advantage this time, they may find the breakthrough moments needed to secure victory. Athletic Bilbao’s resilience will test them, but the balance of recent form suggests Celta can edge this contest. Therefore, the forecast is a 2-0 scoreline in favor of Celta Vigo, a result that would further solidify their resurgence and underline their ability to challenge for a stronger position in La Liga.