Week 23's final La Liga clash pitted Celta Vigo against Athletic Bilbao at the Baladios.
The home side had the better of the chances in the first period, but could not force a breakthrough with the pair level at the interval.
Both sides had opportunities in an open second half, but neither could find the back of the net as the points were shared in Vigo.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 23 in La Liga comes to a close this evening as Celta Vigo welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Baladios. Celta have won three of their last five in the league, with that run of form leaving them in 11th in the table. Bilbao, meanwhile, have their sights firmly set on a top-four finish. As it stands, they are three points from nearest challengers Villarreal, who sit fifth.
TEAMS:
CELTA: Yoel; Mallo, Cabral, Fontas, Jonny; Krohn-Dehli, Rafinha, Lopez, Mina; Charles, Orellana
BILBAO: Iraizoz; De Marcos, Gurpegi, Laporte, Balenziaga; Iturraspe, Rico, Herrera; Susaeta, Aduriz, Muniain
So there we have it. Incredibly attacking Celta lineup this evening with forward-thinking Rafinha, Michael Krohn-Dehli, Santi Mina joining Charles and Fabian Orellana in the XI. Bilbao, meanwhile, continue with a front three of Aritz Aduriz, Markel Susaeta and Iker Muniain. Oscar de Marcos is preferred at right-back to Iraola, but Ibai Gomez is once more on the bench.
Camisetas de raizoz, @ayme47 @Erikmoran6 y San José. #arhlive pic.twitter.com/7qSjivrOBt
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) February 10, 2014
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Bilbao have won three of the last five matches, with Celta winning once and the further fixture ending in a draw. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 1-1 draw, but Bilbao won 4-0 at San Mames when the pair met earlier this season.
Celta struggled for consistency in the early part of the campaign, with much of their time spent in and around the bottom three. However, boss Luis Enrique has found a winning formula in recent weeks with back-to-back wins over Real Betis and Granada leaving them 11th in the table. That said, they are just four points outside of the bottom three.
Winning on their own patch proved to be problematic for Celta earlier in the season, but they have picked up three victories in this stadium, losing four times in the process. Their away form has been impressive in relation to the teams around them, however, with four wins. That is the same number of victories as Bilbao have managed on their travels.
Finding the back of the net has not been too much of a problem for Celta this season with 29 goals in their 22 matches. Meanwhile, Bilbao have registered 42 goals, which is the fourth-best record in the league. Down the other end, Celta have conceded 35 times, but kept just three clean sheets in the process, while Bilbao have conceded 28 in their 22 matches.
It has been an impressive campaign for Bilbao, who have won 13 of their 22 matches this season. That form has left them in fourth position on 43 points, three points clear of fifth-place Villarreal, who have played one game more. Another victory for the Basque outfit this evening would open up a healthy gap.
That said, Bilbao have struggled to pick up results on their travels. They have won four times, but all five of their league defeats this season have been away from San Mames. Their home form has been sensational with nine wins from their 12 matches, remaining unbeaten in the process. In-form Real Madrid could only pick up a point from San Mames last weekend.
PREDICTION: Bilbao are enjoying a wonderful season, but Celta have really started to find some form, especially in this stadium. Both are in desperate need of the points, but for very different reasons. I am struggling to make a case for either to collect all the points and will therefore back a 1-1 draw in Vigo.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be vital this evening. Right, the away side get the first 45 minutes underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere, which is not much of a surprise. It's a bright start from the home side as Charles spins on the edge of the box before driving a low cross towards Orellana, but Iraizoz is on hand to collect at the vital moment.
Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about in the opening four minutes with Celta in complete control of proceedings. Another half-chance arrives as Orellana drives into the box, but Laporte is across to clear, before the resulting corner is headed clear by Gurpegi.
Penalty shout for the home side as Balenziaga appears to handle inside the box, but the referee is not interested despite calls from the supporters. Bilbao just cannot keep the ball at the moment as the explosive start from Celta continues in Vigo.
Good pressure from Bilbao in the last couple of moments as the away side force two corners in quick succession, but Fontas and Mallo take it in turns to clear the danger. Neither side has really been able to settle as the intensity continues in the middle of the park. Not a match for the faint-hearted.
Positive goalkeeping from Yoel as the Celta stopper comes a long way outside his box to head clear under pressure from Aduriz. Much better from Bilbao in the last minute or two with the likes of Herrera and Muniain seeing more of the ball. However, no clear chances for either thus far.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. Celta have the chance to deliver into the Bilbao box after Gurpegi fells Orellana, but the resulting set piece is cleared at the near post by Herrera, who leads a counter down the other end moments later.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking opportunities in the last few minutes with a succession of injury problems slowing the tempo. Neither side has really come close to opening the scoring thus far, but there has been plenty of intent. The opening 15 minutes has flown past in Vigo.
CHANCE! The first real opportunity falls to Mina as Orellana finds his Celta teammate with a sweeping pass, but Mina's volleyed effort is just wide of the far post. Not too much for the Bilbao supporters to get excited about, however, with 17 minutes on the clock.
Couple of positive moment for Bilbao as Muniain and Herrera both deliver crosses into the Celta box in quick succession, but Aduriz cannot make his mark in the air. The home side pass and probe down the other end, but once more a move breaks down before Bilbao launch a counter of their own. End-to-end football at the Baladios.
CLOSE! Another opportunity for the home side as Charles uses his strength to wriggle into the Bilbao box, but his final effort is just wide of the post. The better moments have come for Celta, but Bilbao remain a threat on the counter.
Opportunity for Celta to threaten from a free kick as Rafinha is felled outside the box by Rico, who picks up a yellow card for his troubles. The resulting set piece is taken by Krohn-Dehli, but his effort is straight into the wall. The rebound falls for Rafinha, but he fires wide of the post.
Charles thinks he has another sight of goal as he collects a through pass from Alex Lopez, but the Brazilian had just moved into an offside position. The home side continue to look the most likely on their own patch with Bilbao struggling to find their tempo in the final third.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee on hand to address a number of late challenges. This time Bilbao have the chance to deliver into the box, but Yoel rises at the far post to clear under pressure from Aduriz.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Orellana drives down the left before finding Rafinha inside the Bilbao box. The attacker takes one touch to settle before releasing one towards the top corner, but it is deflected high and wide of the crossbar. Celta should be ahead here.
Charles is again involved for the home side as the Brazilian combines with Lopez before driving into the box, but Rico is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The pressure continues from a Mallo cross, but Laporte heads clear. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Vigo. Somehow it is still goalless.
Celta only know how to play one way and that is open, expansive football. The home side continue to force the issue, but you just get the feeling that they might be made to regret missed opportunities. The card count continues to rise as Iturraspe enters the book for a tug on Celta's Orellana in the Bilbao half.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with both sides forcing the issue in the final third, but the stronger chances continue to fall for the home side. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in terms of the final result.
Good spell for Bilbao in the last couple of moments with the Basque outfit forcing two corners in quick succession, but Fontas and Mallo take it in turns to clear the danger. Rico chases a through pass from Aduriz moments later, but Yoel is on hand to clear at the vital moment.
Another half-chance for the home side as Mallo finds some space down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Iraizoz collects under pressure from Charles. Bilbao have a similar opportunity down the other end, but the same outcome arrives.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments as both sides prepare for the interval. You just get the feeling that the home side might be made to regret missed opportunities. Bilbao are fortunate to be level at this stage of proceedings.
POST! Oh my word. Another golden chance for the home side as Charles collects possession inside the box before releasing one towards the top corner, but his effort rattles against the post.
HALF TIME: Celta 0-0 Bilbao
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. However, quite how this match is goalless is a mystery. Celta have dominated proceedings and indeed had three or four golden chances, but have been unable to find the back of the net against a lacklustre Bilbao outfit.
STATISTICS: The home side have just about shaded the possession with 55%, while they have had seven attempts to Bilbao's four. However, the away side have not really worried Yoel thus far. It has been a feisty half in terms of challenges, meanwhile, with the referee issuing two yellow cards to the away side.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Mario Bermejo, Nolito and Augusto Fernandez. Meanwhile, Bilbao have the likes of Kike Sola, Ibai Gomez and Mikel San Jose in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Can Bilbao up their intensity in the second 45 minutes? The home side get the action underway.
No changes from either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will look at possible alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. Composed start to the half from Bilbao, are are enjoying the early possession.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. Bilbao have the chance to deliver a deep free kick into the box through Susaeta, but once more Fontas is on hand to clear. Moments later, Herrera is ruled offside after moving behind the Celta defence.
Half-chance for the home side as Orellana drives down the line before rolling a low cross into the box, but Laporte is on hand to clear under pressure from Rafinha. The end-to-end period continues as Bilbao break with De Marcos, but Rafinha takes possession away from the defender before gaining a free kick.
Untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee continually forced to address a series of late challenges. The play continues to flow from end-to-end, but both sides have been guilty of losing possession in the final third. Still goalless with 55 minutes on the clock.
Celta make their first change of the match with little over 30 minutes remaining as experienced midfielder Fernandez enters the field in place of Mina, who has faded after a bright start. Still no movement on the Bilbao bench, but they also have a number of attacking options. It is a surprise that Gomez has not yet been called upon.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Celta continue to look the team more inventive in the final third. Charles has a sight of goal after good work from Orellana, but he takes one touch too many and Laporte is across to clear the danger.
Half-chance for the away side as Susaeta finds some space inside the Celta box, but his effort is straight at Mallo from close range. You just get the feeling that one goal would be enough to take all three points, which is quite incredible when taking into account the number of attacking players on the field.
It is like a basketball match at the moment as both sides continue to exchange spells in the final third. Susaeta threatens for Bilbao with a deep cross towards Aduriz, but once more Yoel is in control. Down the other end, Charles has a close-range strike blocked by Laporte.
Celta make their second change of the match as Nolito enters the field in place of Lopez. It is incredible how many attackers the home side currently have on the field. However, that could be their undoing with Bilbao starting to enjoy more and more of the ball in the middle of the park.
Bilbao make their first change of the match and it is their summer signing from Osasuna Kike Sola that enters proceedings in place of Aduriz, who has struggled to make his mark this evening. I predicted a draw at the start of the match and that is indeed the case with little more than 20 minutes remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides finding it difficult to force the issue in the final third. In truth, a draw would not be the worst result for either side, but Celta continue to look the team more likely. That said, clear chances have been at a premium in the second period.
Half-chance for the home side as Charles combines with Fernandez before attempting to test the Bilbao stopper, but Laporte is on hand to make a fine block. The rebound falls to Fernandez, but his effort is wide of the post. Little over 15 minutes remaining.
Opportunity for Celta to threaten from a free kick as Orellana is pulled down by Gurpegi down the left. The resulting set piece is driven into the near post by Nolito, but Herrera clears with a brave header. Still it remains goalless with 75 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! It's brilliant work from Muniain as the Bilbao winger cuts inside two defenders before curling one towards the far corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Moments later, Bilbao make their second change with Gomez replacing Susaeta.
Half-chance for the away side as Muniain breaks down the left before drilling a low cross towards Sola, but the striker cannot make contact at the vital moment. Not too much from the home side in the last few moments with Bilbao enjoying their best spell of the evening.
Another sight of goal for Bilbao as Herrera finds some space outside the box before sliding a pass towards Gomez, but his effort is just wide of the post. Celta break down the other end with Charles, but his cross is straight into the arms of the Bilbao stopper.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bilbao to take the lead as De Marcos's low cross causes all sorts of problems in the Celta box, but Cabral just manages to clear under pressure from Sola, who looked certain to tap home from close range.
Celta look to their bench for a third time as Mario Bermejo enters the field in place of Charles. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Gomez delivers a low cross towards Muniain, but the Bilbao winger just takes it too wide of the goal.
It might be 0-0, but that does not tell the whole story - far from it. The first period belonged to Celta, but Bilbao have had a number of opportunities in the latter stages of the second half. Is there to be late drama in Vigo? Both sides could make a case for deserving all the points.
CHANCE! It's brilliant work from Rafinha as the on-loan Barcelona forward drops his shoulder on the edge of the box before curling one towards the top corner, but it just moves wide of the Bilbao post. Moments later, Bilbao make their final change as Iraola replaces Herrera.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the third of those. Celta threaten with two corners in quick succession, but Gurpegi and Sola take it in turns to clear the danger.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance at the death for Celta as Orellana finds the head of Bermejo inside the box, but his effort is just high of the crossbar.
FULL TIME: Celta 0-0 Bilbao
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with the points shared in a goalless draw. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us tomorrow for Copa del Rey semi-final action between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. Until then!
