Last-minute penalty gives Athletic Bilbao 4-3 win over Celta in eventful Spanish league match
BILBAO, Spain (AP) — Gorka Guruzeta scored two goals and Álex Berenguer converted a stoppage-time penalty as Athletico Bilbao twice came from behind to defeat Celta Vigo 4-3 in the Spanish league on Friday.
The win extended Bilbao's unbeaten streak at home to six games and closed the gap to the top four to one point.
But it was Celta’s Iago Aspas who silenced the home crowd after 25 minutes when he opened the scoring with a low shot from just outside the box. It was the first goal of the season for the 36-year-old former Liverpool player.
Oihan Sancet equalized seven minutes before halftime for Athletic but Celta regained the lead just three minutes later thanks to Jonathan Bamba.
Guruzeta equalized in first-half stoppage time when he turned in a cross from the left and then put Bilbao ahead for the first time with another poacher’s goal seven minutes into the second half. It was the second time this season that Guruzeta has scored twice and takes his league tally to six goals in 12 games.
With Aspas in commanding form, Celta battled back and Strand Larsen made it 3-3 midway through the second half.
After Aspas missed from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute it looked like the points would be shared until deep into stoppage time.
Oscar Mingueza was penalized for a handball inside the box and Berenguer converted with 98 minutes on the clock to complete the comeback for the home side.
“It was a great game for the fans,” Guruzeta said. “We didn’t give up. They started strongly but you have to fight back.”
The result meant another disappointing night for Celta coach Rafa Benitez. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach has managed only one league win all season and Celta remains third bottom of La Liga.
Athletic is in fifth place.
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