Celta Vigo vs Athletic Bilbao prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 14 December 2025
As part of Matchday 16 in the Spanish La Liga, Celta will host Athletic in what promises to be a fascinating encounter. The game will take place in Vigo on Sunday, December 14, with kickoff scheduled for 16:15 Central European Time. I'm offering my pick for the winner of this clash.
Match preview
Celta Vigo are enduring a challenging 2025/26 season. The team’s performances have been inconsistent, alternating between wins and losses both at home and on the road. Their home matches are often high-scoring, but defensive lapses continue to cost them points against La Liga’s mid-table sides and outsiders.
In attack, Celta rely on the creativity of their midfield and the energy of their wide players. The team regularly creates chances, but their finishing is not always clinical. On average, the Vigo side score just over one goal per game and currently sit mid-table.
Special attention should be paid to their home form at Balaídos. Celta have yet to record a home win in the league this season, picking up only five points from eight matches. Only Levante have fared worse at home, managing to avoid defeat on just one occasion.
In midweek, Celta suffered a home defeat to Bologna in the Europa League. They currently sit 19th in their group, but still retain a realistic chance of reaching the playoffs.
Athletic Bilbao approach this match in solid form. Ernesto Valverde’s men have been getting good results and are highly effective on the counterattack. In recent outings, they’ve only lost to Real Madrid and Barcelona, with a playing style built on discipline and laser-sharp focus at key moments.
On the plus side, they recently clinched a La Liga victory over Atlético Madrid. Simeone’s men were kept quiet throughout, and Berenguer’s goal in the 85th minute allowed Athletic to celebrate in front of their home fans.
History shows that Bilbao are adept at picking up points against lower- and mid-table teams. However, this season’s away form has been less convincing, with Athletic collecting just seven points from seven road matches.
The Basques are still fighting in the Champions League, where they held a formidable PSG to a goalless draw at San Mamés in midweek. Although the home crowd didn’t see any goals, they certainly left satisfied with a draw that keeps their playoff hopes alive.
Match facts
- Celta have lost three straight home matches.
- Athletic have kept clean sheets in their last two away games.
- Celta average 0.85 goals per home game, while Athletic average 0.9 goals per away game.
Probable lineups
- Celta Vigo: Radu, Rodriguez, Starfelt, Alonso, Mingueza, Carreira, Roman, Moriba, Swedberg, Zaragoza, Iglesias.
- Athletic Bilbao: Simon, Gorosabel, Paredes, Vivian, Berchiche, Galarreta, Jauregizar, Sancet, Berenguer, N. Williams, Guruzeta.
H2H
In the last five meetings between these teams, both sides have found the net every time.
Prediction
Given the teams’ current form and playing styles, this promises to be a lively and evenly-matched contest. Celta will look to make the most of their home advantage, while Athletic will rely on counterattacks and their solid defense. The best bet looks to be on the Basques avoiding defeat.
