Nico Williams leads Bilbao to win over Atletico in La Liga. Benitez's Celta finally wins at home
Sat, Dec 16, 2023
Soccer News (AP)
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Nico Williams struck a superb goal to help Athletic Bilbao beat Atletico Madrid 2-0 and close on the top four in the Spanish league on Saturday.
The Spain winger added to Gorka Guruzeta's 51st-minute opener at San Mames Stadium.
Williams appeared to be well marked by defenders Mario Hermoso and Axel Witsel when he executed a quick cut back and lashed the ball in from a tight angle in the 64th.
Fifth-placed Bilbao moved to within two points of Atletico and Barcelona, who are level on points in third and fourth place, respectively. Barcelona visited Valencia later Saturday, while Atletico has a game in hand.
Bilbao bossed Atletico throughout.
Nico and brother Inaki Williams hit the post in the first half while Oihan Sancet squandered a penalty shot that he sent over the crossbar. Nico Williams earned the spot kick when he was tripped by Caglar Soyuncu in the Turkey defender's first start for Atletico.
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak showed some cat-like reflexes to get low to keep out an effort by Sancet. But he could do nothing to stop Guruzeta from close range when he was set up by Ander Herrera's lobbed pass.
Jon Rahm, whose signing for the Saudi-funded LIV tour stunned the golf world, took an honorary kickoff at San Mames wearing a red-and-white scarf for the home side. Rahm's birthplace is near Bilbao in the northern Basque Country region.
FIRST HOME WIN
Rafa Benitez earned some relief after his Celta Vigo won its first home game by edging Granada 1-0 to exit the relegation zone.
Jorgen Strand Larsen used the back of his heel to score in the first half.
The match was the first for Celta since Marian Mourino became the first woman to preside over the club, and the only woman to lead a top-flight club in Spain.
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