The penultimate Copa del Rey last-32 clash on Saturday evening pitted Celta Vigo against Athletic Bilbao.
Bilbao had the better chances in the first period, but neither could make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
The deadlock was broken in the second half, however, as Santi Mina found the back of the net for Celta 20 minutes from time.
Read how the first leg unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary below.
Evening all! Our Copa del Rey fourth-round coverage continues this evening as Celta Vigo welcome Athletic Bilbao. Neither will be too happy about drawing La Liga opposition in this round of the competition, but there will be no surprises for either manager. Meanwhile, both enter the match off the back of positive league wins last weekend.
Celta were 3-1 winners on their own patch against Almeria, but that was their first win in three league matches. Bilbao, meanwhile, picked up their result of the season as they beat Barcelona 1-0 at San Mames. Not only did the three points move them into fourth spot in the table, it condemned Barcelona to their first league defeat of the campaign.
TEAMS:
CELTA VIGO: Sergio; Mallo, Costas, Cabral, Jonny; Lopez, Rafinha, Krohn-Dehli, Orellana; Nolito, Mina
ATHLETIC BILBAO: Herrerin; Iraola, San Jose, Gurpegi, Balenziaga; Muniain, Iturraspe, Rico, Herrera, Susaeta; Toquero
So there we have it. Celta boss Luis Enrique names an attacking lineup this evening with Rafinha, Michael Krohn-Dehli, Nolito and Santi Mina all selected. Bilbao, meanwhile, will line up with a five-man midfield. Iker Muniain starts on the right, while Markel Susaeta will operate on the opposite wing.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Bilbao have won two of the last five, with Celta winning once and the further two ending in draws. As mentioned, the pair have already met in the league this season, with Bilbao winning 3-2. However, the league fixture in this stadium last season ended 1-1.
It was always going to be a difficult season for Celta after losing a number of key players in the summer, but they are out of the relegation zone after 15 matches. They have won four of their 15 league games this season, with a total of 15 points leaving them in 14th position. That said, they have won just once on their own patch this season.
Celta were knocked out of this competition by Real Madrid last season and it is no secret that they will prioritise the league over cup success. The goals have flowed for Celta at times in the league this season, however, with 20 strikes in their 15 matches, which is the ninth-best record in the league. Down the other end, they have conceded 23 times.
Bilbao, meanwhile, are arguably in their best form of the season. They have lost just one of their last five matches in the league, with last weekend’s 1-0 win over Barcelona moving them into a Champions League position. That said, their form on the road this season has been patchy with three wins and four defeats in the league.
Bilbao have a rich history in the Copa del Rey, meanwhile, having tasted success in this competition 23 times – the last of which came in 1984. The Basque outfit have also finished as runners-up on 13 occasions. They got to the final in 2012, but were beaten by 3-0 by Barcelona following a brace from Pedro and a strike from Lionel Messi.
PREDICTION: The team selection this evening has shown that both managers are taking the competition seriously. There are subtle changes to the starting XI of each side, but the majority of the big names are on display. Bilbao enter the match in the better form, but I think Celta have enough to pick up a point in the first leg. My score prediction is a 1-1 draw.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come later in the month. Right, the home side get the first half underway. Let's hope for goals.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. You just get the feeling that Celta need to take a lead into the second leg if they are to book their spot in the fifth round. Good possession for Bilbao in the early stages with Herrera and Rico enjoying early touches.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening four minutes, but both teams are committing players in the final third. Nolito embarks on a positive run into the Bilbao box moments later, but Gurpegi is across to clear, before Herrera picks up a free kick after tumbling under pressure from Mina.
It's bright work from Bilbao as Herrera finds some space in the middle of the park before playing in Muniain, but his low cross is cleared by Costas. Balenziaga comes forward from defence moments later, but his cross goes behind for a goal kick. End-to-end football in this Copa del Rey clash, but still no goals or indeed real chances.
Neither side is really in control of the possession at the moment as each continues to relinquish the ball in the middle of the park. Rafinha attempts to force one towards Mina moments later, but the youngster had moved into an offside position. Susaeta finds himself in the Celta box moments later, but a free kick is awarded as the Spaniard backs into Costas.
Nolito takes matters into his own hands for Celta moments later as he drives down the left, but Balenziaga is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Bilbao break into the Celta box, but Toquero cannot collect under pressure from Cabral. Still goalless with 11 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! First real chance of the match as Toquero drives down the left before finding Muniain inside the Celta box, but the Spaniard can only turn wide of the post from close range. That is the closest either has come to opening the scoring. Moments later, San Jose strikes one straight at Alvarez.
Good pressure from Celta in the last couple of moments with Nolito and Mina both delivering low crosses into the box, but Iraola and Gurpegi take it in turns to clear the danger. Bilbao break down the other end with Toquero moments later, but the Spaniard tumbles inside the box. He asks for a penalty, but the referee is not interested.
The Bilbao supporters have turned out in their numbers this evening and they will be pleased with what they have seen in the opening 18 minutes. Their side has had the majority of the possession and the only real chance. However, still goalless in the first leg of this last-32 Copa del Rey clash.
CHANCE! Bilbao come close to taking the lead as Toquero drives down the left before finding Herrera inside the box, but his effort is straight at Alvarez. The Basque outfit are just starting to take control of this match, with Herrera and Rico both given licence to pass Toquero in the final third.
Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the last couple of moments with their side struggling to put together a passing sequence in the Bilbao half. Bilbao launch another attack moments later as Herrera slides one towards Toquero, but Jonny is across to clear. Plenty happening, but still goalless.
Good pressure from Celta as they force two corners in quick succession, but Iraola and Gurpegi take it in turns to clear the danger. The referee is called into action moments later as Herrera hits the deck under pressure from Lopez, before Muniain fires one high and wide of the crossbar from distance.
It's good work from Krohn-Dehli as the Dane drives through the heart of the Bilbao box before preparing to pull the trigger, but Rico is across to clear at the vital moment. That has been about as good as it has got for Celta in the opening 27 minutes. Bilbao have been the more dominant team that is for certain.
Half-chance for Celta as Orellana collects possession outside the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post at the final moment. Bilbao break down the other end with Herrera, but his final pass asks too much from Muniain.
It is almost like a basketball match at the moment with both sides committing numbers in the final third. Alex Lopez strikes one from outside the box for the home side, but his effort is straight at Herrerin. Bilbao break down the other end and force a free kick, but Susaeta's delivery is hooked clear by Costas at the vital moment. Still goalless with 32 minutes on the clock.
Rafinha is the latest to enter the referee's book as the Celta midfielder fells Muniain on the break. The resulting free kick is taken by Susaeta, but once more the danger is headed clear. Celta just cannot clear their lines as San Jose hits one from distance, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining and still the match remains goalless. Bilbao will be keen to score an away goal this evening, but a goalless draw would not be a bad result. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Bilbao continue to control the possession in Vigo.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as San Jose collects a cross from Susaeta before attempting to find the bottom corner, but somehow he fires wide of the post. Incredible opportunity for the Basque outfit, who have certainly been the more productive in the final third.
Bilbao continue to break with numbers as Herrera leads a three-on-two situation, but Muniain cannot collect at the vital moment. The Spaniard does manage to drive into the Celta box moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of Alvarez. Frustration from the home supporters as Bilbao continue to dominate.
CHANCE! Another half-chance for the away side as Iturraspe finds some space outside the box before curling one towards the top corner, but Alvarez makes the save. Celta are down the other end moments later with Mina, but his effort is straight at Herrerin. What a chance for the 18-year-old.
Good spell for Celta in the latter stages of the first period as they continue to deliver crosses into the Bilbao box, but they have struggled to create real chances. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come next week. We are into the final minute of normal time in the first period.
HALF TIME: Celta Vigo 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at the interval. Celta have had their moments in an open 45 minutes, including a golden chance that fell to Mina in the latter stages, but Bilbao have had the better of the chances in the first leg.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Mario Bermejo, Madinda and Rodriguez. Meanwhile, Atletico have the likes of Aduriz, Oscar de Marcos and Ibai Gomez in reserve. Both certainly have personnel that could influence proceedings.
The referee has been forced to issue three yellow cards in the first period. The first arrived after 31 minutes for Muniain, before Rafinha and Krohn-Dehli collected cards for Celta in the latter stages of the half. In truth, a goalless draw would not be the worst result for either side. However, I would be surprised if there were not goals in the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. Just a reminder that following this match Real Madrid are in action as Los Blancos travel to Olimpic de Xativa. Be sure to remain with us for that. Right, the away side get the second period underway in Vigo.
You just get the feeling that Celta need to take a lead into the second leg if they are to advance into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. Bilbao have been extremely strong on their home patch this season, remaining unbeaten in the league. Bright start to the second period from Bilbao, with the likes of Rico and Susaeta enjoying plenty of touches in the middle of the park.
Half-chance for Rafinha as the on-loan Barcelona attacker finds some space outside the Bilbao box, but he cannot get enough power in his strike. Bilbao are on the counter moments later with Iraola, but the right-back can only fire high and wide of the crossbar. Plenty happening with 50 minutes on the clock in Vigo.
Opportunity for Celta to threaten from a free kick as Orellana is felled outside the box. However, the set piece is played short before Iraola clears the danger. Bilbao are on the counter moments later with Toquero, but the Spaniard is fouled by Jonny. Still goalless in the first leg of this Copa del Rey fourth-round clash.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to deal with a number of late challenges from both sides. The latest tackle presents Celta with another free kick outside the Bilbao box, Nolito delivers, but San Jose is on hand to clear at the near post.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Celta to open the scoring as Nolito collects a loose ball in the Bilbao box, but San Jose is across with a fine challenge at the vital moment. That is as close as Celta have come in the second half. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Vigo. Still no movement on either bench, which is a surprise.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Nolito breaks into the box once more, but San Jose comes across to clear at the vital moment. How good has he been this evening?! Bilbao cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the home side continue to enjoy their best period of the match.
CHANCE! Bilbao have a fine chance of their own on the counter as Susaeta takes two defenders out of the game before finding Muniain, but his low effort is straight at Alvarez from close range. End-to-end football in Vigo. How is this match still goalless? It is a proper cup tie now.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Bilbao as Muniain dances past three defenders before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but his effort just moves wide of the post. Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as the opportunities continue to arrive. Little over 25 minutes remaining.
Still no movement on either bench, which is certainly a surprise. Both managers have attacking personnel on the bench. Not too much occurring in the middle of the park at the moment, but the opportunities continue to arrive as both commit players forward. The only thing this game is missing is a goal.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Mina meets a corner from Orellana, but Herrerin is across to make a fine save. Celta make their first change moments later as Vila replaces Costas. Another booking follows as Mikel Rico fells Rafinha down the left.
Bilbao make their first change of the match as Susaeta is replaced by Ibai Gomez. Another half-chance arrives to Celta moments later as Lopez meets a cross from Mina, but Iraola is across to make the challenge. Little over 20 minutes of the match remaining, with the score still goalless.
Celta make their second change as Rafinha is replaced by Madinda, who will provide plenty of pace and power in the final third. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, which is a surprise based on how the second period has unfolded. It is quite remarkable that this cup tie is still goalless. Little over 15 minutes of normal time remaining.
GOAL! Celta Vigo 1-0 Athletic Bilbao (Mina)
Celta open the scoring after 71 minutes as Mina capitalises on a loose back-pass before converting from close range after some suspect goalkeeping from Herrerin. A comedy of errors in the Bilbao defence. Finally the deadlock has been broken.
Can Bilbao respond? An away goal would make them favourites to advance from the second leg. Muniain attempts to force the issue once more as he drives into the Celta box. The Spaniard finds Toquero, but his effort is wide of the post. The end-to-end period of the match continues in Vigo.
Plenty happening in the middle of the park as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. The referee has done well to keep a lid on proceedings this evening. However, there are a number of players on bookings as we enter the latter stages. Not too much in terms of chances in the last minute or two, but Bilbao are really forcing the issue in Vigo.
Double change for Bilbao as De Marcos and Aduriz replace Toquero and Herrera. Celta also make a change as Orellana is replaced by Mario Bermejo. The pressure from the home side continues as Orellana finds the head of Bermejo, but his header is high and wide of the crossbar. Little over 10 minutes of the match remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as Celta manage to break some of the Bilbao possession with a period of passing. A 1-0 defeat would not be the worst result for the Basque outfit, but they will feel that they should at least be on level terms.
Bilbao do up the tempo as De Marcos finds some space down the left before delivering a deep cross into the box, but San Jose's header is straight at Alvarez from close range. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining and Celta's lead remains in tact. Is there to be late drama?
Ibai takes matters into his own hands as he strikes one from outside the box, but his effort is straight at Alvarez, who collects with relative ease. Celta have just started to retreat in the last couple of moments, which is allowing Bilbao time and space in midfield. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining in the first leg of this fourth-round clash.
Opportunity for Celta to double their lead as Nolito stands over a free kick outside the box, but his effort is straight into the wall. Bermejo collects the rebound, but he cannot get enough power on his strike. I should not think that there will be too much added time at the end of the 90 minutes.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bilbao to level as Rico finds some space outside the box before striking one towards the top corner, but Alvarez is across to make a wonderful save. How on earth have Celta kept Bilbao out in this match?
Celta simply cannot clear their lines at the moment as Bilbao continue to pepper the home side's box, but it just will not fall for the Basque outfit. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the third of those. Celta are almost there.
FULL TIME: Celta Vigo 1-0 Athletic Bilbao
So there we have it. Advantage Celta as they claim a 1-0 win in the first leg of the last-32 Copa del Rey clash. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Real Madrid's fourth-round clash. Until then!
