Celta Vigo 0-1 Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao put themselves back in contention to challenge strongly for the European places in 2016 with a 1-0 victory at Celta Vigo.In-form Celta came into the game unbeaten in six matches in all competitions, winning five, but lost ground on Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona above them as Raul Garcia struck the only goal of the game midway through the second half.The Basques, up to seventh in the table now and just four points behind their opponents, went close after 18 minutes but Merino Sabin was just off target with his effort.Castro Jonny threatened for the hosts late in the first half but his shot from outside the penalty area was smothered by goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz.Garcia saw a long-range attempt come back off a post just before the hour mark before Aritz Aduriz squandered a chance from much nearer the goal, although the angle against him was tight.It was those two players who combined for the winning goal in the 71st minute. Aduriz led the Athletic counter-attack and Garcia provided the finishing touch.Right-back Novegil Hugo Mallo almost equalised with 10 minutes remaining but his effort struck the crossbar.Javier Eraso had the opportunity to make it 2-0 in injury time but the substitute pulled his shot wide.ends