Athletic Bilbao secured a point on the road with a goalless draw against RC Celta in a match from the third round of the 2026/27 La Liga EA Sports season. The game, played on Saturday, August 30, 2026, at the Estadio de Balaídos in Vigo, was covered by Reuters Connect, which published images of right-back Jesús Areso in action.
How did the match at Balaídos unfold?
The contest ended in a stalemate, with neither side able to break the deadlock over ninety minutes. Athletic Bilbao, coming off a home victory, aimed to build on their positive start to the campaign with a result away from San Mamés. The Basque side displayed defensive solidity, with Areso a regular feature at right-back. The club continues its philosophy of fielding a squad entirely composed of players who meet its Basque development criteria, a defining feature of its identity.
The goal of Unai Simón, the starting goalkeeper and a key figure for the Spanish national team, remained unbeaten on this occasion. The match was part of the third matchday of the championship, an early phase where every point matters for positioning in the standings. The result leaves Athletic Club with four points from the first three games of the season, according to verified competition data.
What role did Jesús Areso play?
Jesús Areso was a notable performer on the right flank of the defense. The player, a product of the Lezama academy, played the full ninety minutes on the Balaídos pitch. His work was key to maintaining a compact back four and contributing to the team's transitional play. "Jesus Areso of Athletic Bilbao is seen on action during the RC Celta x Athletic Club match for the La Liga EA Sports 2026/27 on August 30, 2026 at Estadio de Balaídos, Vigo, Spain," described photographer Miguel Lemos in the caption for his images, distributed by ZUMA Press Wire.
Areso is an established piece in the manager's system. His continuity and performance are important for the project, especially in a year where the club faces a full campaign in the top flight. Fans can check his stats and those of the rest of the squad on the club's official page.
What is Athletic's immediate schedule?
Following this fixture in Vigo, Athletic Club's schedule continues. The team already has its next official match scheduled. According to the La Liga calendar, the fourth matchday will see Athletic Bilbao host Valencia CF at San Mamés. This game is set for the coming weekend, specifically Sunday, September 6, 2026. It presents a new challenge at home, where the team will look to secure all three points in front of their supporters.
Upcoming matches, including this clash with Valencia, can be followed on the detailed fixtures page. The team faces a September with several league commitments before the first international break. The 2026 pre-season, which included several preparation friendlies, appears to have laid a good foundation for the start of the competition. The match at San Mamés is scheduled for 18:30 local time, according to the league's official programming.
