Celta, Athletic and Villarreal wrap up a great European week for LaLiga teams

Five wins, two draws and no defeats. This is the magnificent overall outcome for the clubs from LaLiga Santander during the second set of Champions League and Europa League group-stage fixtures. After Sevilla FC, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona all managed good results in the Champions League on Tuesday and Wednesday, RC Celta, Athletic Club and Villarreal CF were determined not to be outdone the following day. 

The return of European football to Balaidos saw Celta produce an impressive 2-0 victory over Panathinaikos FC, who caused Eduardo Berizzo's charges no end of problems. The Greeks were the better side during large parts of the game and should have taken the lead on several occasions, but goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez was having none of it. Then, in a brilliant finale to the match, a goal from John Guidetti and a Daniel Wass free-kick secured the three points for the home team. Celta go second in their group on four points, two shy of AFC Ajax at the top of the standings. 

Athletic also picked up three precious points on their own patch. Ernesto Valverde's troops desperately needed to bounce back from their chastening 3-0 loss to US Sassuolo on the opening matchday, and they duly got back on track at San Mames against SK Rapid Vienna, prevailing 1-0 courtesy of Beñat's sensational second-half strike from the edge of the box. The result was just what the doctor had ordered for the Bilbao outfit, boosting their chances of advancing from their group, in which all four teams are now tied on three points. 

Last but not least, Villarreal were unable to run out victorious on their visit to FC Steaua Bucharest, but they did come away with a creditable 1-1 draw that left them top of Group L on four points. Fran Escriba's side made a bright start and forged ahead through Colombian starlet Rafael Santos Borre, who finished with aplomb after racing on to a Bruno Soriano pass. However, Steaua hit back not long afterwards through Muniru Sulley and although the Yellow Submarine pressed for a winner, particularly in the dying minutes, the Romanians' defence held firm in the face of the onslaught and the spoils were shared.