Celta Vigo coach Rafa Benitez could not fault his players after defeat at Athletic Bilbao last night.

Celta lost 4-3 with Iago Aspas having a penalty saved at 3-3.

Benitez said: "Many situations are being repeated in which we are there and due to details the games are slipping away from us.

"One day it is due to the failure of one, another for someone else's mistake, my fault... We are very close and very proud and the only thing you can do is congratulate the players for this attitude, work, game and occasions and, as I always say, be much more attentive in those details so that they do not take a toll on us, as they are happening to us.

"You can't blame the team for anything. We have done many of the things we had to do and above all play well, get there, create chances, score goals, miss a penalty. These are things that are out of the question and of our control."

On their struggles, Benitez also said: "Anxiety is normal if we analyse the atmosphere and what is happening during the game. We were a team that wanted to win with all the strength we put into it.

"We ended with a penalty that you can later discuss whether he is going to play the ball and has his arm open. What do you want? For him to stick it behind his back? The sad thing is that it is repeated week after week and the last two have been clearer. We must congratulate to the team for maintaining this intensity, spirit and good play and creating chances and scoring them."