HE Valencia We won a very serious match Athletic with 1-0 with Hugo Duro’s great headed goal In the second half Rubén Baraja’s men claimed their fourth successive win and look at europe.
Both teams came to the Mestalla in great form and the match did not disappoint. Both Valencia and Athletic showed themselves Two very solid teamsThe match was therefore decided by greater domestic success in one of the few events they both agreed to.
Both teams came onto the field with very clear ideas. Valencia regained the tactical rigor they had forgotten last Wednesday In the Cup match against Celta and Athletic, Athletic were very organized defensively, giving the attacking men freedom of movement.
Sergi Canós’ early muscle injury forced Baraja to play with two pure forwards, with the introduction of Ukrainian international Yaremchuk and Diego López moving to the left wing.
HE Athletic he was comfortable He was waiting for his chance on the Mestalla lawns with Nico Williams’ mobility and Sancet’s good moves. The Spanish international winger had the first chance of the match but he rushed his shot and it was well saved by the Valencian goalkeeper.
In the last part of the first act, Valencia came to life. He warned with a high rebound that resulted in Guillamón’s shot, and managed to score in the final moments after a corner kick that Yaremchuck headed and Unai Simón cleared with his back heel.
Athletic stood up when the match restarted. He managed to score a goal as soon as he started Sancet after the great collective action of the people of Bilbaobut his diagonal shot went out.
Valencia tried to surprise with quick passes, and in one of them Diego López provided an assist at the near post after a big break in pace. Hugo Duro inexplicably failed, very soft and with an extremely criss-cross finish. But the striker made amends a minute later. Gayà’s wonderful header from the center made it 1-0.
Valverde tried to rebuild his team offensively with a double substitution, but it was Valencia who scored the second goal on the counter-attack, but Yaremchuk lingered too long and missed a great opportunity.
Athletic took control of the match and brought everything to the field. seek a draw against one person Valencia very well planted With plenty of defensive help, Mamardashvili appeared to respond, in one of the few occasions that left space, with a superb overhand strike from Unai to prevent the draw.
In the final minutes, having learned from the experience of the first round in San Mamés, Valencia put on a defensive display and gave nothing away to the Athletic team that ended their ten-game unbeaten run.