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A goal from Alex Berenguer at the halftime whistle gave Athletic a merit-based advantage against Valencia at San Mamés. It marked the Bilbao club’s first win in Ernesto Valverde’s third season on the bench, a 1-0 result that reflected an intense, hard-fought match.
Athletic dominated play and created more chances, with the Williams brothers both contributing despite being caught offside on a couple of occasions. Valencia, for their part, demonstrated their quality and created their own opportunities, underscoring that the game was far from settled at any point.
In stoppage time, five minutes after the break, the contest swung back and forth across Unai Simón’s goal. Marcos capitalized on a terrific cross-kick from André to level the action and keep Valencia in the frame.
Brazilian Sao Luis failed to hit the target, confirming Berenguer’s decisive moment. It was a left-wing strike that caught Giorgi Mamardashvili a bit off his line and left Athletic on top of the standings they sought all season.
Who scored a great goal? #AthleticValencia #KickOffLaLigaSantander
– La Liga
The defeat did not diminish Valencia’s image under Gennaro Gattuso, as they showed progression and created chances, suggesting a positive start to the campaign despite the loss away from home.
From the outset, both coaches emphasized that the seasonal debut mattered beyond results, with Valverde enjoying a sense of momentum and Gatusso noting a competitive performance that hinted at future success.
The Athletic coach stayed true to a spirited approach, pairing Sancet and Muniain in midfield while using Williams on the wings and bringing in Nico for additional speed up front. Iñaki Williams led the line with purpose, demonstrating the team’s intent to attack with energy and aggression.
Athletic began the second half with renewed vigor, pressing from the outset and earning several corners as they sought to extend the lead. Berenguer’s precise assist to Muniain created a close-range opportunity that Mamardashvili saved, with Athletic maintaining the pressure before the keeper’s timely intervention. The captain of the Rojiblancos delivered another robust performance, constantly pushing the team forward and maintaining territorial control.
Despite the dominance, Athletic failed to translate the superiority into an additional goal, while Valencia sought to respond with counterattacks and attempts on the flanks. Hugo Duro’s injury in the 16th minute limited Valencia’s options, and Castillejo’s shooting in the final third was restricted by Athletic’s disciplined defense.
Samu Castillejo had a notable moment for Valencia as he tested Unai Simón’s goal with a sharp strike, but the ball failed to breach the first line of defense. Valencia’s attacking setup remained constant as they sought to unlock the Bilbao back line through Lino and Castillejo, while Jesús Vázquez supported from the wing and Nicolas Gálvez offered midfield support.
Although Valencia did not press as a siege, they continued to threaten down the flanks and create set-piece scenarios, highlighting the match’s balanced nature.
In the closing stages, Berenguer combined with Vesga and then drove forward to score with a low finish from the left that Mamardashvili did not anticipate well enough. Athletic then appeared to seal the victory, with Williams nearly scoring again on a loose ball to underscore their attacking intent.
The start of the second half mirrored the first, with both teams trading chances and maintaining a high tempo. Nico Williams, Sancet, and Muniain produced bursts of energy in the opposition half, and the game’s intensity remained high as the clock moved toward its final moments.
Key notes from the match included a first win in San Mamés for Athletic, an undefeated stretch of four points from six available, and a clean sheet against a Valencia side capable of breaking through when opportunities arose.
The closing moments saw Valencia push forward in search of an equalizer, testing Unai Simón with long-range efforts and attempts from the wings. Although a late goal for Valencia was imagined by some, Athletic’s defense held firm and sowed the seeds for continued confidence as they progressed through the season.
As the final whistle approached, the match encapsulated the season’s hopeful mood for Athletic while Valencia left with valuable positives to build on. The two teams offered a display of intensity and resilience that illustrated why La Liga remains one of Europe’s top competitions.
Goals: 1-0, Berenguer, at minute forty-two. Referee: César Soto Grado. Yellow cards were issued to several players from both teams. The match reportedly drew a substantial crowd at San Mamés, underscoring the big-stage atmosphere of the opening weekend.
Events: LaLiga match at San Mamés witnessed energetic play from both sides, with Athletic registering their first win in the new campaign and Valencia eager to recover and push forward in subsequent fixtures.