Valencia approached the derby with greater intensity, pressing Atletico Madrid high and taking control of the early exchanges. The visitors from the capital grew unsettled under the hosts’ relentless pressure, their counterattacks met with sharp saves but lacked a finish in the crucial final meters.
In the 23rd minute a ferocious strike from outside the box by Yunus Musah found the back of the net, sending Mestalla into rapturous celebration. Yet the stadium silenced moments later as the referee reviewed a potential foul by Diakhaby on Joao Félix at the start of the move. After a long review, the goal was canceled, leaving Gattuso incredulous and Valencia fans stunned by the reversal.
Valencia had begun with momentum, and their solid first half hour threatened to tilt the match in their favor. Joao Félix seized the opportunity to attack, but Mamardashvili parried his effort and the danger was averted at the last moment.
After a dangerous challenge on Morata, a red card for Thierry appeared likely, but VAR intervened. After lengthy consultation, the officials adjusted the decision to a yellow card, easing the tension for Valencia and keeping the numerically even affair intact.
As the first half drew to a close, Valencia shifted the game’s tempo back toward their advantage. In a counterattack, Morata saw his shot blocked by Mamardashvili, and Marcos André followed up with a precise strike that sent the ball across goal and into the net, giving Valencia the lead just before the interval.
After the break, Valencia maintained possession in a rough, physical duel. Atlético looked to overturn the scoreline and sent Griezmann and Lemar from the bench in search of a spark. The French forward connected with his first touch, sending a high rebound into a dangerous position that Soler inadvertently redirected into his own goal, putting Atlético on level terms in the most unlikely fashion.
The equalizer stunned Valencia, and Gattuso responded by bolstering his troops with more physical presence, but the visitors could not capitalize with a decisive finish in the closing stages. Atlético pushed forward on several counterattacks, but Mamardashvili remained alert to deny the late chances and preserve the draw for Valencia.
Data sheet
0. Valencia: Mamardashvili, Thierry, Diakhaby, Lato, Guillamón, Musah, Soler, Castillejo, Marcos André, Lino and Fran Pérez. Substitutes: Foulquier, Diego López, Nico, Diego López, Franco Pérez, Maxi Gómez.
1. Athletic: Oblak, Llorente, Giménez, Witsel, Reinildo, Saúl, Kondogbia, Koke, De Paul, Morata, Joao Félix. Substitutes: Carrasco, Griezmann, Lemar, Correa, Cunha.
Aim: 0-1, at 66 minutes: Griezmann.
Judge: Cuadra Fernández. Valencia cautioned: Marcos André, Gattuso, Diakhaby, Thierry, Fran Pérez; Atlético cautioned: Saúl, Simeone, Reinildo, Joao Félix. Attendance: 43,910 at Mestalla.