MATCH REPORT | Victory for Valencia CF against Athletic Club | OneFootball

Valencia CF took a 0-1 victory against Athletic Club at San Mamés on LaLiga Matchday 35, as a second half goal from Umar Sadiq took the team to 42 points in the table.

The match began with great intensity in individual duels. Valencia CF tried to control possession and exploit the space created by aerial balls played into the Athletic Club defence. However, the first real chance came after fifteen minutes, when Nico Williams’ counter-attack ended with a shot wide of Dimitrievski's goal.

In the next move, Hugo Duro drew a dangerous free kick for Valencia CF. Javi Guerra took the set piece, but it failed to test goalkeeper Unai Simón. Shortly after, Gayà prevented the home side from taking the lead, as Sancet pounced on a loose ball in the area but was thwarted by the captain.

Gradually, Valencia CF grew into the game, and after a corner and a run by Hugo Duro, won a penalty when Yuri Berchiche brought down the striker in the area -although the spot kick was awarded for a handball by Rego on a subsequent follow-up shot. Duro took the penalty, but it hit the crossbar.

Minutes later, Athletic Club responded with a move in which Guruzeta controlled the ball and shot in the penalty area, but Dimitrievski narrowed the angle and made the save.

SECOND HALF

The restart saw a balanced game and both teams pushing to take the lead. Athletic Club had several chances, but Valencia CF remained solid, repelling their shots.

In the 60th minute, Dimitrievski made a great save after a strike from Iñaki Williams in the area.

From that moment on, Valencia CF enjoyed more possession. Coach Carlos Corberán made a triple substitution, bringing on Sadiq, Ugrinic, and Ramazani.

Three minutes later, Sadiq broke the deadlock. Javi Guerra and Ramazani started a counter-attack; the Belgian played the ball to Rioja on the left wing, and the Andalusian winger delivered a precise cross for Sadiq to get in front of Vivian and head home to make it 0-1.

Two minutes after the goal, Dimitrievski made a flying save to keep out Unai Gómez's header.

After 80 minutes, Unai Nuñez entered the field of play for Valencia CF in a substitution.

Near the 90th minute, Sadiq attempted a chip shot from outside the box after a loss of possession in Athletic Club's half, but it went off-target. However, Valencia CF held on to the lead and secured an important victory.

Next up, the team host Rayo Vallecano at Mestalla on Thursday, May 14th, at 7pm

MATCH DETAILS:

0. ATHLETIC CLUB: Unai Simón, Gorosabel, Yeray, Laporte (Vivian, 46’), Yuri, Rego (Vesga, 70’), Jauregizar, Navarro (Unai, 70’), O. Sancet (Berenguer, 65’), Williams Jr (I. Williams, 36’) and Guruzeta.

1. VALENCIA CF: Dimitrievski, R. Saravia (J. Vázquez, 96’), Tárrega, Cömert, Gayà ©, L. Rioja, G. Rodríguez, Pepelu (Ugrinic, 69’), Diego López (Ramazani, 69’), Javi Guerra (Nuñez, 82’) and Hugo Duro (Sadiq, 69’).