Valencia secured a crucial away victory at San Mamés, defeating Athletic Club 1-0 through Umar Sadiq's clinical finish in the 72nd minute to boost their survival hopes.
Athletic Club dominated possession and territory throughout the match but could not find the breakthrough against a resolute Valencia defense. The hosts controlled 55% of the ball and created numerous chances, yet Valencia's goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski proved decisive with four crucial saves. This result leaves Athletic in ninth place with 44 points, while Valencia moves to 39 points in 16th, a vital step in their battle against relegation.
Valencia struck early through the penalty spot in the 27th minute when Héctor Duro converted from 12 yards. The spot-kick gave the visitors a shock lead against the run of play. Athletic pressed for an immediate response but struggled to break down Valencia's compact defensive shape.
Athletic created the better chances in the opening period. The home side registered four shots on target but Dimitrievski stood firm between the posts. Their passing was crisp, completing 328 of 405 attempts at 81% accuracy. However, clinical finishing eluded them when it mattered most.
The first half saw Athletic pile on the pressure through their 13 corner kicks. Despite this territorial dominance, they could not convert their advantage into goals. Valencia's defense, led by José Luis Gayà and Eray Cömert, held firm under sustained pressure.
Halftime arrived with Valencia ahead despite Athletic's clear superiority in possession and chances created. The hosts needed to find a way through the Valencia defense in the second period. Adjustments were required if Athletic hoped to salvage something from the match.
Valencia doubled their lead in the 72nd minute when Sadiq finished clinically after coming off the bench. The substitute made an immediate impact, firing past the Athletic goalkeeper to seal the victory. This goal proved decisive in what became a tense final stretch.
Athletic pushed forward desperately seeking a way back into the contest. The home side created chances but could not find the target. Valencia's defense remained organized and disciplined throughout the closing stages.
The statistics told a story of Athletic's dominance without reward. Athletic managed 15 total shots compared to Valencia's seven. However, expected goals showed the match was closer than the scoreline suggested, with Athletic at 1.01 xG and Valencia at 1.14 xG.
Dimitrievski's performance proved crucial for Valencia. The goalkeeper made four saves and earned an 8.3 rating. His distribution and positioning kept Athletic at bay when they pressed hardest.
Yellow cards were shown throughout the match. Athletic received two cautions while Valencia collected three, with Sadiq booked in the 88th minute after his goal. No players received red cards despite the intensity of the contest.
This defeat leaves Athletic searching for answers after a frustrating performance. Valencia's win provides breathing room as they fight for top-flight survival. The visitors' defensive discipline proved more valuable than Athletic's possession advantage.
