Match Pack: Valencia CF vs Athletic Club (LaLiga MD7)

This Saturday Athletic Club visit Mestalla to take on Valencia CF. Having taken nine points from a possible 18, Marcelino’s Lions will be looking to make amends after Tuesday night’s loss to Rayo Vallecano. What’s more, a win would see Athletic remain unbeaten away from San Mamés.

It will be a special game for first-team head coach Marcelino, who returns to the place he called home for two seasons, and during which time he won the Copa del Rey and twice qualified for the Champions League.

If Athletic beat José Bordalás’ side on Saturday, it would be the Lions’ 14th LaLiga win at Mestalla. Furthermore, a positive result would provide an important morale boost ahead of the following Friday’s Basque derby against Deportivo Alavés in Bilbao (KO, 21:00 CEST).

Match info

Valencia CF vs Athletic Club (Matchday 7)

Mestalla (Valencia)

LaLiga Santander 21-22

Saturday September 25, 16:15 CEST

How to watch

Use our list of global kick-off times and LaLiga TV operators across the world to help know when and where to watch the fixture.

Team news

Marcelino has named a 21-man matchday squad. Goalkeeper Jokin Ezkieta is back in the list. However, defenders Yeray and Yuri Berchiche are still making their way back to full fitness, and forwards Oihan Sancet and Asier Villalibre are also unavailable for selection due to their respective injuries.

Marcelino’s comments

The Athletic Club head coach stressed the importance of putting Tuesday defeat against Rayo in the past and playing well against Valencia CF. He also said he was not overly concerned by the injuries to attacking players, insisting there are enough alternatives within the squad to deal with the situation.

The opponents

League position: 4th

Head coach: José Bordalás

Bordalás took over at Mestalla this summer. He previously managed Madrid-based side Getafe CF for four years, taking the team from Segunda División to Europa League qualification.

Star man: Gonçalo Guedes

A speedy Portugues winger who is comfortable on either flank or behind the striker. Despite being just 24 years old, Guedes has already racked up a total of 116 LaLiga appearances since joining Valencia in 2017. He scored a five goals in 31 matches last season, and already has two strikes under his belt so far in LaLiga 2021-22.

Last match: 3-1 loss against Sevilla FC

Previous meetings

One of LaLiga’s longest running fixtures, Athletic first faced Valencia in the top flight at Mestalla back in 1931-32. The sides have played 86 league matches in the Mediterranean city.

Athletic earned a point at Mestalla last season after a 2-2 draw. The Lions went close to victory thanks to goals by Asier Villalibre and Raúl García (penalty), but two mistakes prevented Los Rojiblancos from bringing all three points back to Bilbao.