Athletic Club - Valencia CF

Athletic Club have lost their invincibility in LaLiga 2019-20 after falling to a 0-1 defeat at San Mamés against a remarkable Valencia, who took advantage of a good first half with a counter-attacking goal scored by Cheryshev.

Valencia played a great first half, controlling the ball and having several scoring chances. Maxi Gómez twice threatened Simon’s goal, who deflected a spectacular shoot by Garay. Eventually, the Valencian team hunted piece on a counterattack, after Maxi Gómez’s position was discussed with the VAR. Ferrán run past his opponents and Cheryshev pushed the ball into the net. San Mamés lost their invincibility after 296 minutes this the season.

Simon kept Athletic in the match by saving a one-on-one with Maxi Gómez shortly after the second-half break, a second part where Gaizka Garitano’s side were recovering themselves.

There was a double clear chance to draw level, Iñaki had the opportunity to score after receiving a low pass from Capa to Williams but Cillessen and then the post were on the way. San Mamés became outraged with the referee when he did not see how William’s corner kick was deflected for a corner by Cillessen.

An equaliser seemed imminent, although the newly incorporated Manu Vallejo actively involved Cheryshev in play and avoided the goal with his feet. However, Valencia managed to cool down the game and got the tree points. The worst was yet to come, Yuri’s right shoulder injury, who left the pitch in great pain on a stretcher. Ferrán could have scored their second, but Yeray stopped the shot with his body.

MATCH DATA

Athletic Club: Simón; Capa, Yeray, Iñigo Martínez, Yuri; Dani García, Unai López; Ibai, Raúl García, Muniain; and Williams. Substitutions: Aduriz by Ibai (61’), Beñat by Unai López (61’) y Lekue by Capa (82’).

Valencia CF: Cillessen; Wass, Garay, Diakhaby, Jaume Costa; Ferrán, Parejo, Coquelin, Cheryshev; Rodrigo Moreno and Maxi Gómez. Substitutions: Gabriel Paulista by Diakhaby (46’), Manu Vallejo by Maxi Gómez (67’) and Rubén Sobrino by Cheryshev (85’).

Goal: 26′ Cheryshev

Referee: Melero López. Yellow cards: Cheryshev (19’), Rodrigo (33’), Diakhaby (46’), Unai López (50’), Aduriz (76’) and Cillessen (88’).

Stadium: San Mamés: 42.420 spectators. Former Bilbao Basket player Javi Salgado performed a ceremonial kick-off, as a tribute for his excellent playing career in the Biscayan basketball club hizo.