Real Valladolid - Athletic Club

Athletic Club fell to a 2-1 defeat against Valladolid at the José Zorrilla. It was a match in which the lions were made to pay for their errors. A penalty against and a goal conceded at the start of the second half made life difficult for Gaizka Garitano’s side. 

There were chances to salvage a draw from the fixture, Asier Villalibre and Iñaki Williams both had opportunities after Iñaki had pulled one back from the spot in the 85th minute.

Athletic were made to swim against the current from very early on. In the 16th minute, keeper Unai Simon brought down Marcos Andre in the box after failing to control Yeray’s backpass. Fabian Orellana made no mistake from the 12-yard spot.

The lions dominated play and had plenty of corners and free-kicks, but rarely troubled Masip in the Valladolid goal. At the other end, Valladolid’s Sergi Guardiola struck over the crossbar after being put through at the back post by Hervías. A well-worked training ground routine seemed to put Morcillo in a good position, but he also hit it over.

The worst came after the restart. In the 47th minute, the lions conceded a second goal. Simón parried a Hervias shot into the path of Marcos André, who easily finished.

Garitano reacted swiftly, making a triple change and Athletic then had two clear chances in the space of three minutes. Villalibre’s diving header from Yuri Berchiche’s cross forced Masip into an acrobatic save.

Not long after, Muniain, who joined Athletic’s top-10 appearance makers by equalling Julen Guerrero’s tally, put Williams through one on one with Masip. Williams tried to round the keeper but Masip stood his ground and the striker didn’t get his shot off.

Athletic dragged one back in the 85th minute. The referee gave Athletic a penalty after consulting with VAR and deciding Yuri was fouled in the box. Williams chipped into the top of the net.

There were more chances for Athletic to rescue a point. Villalibre looked certain to score at the back post from a corner, but his marker did enough to unsettle him, Oihan Sancet headed wide from a Yuri cross from the byline and Williams had one last opportunity.