Athletic Club - Valencia CF

Athletic Club drew 0-0 with Valencia CF at San Mamés on Saturday afternoon. The Lions had three great chances to win in the second half but were denied by Giorgi Mamardashvilli and the woodwork.

In the second 45, Valencia’s shotstopper kept out Iñaki Williams with two impressive saves, while Asier Villalibre smashed a header against the crossbar in the 94th minute.

With Villarreal still to play Sevilla on Sunday, The Lions are level on points with the Yellows in seventh place and four points behind sixth-placed Real Sociedad.

Bordalás’ Valencia played the way many expected, breaking up play and destroying any sense of momentum in the match. It’s maddening if the man who is supposed to lay down the law allows it to happen.

Los Rojiblancos found it hard to shake off their opponents, who, a header from Racic aside, barely got a sniff at Unai Simón‘s goal in the whole game. Raúl García and Iñaki Williams both forced Valencia’s Georgian goalkeeper into action during the first half.

Athletic took a big step forward after the break, putting Valencia under plenty of pressure. They failed to find a breakthrough, but that seemed more a case of bad luck rather than a lack of accuracy in the final third.

Iker Muniain put Iñaki Williams through on goal but Mamardashvilli denied the striker with an outstretched foot. Yuri Berchiche was brought down in the box for a possible penalty shout and Mikel Vesga went close with a header.

There were seven minutes of stoppage time and Athletic laid siege to Valencia’s goal. On two occasions Muniain free-kicks were almost converted into goals. Williams forced a fine diving save from Mamardashvili before Villalibre hit the crossbar with a powerful header.

Ricardo Bochini, at San Mamés to pick up his 2022 One-Club Man Award cursed Athletic’s miserable luck. It’s time to bounce back in Granada on Tuesday, the door to Europe is by no means closed yet.