Valencia CF - Athletic Club

In just one year Mestalla has gone from being Athletic's bogey ground to a lucky charm. Not so long ago the Lions fell at the semi-finals of the Copa in Valencia, but this Saturday night a 1-2 LaLiga victory has relaunched Athletic's hopes of playing European football next season.

Picking up where they left off from the Cádiz match, Los Leones were once again on top form. Nico Williams, with a great move and Oihan Sancet, taking advantage of a gift from Iñaki Williams, saw Athletic fight back after going behind in the 16th minute - when the stadium was still half empty as part of the home fans' protest.

It wasn't the best night of football for Ernesto Valverde's side, but they dug deep in important moments, and the spectacular Unai Simón pulled off a number of spectacular saves. His piece de resitance a last-gasp reflex save to deny Mouctar Diakhaby as the clock ticked towards the final whistle.

Edinson Cavani threatened with a header early on before going of injured. Samuel Castillejo scored the opener on 16 minutes after being set up by Ilaix Moriba.

A moment of pure class from Nico led to him putting Athletic back on level terms on the half-hour mark. Raúl García made space for Oscar De Marcos and the full-back played the ball inside to Nico, who drove into the box before sliding a shot under Giorgi Mamardashvili with the outside of his right boot.

Simon got a glove to a Samuel Lino shot to see out the first half. After the break Nico was inches away from making it 1-2, his chipped effort just lacking a bit of power and direction.

With 20 minutes to go Sancet completed the comeback. Iker Muniain linked up with Iñaki Williams and the striker played a pass back to Oihan, who slotted home with a low finish to score his eighth goal of the season. Simón thwarted Diakhaby and Iñaki Williams went very close to scoring the Lions' third.

A great win on the road for Valverde's side and now we turn our attentions to a tough away day coming up against Atlético next week.