A defeat courtesy of a goal from Sadiq prevents the Lions from keeping pace with the European race, in a match in which Nico Williams was forced off through injury
Athletic Club suffered a 0-1 defeat at San Mamés against Valencia CF, a setback that prevents them from catching the European train. It was a black afternoon, with several setbacks, including Nico Williams’ muscle injury which forced him to be substituted after around half an hour of play.
On an afternoon that began with an emotional tribute to Ernesto Valverde – including a thank-you tifo and a team photo – Athletic started the match looking the better side, with two attempts from Robert Navarro and Nico Williams going wide and another from Oihan Sancet saved by Jose Luis Gayá.
Valencia had barely threatened Unai Simón until a penalty in the 26th minute that Hugo Duro sent onto the crossbar. It was a morale boost and Gorka Guruzeta came close to beating Stole Dimitrievski with a half-turn shot that the goalkeeper saved, a save that would prove decisive.
Then came Nico Williams’ injury, with Iñaki Williams coming on as a substitute, and a second half in which the captain had another chance to make it 1-0 following a fine pass from Andoni Gorosabel. The opposition goalkeeper once again denied him. Valencia CF, content to sit back and wait for a home side error, seized the decisive moment with a header from Umar Sadiq following a cross from Luis Rioja.
Not even Athletic could hold on for a draw, no matter how hard they tried. Unai Gómez headed a superb cross from Iñaki Williams, but Stole Dimitrievski was there again with a brilliant save. San Mamés ended the match in a state of anger and frustration after a disastrous afternoon.
