Athletic: Gorka Iraizoz; Iraola, San José,
Amorebieta, Koikili; Javi Martínez, Orbaiz (Iturraspe 63'); David
López, Yeste, Susaeta (Muniain 48'); Llorente (De Marcos 29'). 4-2-3-1.
Valencia: César; Bruno, Dealbert (Baraja 84'),
David Navarro, Mathieu; Albelda, Marchena; Joaquín (Zigic 78'), Mata,
Pablo Hernández; David Villa (Miguel 87'). 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
1-0. 57. Muniain. Turned ball in from close up after
César saved from Martínez.
1-1. 61. David Villa. Connected
with Pablo's cross to bounce shot over Gorka.
1-2. 82. Mathieu. Drilled
shot back in to net after Gorka pushed out Mata cross.
Yellow cards: Joaquín 31', Albelda 45', Koikili 54', 73', Zigic 87', Amorebieta 88' / red cards: Koikili 73'.
Valencia are up to third spot after a 1-2 victory at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday evening. There were few chances in a tactical first half, Unai Emery building his side to snuff out the danger of Llorente. However an injury to the striker on the half hour mark changed both teams' plans, and the game opened up after that.
The goals though didn't come until after the break, Bilbao youngster Muniain opening the scoring twelve minutes in to the second half after César could only push out a shot from Javi Martínez. But just four minutes later David Villa bounced a volley over Gorka to equalise, and Mathieu gave the visitors the lead later on with an impressive shot after Gorka cut out a cross from Mata.
The hosts felt themselves unlucky not to save a point though despite having Koikili sent off, Iraola having a headed goal ruled out for a borderline offside, and David López firing a late penalty against the post after David Navarro fouled Javi Martínez inside the area. And even keeper Gorka came close to scoring when he came up for an injury time corner and headed the ball just wide. .