Valencia: César; Bruno, Ricardo Costa,
David Navarro, Mathieu; Pablo Hernández (Feghouli 82'), Topal, Manuel
Fernandes, Mata (Vicente 64'); Aduríz, Soldado (Chori Domínguez
74'). 4-4-2.
Athletic: Iraizoz; Iraola, San José,
Aitor Ocio, Aurtenetxe; Orbaiz (Susaeta 46'), Javi Martínez (Muniain
68'); Gurpegui, Igor Martínez (Toquero 57'), Gabilondo; Llorente.
4-2-3-1.
Goals:
1-0. 10. Aduríz. Headed in close to goal from
Soldado's chipped cross.
2-0. 91. Vicente. Picked up Chori cross and beat
defender to score.
2-1. 93. Gabilondo. Curled free kick over wall into top
corner of net.
Yellow cards: Llorente 07', Topal 47', Aurtenetxe 68', Soldado 71', Manuel Fernandes 93'.
Valencia made sure of another week at least at the top of La Liga after a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening. Aduríz gave them the lead in the tenth minute, heading in from close to goal after good work by his strike partner Soldado down the right wing. And for the rest of the first half they continued to attack, with Topal shooting just wide and Mata and Pablo bringing good saves out of Iraizoz. The midweek game against Manchester United took it's toll after the restart though, and Gabilondo, Susaeta and Toquero all had chances. However with the game already in injury time Chori Domínguez picked up the ball on the right wing and crossed in for Vicente to coolly round his marker and fire a shot in to the net. It was lucky for the Ches that he did, as two minutes later Gabilondo curled a free kick over the defensive wall to beat César for the one and only time. Too little too late though.