The League
2:15 p.mMay 10, 2026
Regular season – 35
San Mamés stadium
Referee: Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias, Spain
Athletic Club
Valencia
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.01
Expected Goals (xG)
1.14
Passing by
328 (81%)
Accurate passes
278 (79%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Unai Simon
7.2
17
d
Yuri Berchiche
6.9
d
Aymeric Laporte
16′ Stumbled
5
d
Yeray Alvarez (C)
6.5
2
d
Andoni Gorosabel
6.9
m
Alexandre Rego Mora
55′ missing
18
m
Mikel Jauregizar
6.9
10
m
Nico Williams
7.0
8
m
Selva Sancet
6.9
23
m
Robert Navarro
6.9
11
F
Gorka Guruzeta
6.9
The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Valencia secured a decisive win away to San Mamés, defeating Athletic Club 1-0 thanks to Umar Sadiq’s clinical 72nd-minute finish to boost their survival hopes.
Athletic Club dominated possession and territory throughout the game, but could not find a breakthrough against a resolute Valencia defence. The hosts controlled 55% of the ball and created numerous chances, but Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski was decisive with four crucial saves. This result leaves Athletic in ninth position with 44 points, while Valencia move to 39 points in 16th, a fundamental step in their fight against relegation.
Valencia scored early on the penalty spot in the 27th minute when Héctor Duro made a conversion from 12 meters. The spot-kick gave the visitors a surprise advantage against the run of play. Athletic pressed for an immediate response but struggled to break down Valencia’s compact defensive shape.
Athletic created the best chances in the opening period. The home team had four shots on target but Dimitrievski held firm between the posts. His passing was crisp, completing 328 of 405 attempts with 81% accuracy. However, clinical finishing eluded them when it mattered most.
In the first half, Athletic piled on the pressure with 13 corners. Despite this territorial dominance, they could not convert their advantage into goals. Valencia’s defence, led by José Luis Gayà and Eray Cömert, held firm under sustained pressure.
Halftime arrived with Valencia in front despite Athletic’s clear superiority in possession and the chances created. The locals needed to find a way through the Valencian defense in the second period. They need to adjust if Athletic hope to salvage something from the game.
Valencia doubled their lead in the 72nd minute when Sadiq finished clinically after coming off the bench. The substitute made an immediate impact, firing past the Athletic goalkeeper to seal victory. That goal proved decisive in what turned out to be a tense final stretch.
Athletic pushed forward desperately looking for a way back into the competition. The locals created chances but couldn’t find the goal. Valencia’s defense remained organized and disciplined during the final stages.
The stats told a story of Athletic’s dominance without reward. Athletic managed a total of 15 shots against Valencia’s seven. However, expected goals showed that the game was closer than the scoreline suggested, with Athletic at 1.01 xG and Valencia at 1.14 xG.
Dimitrievski’s performance was crucial for Valencia. The goalkeeper made four saves and earned an 8.3 rating. Their distribution and positioning kept Athletic at bay when they pressed harder.
Yellow cards were shown throughout the match. Athletic received two bookings while Valencia received three, with Sadiq booked in the 88th minute after his goal. No player received red cards despite the intensity of the match.
This defeat leaves Athletic looking for answers after a frustrating performance. Valencia’s win gives them room to breathe as they fight for top-flight survival. The visitors’ defensive discipline proved more valuable than Athletic’s possession advantage.
