LaLiga: Valencia Secures Crucial Win Over Athletic Club

Late goals give Valencia 2-0 victory over Athletic Club

Valencia defeats Athletic Club 2-0 in LaLiga, with two late goals securing the win, featuring a crucial red card and impressive goalkeeping. Read more.

Santamaria's brilliance continued as he delivered a pinpoint low cross that Hugo Duro calmly turned into the net...

Valencia secured a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in LaLiga, marking their second win in nine meetings against the Lehoiak. The match saw significant improvement from Valencia in the second half, following a challenging first period.

The game began with several promising moments, including Julen Agirrezabala's spectacular save to tip Oihan Sancet's deflected shot over the bar. Agirrezabala also made a routine save to deny Aitor Paredes' header. Despite Valencia's dominance, they struggled to create clear scoring opportunities in the early stages.

As the match progressed, Valencia began to assert more control, with Baptiste Santamaria having a shot blocked, signaling a shift in momentum. The visitors continued to press, with Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta's long-range effort flying off-target. The turning point came late in the game when Valencia scored twice, securing a well-deserved win and adding to Athletic Club's woes.

Valencia's defense was put to the test as Oihan Sancet threatened to break the deadlock, with one shot deflected behind and another tipped past the post. Meanwhile, a defensive mix-up by Athletic Club allowed Javi Guerra to make a rare forward run, but he stumbled and was dispossessed. The momentum shifted quickly, with Iñaki Williams firing a venomous shot that was saved by the Valencia goalkeeper.

Mikel Jauregizar's effort was denied by Agirrezabala, while Oihan Sancet's shot flew high and wide, showcasing the frustration building among Athletic Club players. Nico Williams' header was held by the goalkeeper as the first half drew to a close.

The hosts showed early signs of intent in the second half, but Dimitri Foulquier's header flew off-target. The turning point came when Dani Vivian was given a straight red card for denying Baptiste Santamaria a clear goalscoring opportunity, providing Valencia with a crucial advantage on the hour mark. This shift in momentum paved the way for Valencia's late goals.

FT: #ValenciaAthletic 2-0

🦇 @valenciacf_en maintain their unbeaten home start. #LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/YrT6ugPaKV

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) September 20, 2025

Aymeric Laporte made his return for Athletic Club, but luck wasn't on their side as his deflection off Largie Ramazani's cross hit the crossbar. However, the reprieve was short-lived, as Baptiste Santamaria expertly guided a header from a corner just inside Unai Simon's post, giving Valencia the lead.

Santamaria's brilliance continued as he delivered a pinpoint low cross that Hugo Duro calmly turned into the net, sealing Valencia's victory. This win marked a perfect response to their heavy defeat against Barcelona, and Valencia earned their seventh point from three LaLiga matches at the Estadio de Mestalla this season. The victory also handed Athletic Club their third consecutive defeat across all competitions.