Valencia punishes Athletic with numerical superiority in a clash of extreme intensity
À Voir Score Futmetrix: 59/100. The early dismissal of Daniel Vivian in the 61st minute proved decisive, allowing Valencia to convert their man advantage into three crucial points in their battle for stability.
The turning point: VAR and red in cascade
From the 59th minute, the match's nature shifted. A yellow card for Vivian was reviewed by VAR and upgraded to red in the 61st for a professional foul. Athletic Club dropped to ten men at a critical juncture, and Valencia seized the moment. The intensity soared: 24 combined shots, 10 on target, with Unai Simón making three decisive saves under relentless pressure.
Santamaría orchestrates the victory
Baptiste Santamaría was the architect of Valencia's dominance. The French midfielder struck in the 73rd minute, assisted by Javier Guerra, cementing control. Yet his influence transcended the goal: two key passes, an assist in the 90th for Hugo Duro—who entered as an impact substitute in the 70th—and a relentless presence that suffocated Athletic's attacking ambitions. His 9.3 rating reflected mastery in balancing defence and creation.
The upset factor: Duro seals it from the bench
With eleven versus ten, logic suggested defensive retreat. Valencia chose the opposite. Duro came on and sealed the 2-0 in stoppage time, proving tactical adjustments were surgical. Eleven corners generated relentless pressure; Athletic's 56% possession was neutralised by Valencia's precision (78% pass accuracy). The balance tilted decisively toward the hosts.
Key Questions
How did Vivian's red card impact the match?
It transformed the contest. Athletic shifted from competing to defending. Valencia exploited the advantage with 13 shots versus 11, converting in the 73rd and 90th.
Why was Santamaría the standout performer?
Goal, assist, two key passes. His 9.3 rating reflected complete dominance: solid defence, rapid transitions, and orchestrated attacks with precision.
What was Duro's impact as a substitute?
Entered in the 70th and sealed it in the 90th. His goal capped Valencia's numerical advantage and showcased tactical precision in the substitutions.
Pourquoi ce match est noté 59/100 ?
Notre algorithme Futmetrix a analysé l'intensité, l'équilibre et l'enjeu. Le score de 59/100 place ce match dans la catégorie "À Voir".
