Valencia punishes Athletic with numerical superiority in a clash of extreme intensity

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 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.