Valencia claimed a crucial 1-0 win against Athletic Club at San Mamés, earning three points that move them closer to survival in LaLiga EA Sports. The match was tense and hard-fought, with the visitors holding on despite late pressure from the hosts.
After the final whistle, Valencia captain José Gayà spoke to the media. “This is a very important victory for us on a very difficult ground. Three vital points, and we are eager to play on Thursday,” he said. “We have 42 points now, but we cannot relax in these last three games. We learned from the example of the match against Atlético. This team never gives up, suffers together, and always pushes forward. It’s a shame to make the fans suffer so much. Neither we nor they deserve it. We will fight until the end.”
Gayà also addressed the team’s penalty misses this season: “We have missed four penalties this season—imagine where we would be if we hadn’t. Hugo missed because he took it. He gave everything on the pitch, and that is what is asked of a Valencia player: to die for the badge. It’s normal for people to be angry with our goalkeeper, but I know Dimitrievski; if he was feeling discomfort, then he was.”
Carlos Corberán gives instructions to his players (Photo: Ricardo Larreina/MARCA)
Valencia fans celebrated wildly in the stands, with some in tears, as the final whistle confirmed a vital win. The result leaves Athletic with slim hopes of reaching European spots, while Valencia took a giant step towards safety.
The match saw goalkeeper Dimitrievski put in a heroic performance, making several key saves, including a late header from Gorka Guruzeta. The only goal of the game came from Umar Sadiq, who changed the pace for Valencia with a brilliant strike from distance, catching Athletic keeper Unai Simón off his line.
Despite a frantic finish and seven minutes of added time, Valencia held firm. There were late dramas, including a penalty appeal and a corner with goalkeeper Unai Simón going up, but Valencia’s defense, marshaled by Dimitrievski, held out.
Sadiq celebrates with Luis Rioja after scoring the 0-1 (Photo: Ricardo Larreina/MARCA)
Corberán made defensive changes, bringing on Unai Núñez for Javi Guerra late in the game. Valencia also brought on Jesús Vázquez for Saravia in injury time. Athletic pushed hard but could not find the equalizer.
The win gives Valencia 42 points, moving them closer to safety, while Athletic’s European hopes suffer a significant blow.
