Very tactical match yesterday in San Mamés with two teams using the same 1-4-4-2 system and where the attacking plays of both contenders were largely canceled. However there were options to score more goals for both sides.
In the first minutes of the match, Athletic was very intense, playing with speed against a well-closed Valencia with their goalkeeper. The local team lowered the piston a bit and the ches took advantage of it, releasing much more to the attack especially on the left wing, being deeper with
Guedes
and contributions from
Maxi
, insufficient in any case to unbalance the scoreboard. Little activity for the two goalkeepers despite the game going into a round trip in the last quarter of an hour.
A good arrival of Valencia ended up in the hands of
Unai Simon
, who launched a counter as before, with a long hand pass, leaving ground ahead to
Black pudding
to gallop and stand in the opponent's area and look for
Williams
,
well placed at the far post. His measured center interrupted him
Guillamón
, but scoring at his own door what meant 1-0 to his misfortune. A book counter with the best ending for the rojiblancos because the goal came when the 43rd minute ran, a psychological moment to prevent the visitor's reaction.
At the exit of the house in the second half more of the same. Athletic launched in attack, putting Valencia in their field and creating chances. A very clear of
Willy
with poor definition and a clearer one of
Sancet, what did you get
Doménech
in a display of reflexes avoiding the 2-0. He also had it Victor with a point-blank header that narrowly missed. By the way, no news from the VAR throughout the game. Sometimes happens.
From then on, Valencia, as in the first 45 minutes, stretched a little more and the changes gave it the depth and arrival it was looking for.
Grace
.
Museh quickly caused some hospitalization with a sense of danger.
The equalizer, however, came from a set piece with a good header from
Paulista
at the exit of a corner where he finishes ahead of
Dani garcia
and signing a great goal that in the end would add a good point for his team. Tie to one. The marker did not move anymore.
The last 15 minutes of each half were the most showy of a match in which defensive rigor, with two lines well together, managed to eliminate many occasions from both teams. First draw at home for Athletic so far in the championship. A point that leaves him in the middle of the table, still with time to look up, but also not to neglect himself because everyone squeezes and more as the competition ends.
The lions have important games ahead of them, so the demand cannot be higher. Next league engagement in Cádiz, to score the Silver Cup. But before, of course, Levante in the Cup.