subject: Spanish Soccer- Valencia Wins 2-1 To Athletic Bilbao And Rise To Third Place [print this page] During its visit to San Mames Stadium, in what was the thirteenth week of the Spanish League; Valencia managed to win against Athletic Bilbao with a score of 2-1, moving up to the third place of the Spanish League standings.
Despite the home teams effort to take control of game the first half was a little boring. Although both teams were trying to do a good job, they could not advance as they remained focused only on defending themselves.
The lack of offensive attacks made the game lose some of its excitment, since there where no shots that could mean danger to any of the goals. Striker Fernando Llorente was injured during the first half. The Athletic was focused on avoiding the attacks of Valencia, who kept trying to control the ball but was unable to advance.
The first 45 minutes evolved in a monotonous and slow manner. This was demonstrated by the poor performance of Joaqun Snchez, Pablo Hernndez, David Villa and Juan Manuel Mata; the Valencias striker group, which could not exhibit all of its talent.
With no real chances to score and with plays that did not sum up to much more then failing attempts, the first half reached the end.
In the start of the second half, Los Che proposed to make a more interesting match and with an intimidating game strategy, they tried to dread their opponents. They began to shine with dangerous maneuvers, such as the one at minute 50, when the Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebiata had to intervened and stop a clear action of goal.
Later, Villa was the one in charge of raising the game with a powerful shot that was diverted by the Lions goalkeeper, Gorka Iraizoz.
And when all seemed in favor of the visitor team, an amazing goal by Iker Muniain shocked the fans. The young striker, who is only 16 years-old, sums a total of four goals in his first season with the Rojiblanco team.
Amused by this situation, David Villa was launched to the front to directly attacked their opponent; this manuever gave good results at minute 61, when a precise shot placed the ball deeply into Iraizoz networks.
With control of what was happening on the pitch, Valencia defended their area and pressed Athletic into their half of the field. Not happy with the draw, Valencia kept pushing even harder with the intention of adding more goals.
Few minutes before the game finished, the Basque squad saw their efforts pay off when at minute 82, the French defender Jeremy Mathieu scored the 2-1 in favor of his team.
A couple seconds left in the game a penalty in favor of the Athletic appeared to be the best opportunity to change things around. However the bad execution of David Lopez shot, which hit the post, broke any hopes for Bilbao.
With this, Valencia add its fifth straight victory and managed to grasp unto the third place of the Spanish League, with 28 points and right behind Real Madrid, who is in second.
