Goalless football at the Mestalla

It was a first draw of the season at the Mestalla for Valencia against Athletic Club. The Blanquinegros had chances in the first half but were unable to convert them. The second half was more evenly matched but the game ended 0-0.

The encounter got off to a roaring start with the two sides taking turns to dominate. The best chances of the first half fell to the home side, with Valencia's forwards Rodrigo Moreno, Paco Alcácer and Pablo Piatti troubling the Basque defence on several occasions. The best chance for Ernesto Valverde’s men was a Borja Viguera header in the dying moments of the first half. The chances came, but Valencia were unable to impose their game in response to a great performance from Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic on the field.

After the break, the battle was played out in midfield. Both teams had spells in control but neither had a dangerous opportunity in the early stages. Later there were several shots on goal but none of them troubled either of the goalkeepers. It was not until the 85th minute that the visitors had a good chance in the 6-yard box to make it 0-1, but the scoreline stayed the same. With this result, Valencia lose their second place and now have 24 points, while Athletic have 12 and are in eleventh place.