Coming up against his parent club, Julen Agirrezabala spectacularly tipped Oihan Sancet’s deflected attempt over the crossbar just seven minutes into proceedings before making a more routine save to deny Aitor Paredes’ header.
The visitors remained completely dominant without taking the lead, as Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta fired a speculative strike from range off-target. After a period of Valencia struggling to even get out of their own half, there was a small sign of intent with Baptiste Santamaria having a shot blocked.
It was soon back to defensive duties for Los Ches as they stopped Sancet, who saw one shot deflected behind and another tipped past the post. A defensive mix-up from Athletic Club gave Javi Guerra a rare opportunity to sprint forward, but the midfielder stumbled before being dispossessed, and Inaki Williams had a venomous shot saved at the other end moments later.
Mikel Jauregizar then became the latest Lehoiak player to be denied by Agirrezabala, before Sancet smashed a shot high and wide as signs of frustration started to show with Williams’ header being held by before the break.
There was early encouragement and intent for the hosts in the second half, even if Dimitri Foulquier sent his header off-target. They were then given a major boost on the hour mark when Dani Vivian was shown a straight red card for fouling Santamaria to deny a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Aymeric Laporte came on to make his Lehoiak return in the aftermath and was fortunate to see his deflection on Largie Ramazani’s cross turn the ball onto the crossbar and behind. Any luck didn’t last long, though, as Santamaria did brilliantly to guide his header from the ensuing corner just inside Unai Simon’s post.
Having scored Los Ches’ first, Santamaria delivered a pinpoint low cross that Hugo Duro turned into the net to make absolutely sure that Valencia made the perfect response to their heavy defeat against Barcelona last time out, while also taking their tally to seven points from three LaLiga matches at the Estadio de Mestalla this term.
They also inflict Athletic’s third consecutive defeat across all competitions.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Julen Agirrezabala (Valencia)