MATCH REPORT: VICTORY FOR VALENCIA CF AGAINST ATHLETIC CLUB

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Valencia CF took a deserved 2-0 win at Mestalla against Athletic Club on LaLiga Matchday 5, as goals from Baptiste Santamaría and Hugo Duro decided the game in their favour.

Both teams began the game with the intention of controlling play, and just minutes into the contest Athletic Club had their first dangerous chance. Oihan Sancet shot from inside the area and Julen Agirrezabala made the stop, sending the ball out for a corner.

Midway through the first half, the goalkeeper again needed to intervene, and cleared away another effort from Sancet.

Valencia CF looked to hit Athletic Club on the counterattack, and Javi Guerra almost found the net off a mistake from the opposition defence.

Agirrezabala then smothered a run through from Iñaki Williams, cutting out a threatening move.

Following a corner, Dani Raba nearly connected with Mouctar Diakhaby inside the penalty area, but the Guinean couldn't quite reach the ball.

The game went into halftime goalless, with Valencia CF keen to up the intensity after the interval.

Valencia CF came out pressing high to steal the ball away. Dmitri Foulquier had a chance when Rioja crossed from the corner, and the defender struck over the crossbar.

Seconds later, Carlos Corberán's team almost capitalised on a counterattack by Raba and Arnaut Danjuma, but failed to convert.

Valencia CF persisted, and Foulquier crossed from the right flank to the far post, where Luis Rioja arrived but couldn't connect properly with the ball.

In the 60th minute, Athletic Club went down to ten men, when Dani Vivian hauled down Santamaría when he was through on goal.

Carlos Corberán reacted by boosting the speed available to him, with the introduction of Largie Ramazani.

The Belgian immediately made a move down the right flank, and his delivery spun off Aymeric Laporte and grazed the crossbar.

From the resulting corner, Javi Guerra took a shot and Santamaría finished at the near post to give Valencia CF the lead.

The following minutes featured dominance and opportunities for Valencia CF. Javi Guerra and Hugo Duro produced the most dangerous chances, without success.

Duro would get his goal before the end. A move on the right wing between Ramazani, Almeida, and Santamaría, was finished off by the striker to seal the win.

Valencia CF will next visit RCD Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Tuesday, for Matchday 6 of the season.

MATCH STATS

2. VALENCIA CF: Agirrezabala, Foulquier, Tárrega, Diakhaby, Gayà © (J. Vázquez, 70’), Santamaría, Javi Guerra, L. Rioja (Hugo Duro, 70’), Diego López (Lucas Beltrán, 70’), Raba (Ramazani, 64’) and Danjuma (Almeida, 80’).

0. ATHLETIC CLUB: Unai Simón, Vivian, Paredes, Berenguer (Laporte, 64’), O. Sancet (Sannadi, 68’), Williams ©, Areso, R. De Galarreta (Vesga, 68’), Yuri, Jaureguizar (Rego, 80’) and Navarro (U. Gómez, 68’).

GOALS: Santamaría, 73’ (1-0); Hugo Duro, 93’ (2-0).

REFEREE: Miguel Ángel Ortiz (C. Madrileño). Yellow cards for Vivian and Tárrega.

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