MATCH REPORT | Duro heads Valencia CF to victory against Athletic Club

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Valencia CF took a 1-0 victory against Athletic Club on Matchday 21 in LaLiga at Mestalla, as Hugo Duro scored the winning goal on the hour mark off a great cross from José Luis Gayà. It was the team’s fourth consecutive win in the competition, and followed elimination from the Copa del Rey in midweek.

The team took to the pitch looking to be fast, dynamic and provide service for forwards Roman Yaremchuk and Duro. The former came on early in the game, due to an injury to Sergi Canós that changed the setup for Rubén Baraja’s side.

In the 42nd minute, Valencia CF recovered the ball well with a steal by Fran Pérez, and he sent it to Hugo Duro to leave for Hugo Guillamón. His shot from the edge of the area went wide, but was the first dangerous chance against the Basque team.

It would not be the last approach before the break and Yaremchuk finished off a good ball to the far post, Athletic Club goalkeeper Unai Simón glancing the ball wide.

Valencia CF came out aiming to take the lead in the second half and, from a move on the left, Diego López put a ball into the six-yard box for Duro, but the no.9’s shot went just off target.

It would be the omen of what would happen moments later. In the 60th minute, Valencia CF again got the ball on the left, Gayà sent a cross in and Duro, rising above Yuri Berchiche, beat Unai Simón with a great header.

As in every match, Mamardashvili would appear in difficult moments to contain the opposition. The goalkeeper did so in the 79th minute with a great save that kept the score at 1-0 on the final whistle.

Valencia CF took three important points and will seek their fifth consecutive win in LALIGA next Sunday, away against Atletico Madrid.

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