Valencia CF and Athletic Club draw 0–0 as Tárrega clears Navarro’s shot off the line

Early headers miss the target

Athletic’s report described early possession control for the visitors, with Valencia’s double defensive line denying space and the hosts offering a threat of their own through quick breaks.

Valencia CF created two early headed chances from Javi Guerra deliveries following corners. Hugo Duro headed wide left in the seventh minute, and Pablo Maffeo sent his header wide right a minute later.

Gayà marked his 350th LaLiga appearance for Valencia by stopping an early Athletic counterattack, providing a defensive contribution alongside the hosts’ opening opportunities.

Athletic’s chances before the break

Before halftime, Robert Navarro beat José Gayà with two feints and crossed for Peio Canales, who scuffed his chance. The move gave Athletic an opportunity without producing the opening goal.

Iñaki Williams also threatened in the 44th minute, having a low left-footed shot saved after Beñat Gerenabarrena’s assist.

Blocks at both ends preserve the tie

Arnaut Danjuma shot wide right in the 51st minute after Pepelu supplied him on a counterattack.

Gayà subsequently tested Unai Simón before Rioja and Otorbi entered. Otorbi then rounded the Athletic goalkeeper on a counterattack, but the visiting defense blocked his shot. At the other end, Tárrega cleared Navarro’s shot off the goal line to prevent Athletic from going ahead.

Athletic also had to replace substitute Gorka Guruzeta with Maroan Sannadi after Guruzeta sustained a knock shortly after entering.

Guerra denied twice in the closing stages

Javi Guerra’s close-range left-footed effort was saved low left in the 70th minute after José Gayà’s assist. He had another shot saved from the center of the area in the 81st minute, this time following Harvey Elliott’s assist.

Simón’s saves and Athletic’s defending denied Valencia a late winner, and the match finished goalless.