It took until the 72nd minute, but Valencia have finally capitalized on all of their possession, finding a well deserved goal with a Juan Mata tap-in of a cross from Joaquin. Athletic Bilbao and Valencia have had about an equal amount of chances tonight at San Mames, but Valencia have probably been the better all-around side and their lack of clear chances on goal has been somewhat surprising. Ever Banega has not had his usual playmaking influence in the center of the park, most of the reason why their possession has been largely waseful.
Athletic Bilbao Vs. Valencia: Los Che Find Equalizer Through Juan Mata
Though Mata was the man who applied the finish, most of the credit for the goal should go to Joaquin, who did very well to make himself space on the right flank before delivering a low ball across the face of goal. Mata didn’t have a ton of work left to do, but still did well to beat his defender and get on the end of the ball to direct it into the back of the net.
Just minutes later, Athletic Bilbao appeared to have secured a second goal to re-take the lead, but Markel Susaeta, the man who applied the finish to the cross of Oscar de Marcos, was flagged for offside.
Shortly afterwards, the ineffective Banega was replaced in a like for like switch, with Tino Costa entering the game.
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