Valencia will do their utmost to keep their European hopes alive when they welcome Athletic Bilbao to San Mames for Sunday’s La Liga clash.
Meanwhile, the visitors will be in a celebratory mood after securing Champions League qualification with a win over Getafe in midweek.
Match preview
Carlos Corberan has done a sterling job since taking over the reins at Mestalla at the start of the year, overseeing nine wins, six draws, and four defeats in 19 La Liga matches to take Valencia from the relegation zone and into contention for European qualification.
However, those European aspirations suffered a blow on Wednesday when their 10-game unbeaten run was brought to an end by a controversial 1-0 defeat against relegation-threatened Alaves.
Valencia appeared to be on course to play out a goalless draw at Mendizorroza until the referee awarded a penalty for what he believed was a foul by Giorgi Mamardashvili on Santiago Mourino, and while he was called over to review the action following a VAR review, the official ultimately stuck by his decision to give Joan Jordan the chance to score the winner from the spot.
As a result of their first away defeat since January, Valencia slipped down to 11th place in the standings, leaving them three points adrift of eighth place with two games left to play against Athletic and Real Betis.
While their fate may be out of their hands, Los Che can give themselves the best possible chance of achieving Conference League qualification by winning their final two matches, and they should fancy their chances of taking maximum points from Sunday’s game after recording four wins in their last five home outings.
With that said, they may be concerned by the fact they have won just one of their previous five La Liga meetings with Athletic at Mestalla (D2, L2), although that sole victory did take place in their most recent home encounter in January 2024.
Athletic have responded impeccably since their dream of playing the Europa League final at San Mames was ended by a heavy semi-final defeat to Manchester United earlier this month.
Los Leones bounced back with a narrow 1-0 home win over Alaves last weekend, before they claimed a 2-0 victory over Getafe in midweek to clinch Champions League qualification with two games left to play.
Gorka Guruzeta and Dani Vivian both found the net in the final 15 minutes to clinch maximum points at the Coliseum, ensuring Athletic can look forward to playing in the Champions League for the first time since competing in the 2014-15 campaign.
While a top-five finish is secured, fourth-placed Athletic could still overcome the three-point deficit to Atletico Madrid in third spot, or even fall behind Villarreal, who are three points adrift in fifth position.
Los Leones will certainly travel to Mestalla in a confident mood, having put together a four-game unbeaten league run since losing to Real Madrid last month (W3, D1), keeping clean sheets in each of those matches to leave them on the brink of recording five consecutive top-flight shutouts for the first time since December 1983.
Ernesto Valverde‘s side are also looking to complete a league double over Valencia after picking up a 1-0 win back in August thanks to Benat Prados‘s only La Liga goal of the season.
Team News
Valencia remain without the services of long-term absentee Thierry Correia, who is continuing his rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Midfielder Andre Almeida sustained a head injury last weekend and is now set to miss a second straight game due to the concussion protocol.
Dimitri Foulquier could return to the lineup after missing the defeat to Alaves through illness, while Javi Guerra is available following a one-match ban.
As for the visitors, Inaki Williams and Nico Williams remain doubtful for the weekend, as they continue to recover from hamstring and groin injuries respectively.
Winger Alvaro Djalo should return to the matchday squad after missing Thursday’s win against Getafe due to illness.
Valverde is likely to freshen up his side for Sunday’s fixture, with Oscar de Marcos, Adama Boiro, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, and Oihan Sancet among those who could come into the starting lineup.
Valencia possible starting lineup:
Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Mosquera, Tarrega, Gaya; Pepelu, Barrenechea; Rioja, Guerra, Lopez; Duro
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Boiro; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; Berenguer, Sancet, Gomez; Guruzeta
We say: Valencia 2-1 Athletic Bilbao
While Athletic still have league position to play for, they may subconsciously take their foot off the gas after achieving their main goal of Champions League qualification, and we think any drop-off will be punished by a Valencia side that have won four of their last five home games.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
