After a difficult start to the season in the Champions League, the Athletic of Bilbao suffered another defeat this Saturday in Mestalla against Valencia, by 2-0, on the fifth day of LALIGA EA SPORTS. The match was particularly marked by the controversial expulsion of Dani Vivian, who was sanctioned with a red after a decision by the referee confirmed by the VAR. This expulsion had a significant impact on the match, depriving the Athletic of one of its key players and contributing to a second defeat without scoring consecutively. Despite initial domination in terms of ownership and territoriality, the Basque team lacked realism in front of the goal, and Vivian’s absence weakened his defensive strength.

Coach Ernesto Valverde pointed out that the team had well controlled the game until the expulsion, but that the whistle broke the balance and allowed Valencia to take the ascendant. He deplored the lack of biting and capacity to realize opportunities, as well as the difficulty in maintaining calm after expulsion. Valverde also mentioned the individual performance of Iñaki Williams, who missed a crucial opportunity, and the negative contribution of arbitration, including the expulsion of Vivian, who potentially changed the course of the game. He stressed the need to focus on improving the conversion of opportunities and regaining the winning mentality.

This defeat marks the third without a consecutive goal for the athletic, a worrying situation given the team’s low offensive performance compared to previous seasons. The team must now prepare for the next game against Girona in San Mamés, hoping to regain a better level and score points. Vivian’s expulsion, although controversial, highlighted the team’s difficulties in managing pressure moments and maintaining concentration on the ground. Lack of points and lack of goals are major problems that need to be addressed in order for Athletic to achieve its season goals.