Valencia will enter their upcoming La Liga fixture against Athletic Bilbao with everything on the line, knowing that a strong performance at Mestalla could keep their fading European dreams alive. The stakes are high for Los Che, who have fought valiantly under the guidance of Carlos Corberán to climb out of the relegation scrap and into contention for continental football. However, their recent setback against Alavés has left them with little margin for error, making Sunday’s clash a must-win encounter if they are to stand any chance of securing a place in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League.
On the other side, Athletic Bilbao will arrive in buoyant spirits after sealing their long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League with a commanding midweek victory over Getafe. The Basque side’s resurgence under Ernesto Valverde has been nothing short of remarkable, and their assured defensive performances in recent weeks suggest they will be a formidable opponent for Valencia. With both teams possessing contrasting motivations—Valencia fighting for European qualification and Athletic looking to consolidate their top-four status—this encounter promises to be a compelling battle between two sides in strong form.
Since taking charge at Valencia at the beginning of the year, Carlos Corberán has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Inheriting a team languishing near the relegation places, he has transformed their fortunes with a blend of tactical discipline and attacking verve, guiding them to nine wins, six draws, and just four defeats in his 19 league matches in charge. This impressive run had propelled Valencia into the conversation for European qualification, with their ten-game unbeaten streak making them one of La Liga’s most in-form sides. However, their momentum was abruptly halted in midweek by a contentious 1-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Alavés—a result that has left their continental ambitions hanging by a thread.
The match at Mendizorroza was decided by a late penalty, awarded after referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernández adjudged Giorgi Mamardashvili to have fouled Santiago Mourino in the box. Despite a lengthy VAR review, the decision stood, allowing Joan Jordán to convert from the spot and condemn Valencia to their first away defeat since January. The loss saw them drop to 11th in the table, three points adrift of eighth-placed Real Betis with just two matches remaining. Given the tight nature of the race for European spots, Valencia can ill afford another slip-up, meaning they must approach Sunday’s game with maximum intensity.
Despite the setback, there are reasons for optimism in the Valencia camp. Their home form has been a particular strength in recent weeks, with four wins in their last five matches at Mestalla. This resurgence in front of their own supporters will give them confidence as they prepare to face an Athletic side that has been defensively resolute. However, history suggests this fixture may not be straightforward—Valencia have managed just one victory in their last five home league meetings against Athletic (drawing twice and losing twice), though that solitary win did come in their most recent encounter in January 2024.
For Athletic Bilbao, this match represents an opportunity to further solidify their status as one of Spain’s elite clubs. Their midweek triumph over Getafe confirmed their place in next season’s Champions League, marking their return to Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since the 2014-15 campaign. It is a richly deserved achievement for a team that has consistently punched above its weight under Valverde’s astute leadership.
Athletic’s response to their Europa League semi-final heartbreak against Manchester United has been exemplary. Rather than allowing that disappointment to derail their season, they have regrouped impressively, securing back-to-back league wins over Alavés and Getafe without conceding a goal. This defensive solidity has been a hallmark of their recent performances—they are currently on a four-game unbeaten run in La Liga (three wins and one draw), keeping clean sheets in each of those matches. Another shutout on Sunday would see them record five consecutive top-flight clean sheets for the first time since December 1983, a testament to the organization and resilience Valverde has instilled in his squad.
While their Champions League place is secure, Athletic still have plenty to play for. They sit just three points behind third-placed Atlético Madrid and could yet overtake them with strong results in their final two matches. Conversely, they are also only three points ahead of fifth-placed Villarreal, meaning they cannot afford complacency if they wish to guarantee a top-four finish.
Their previous meeting with Valencia this season ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Athletic, courtesy of a rare goal from Beñat Prados. If they can complete the league double over Los Che, it would further underline their credentials as one of Spain’s most improved sides.
In summary, Sunday’s clash at Mestalla is set to be a fascinating encounter between two teams with contrasting but equally compelling motivations. Valencia’s European hopes are on life support, and only a victory will keep them in the hunt, while Athletic Bilbao will look to maintain their momentum as they prepare for a long-awaited return to the Champions League. With both sides in strong form, the match could hinge on fine margins—whether Valencia can break down Athletic’s stubborn defense or whether the visitors can extend their impressive defensive record.
