La Liga | Gameweek 37

May 18, 2025 at 6pm UK

Estadio de Mestalla

Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao

Match preview

Since taking over at Mestalla at the start of the year, Carlos Corberan has done a sterling job, overseeing nine wins, six draws and four defeats in 19 La Liga matches. This has taken Valencia from the relegation zone into contention for European qualification.

However, their European aspirations suffered a blow on Wednesday when their 10-game unbeaten run came to an end with a controversial 1-0 defeat against relegation-threatened Alavés.

Valencia appeared to be on course for a goalless draw at Mendizorroza until the referee awarded a penalty for what he deemed to be a foul by Giorgi Mamardashvili on Santiago Moreno. Following a VAR review, the referee stood by his decision to give Joan Jordan the chance to score the winner from the spot.

Following their first away defeat since January, Valencia dropped to 11th place in the standings, leaving them three points adrift of eighth place with two games remaining against Athletic and Real Betis.

Although their fate may be out of their hands, Los Che can improve their chances of qualifying for the Conference League by winning their final two matches. They should be confident of winning on Sunday after winning four of their last five home games.

That said, they may be concerned by the fact that they have won only one of their last five La Liga home games against Athletic (D2, L2), although that sole victory did come in their most recent home match in January 2024.

Since their dream of playing the Europa League final at San Mamés was ended by a heavy semi-final defeat to Manchester United earlier this month, Athletic have responded impeccably.

Los Leones bounced back with a narrow 1-0 home win over Alavés last weekend, and then claimed a 2-0 victory over Getafe in midweek to secure Champions League qualification with two games remaining.

Gorka Guruzeta and Dani Vivian both scored in the final 15 minutes to secure maximum points at the Coliseum, ensuring that Athletic will play in the Champions League for the first time since the 2014–15 season.

Although they have secured a top-five finish, fourth-placed Athletic could still overtake third-placed Atlético Madrid, or even fall behind fifth-placed Villarreal, who are three points adrift.

Los Leones will certainly travel to Mestalla in a confident mood. They have put together a four-game unbeaten league run since losing to Real Madrid last month (W3, D1) and have kept clean sheets in each of those matches. This leaves 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, having picked up a 1-0 win in August thanks to Benat Prados's only La Liga goal of the season.

Recent Performance

Valencia La Liga form:WDDWWL

Athletic Bilbao La Liga form:WLWDWW

Athletic Bilbao form (all competitions):WLDLWW

Team News

Valencia are still without long-term absentee Thierry Correia, who is continuing his rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Midfielder André Almeida sustained a head injury last weekend and is set to miss a second consecutive game due to concussion protocol.

Dimitri Foulquier could return to the line-up after missing the defeat to Alavés due to illness, while Javi Guerra is available again following a one-match ban.

As for the visitors, Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams are doubtful for the weekend as they continue to recover from hamstring and groin injuries, respectively.

Winger Álvaro Djalo should return to the matchday squad after missing Thursday's win against Getafe due to illness.

Valverde is likely to make changes to his side for Sunday's fixture, with Óscar de Marcos, Adama Boiro, Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Óscar Sancet among those who could come into the starting lineup.

Possible 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