Athletic Club returned to action in the League after 28 days without a real match, after the goalless draw against Alavés in San Mamés. In that period, coach Iñaki de la Torre has focused on training, leading the team in the final of the Euskal Herria Txapela against Real Sociedad (0-1 in favor of Real) and on an interrupted visit to Vallecas a week ago, when the match with Rayo Vallecano was suspended after 13 minutes of play.
The return to Valencia was different from that of Vallecas: the Basque team achieved more possession and control of the ball, although the composition of the starting eleven showed significant changes. Paredes was the only defender to keep his place, while Rincón replaced Areso, Laporte took Yeray's place and Johaneko started at left back in place of Yuri. The Basque-French midfielder, known for his gratitude and his style of play, stood out in the first half, where Athletic dominated the pace of the match.
In the second half, Valencia intensified the pressure, which caused a more marked balance and a reduction in the lions' energy. Athletic suffered an emotional blow after Guruzeta's injury, and also faced muscle wasting issues with Robert Navarro and Berenguer. Despite these setbacks, the team managed to maintain composure and tactical discipline.
The match also served as Rego's debut in the League, who was introduced in the 63rd minute to replace Galarreta. At half-time, de la Torre made another change in the midfield, taking off Jauregizar and bringing in Gerenabarrena.
With this performance, Athletic returns to the competition with the intention of consolidating its position in the table and overcoming the challenges that the season presents. The next match is presented as an opportunity to continue recovering the form and consistency that characterizes the club.