Valencia is preparing to welcome Athletic Club to Mestalla this afternoon, on matchday eight of LaLiga, with the advantage of having won two of the Basque team's last three visits to the stadium. The last match, held on September 20, 2025, ended with a 2‑0 victory in favor of the Valencians, which puts them in a favorable position before the next confrontation.
Since the end of the 2019‑20 season, Valencia has shown notable improvement in its results against Athletic. In the 2023‑24 campaign, Carlos Corberán's team achieved a victory with a goal from Hugo Duro, and in the 2025‑26 they also won 2‑0. The only defeat in the recent period was in 2024-25, when Athletic won thanks to a goal from Alex Berenguer. This recent history suggests that Valencia have consolidated a psychological and tactical advantage over the Basque team in their visits to the stadium.
The last match at Mestalla was played with Valencia in 14th place and four points, while Athletic, with nine points, was in fifth place. The match was decided thanks to the performance of Baptiste Santamaría, who caused Vivian to be sent off, scored the first goal and assisted the second, scored by Hugo Duro in extra time. Valencia had the presence of Aguirrezabala, Foulquier, Tárrega, Diakhaby, Gayà, Javi Guerra, Santamaría, Luis Rioja, Dani Raba, Diego López, Hugo Duro and Danjuma. Athletic, for its part, lined up Unai Simón, Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Yuri, Galarreta, Jauregizar, Williams, Sancet, Navarro, Berenguer and Laporte.
Regarding the history of the 91 matches at Mestalla, Valencia has recorded 51 victories, 24 draws and 15 victories for Athletic. This data reinforces the perception that the Valencian team has a slight advantage when playing at home against the Basque club. With the next match just around the corner, both teams will seek to capitalize on their strengths and correct their weaknesses to advance in the standings.