Valencia 1 - 1 Athletic Bilbao - Soldado saves the day for Valencia

Posted Sunday, October 23, 2011 by PA

Roberto Soldado grabbed a late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw for Valencia after Athletic Bilbao had threatened to extend Los Che's miserable run.

The home side had won just one of their previous six competitive games heading into the contest and went behind after 72 minutes when 18-year-old Iker Muniain again highlighted his vast potential with a wonderful opener.

But with time running out Soldado scored an equally fine equaliser, rounding Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz and tapping in from a tight angle.

Valencia made a blistering start as they tried to make amends for Thursday night's Europa League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.

Ever Banega saw a shot blocked inside the opening 30 seconds and from the resulting corner Mehmet Topal fired wide.

Valencia midfielder Sergio Canales also came close after four minutes before, from their first attack of note, Athletic were unfortunate not to go ahead.

Muniain's 20-yard shot was blocked by home keeper Vicente Guaita, who also reacted well to parry Jon Aurtenetxe's follow-up. The second rebound fell to Markel Susaeta, who volleyed in only to be denied by an offside flag.

Athletic came again after 36 minutes with Fernando Llorente heading on to a post with Guaita beaten.

After getting on top, Athletic almost conceded right on the half-time whistle.

A poor clearance from keeper Gorka Iraizoz fell to Jonas' feet and his 25-yard, first-time effort trickled on to the post before Iraizoz got back to smuggle it behind for a corner.

Soldado had a penalty shout after 65 minutes when he tussled with Fernando Amorebieta inside the area but referee Carlos Gomez was unimpressed.

Muniain had been a lively figure all evening and he curled home a wonderful opener after cutting in from the right to put the visitors ahead.

The teenager nearly doubled the advantage shortly after but his shot from the right clipped Guaita's shoulder and flew over.

Valencia threw men forward but did not seriously threaten an equaliser until the 89th minute, when Banega played a clever ball into Soldado and he finished with aplomb.