Valencia travelled to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday looking to consolidate fourth position in La Liga.
Chances were few and far between in the first 45 minutes, with neither side able to make the breakthrough.
Valencia took the lead just past the hour when Rodrigo de Paul found the bottom corner.
The visitors had Nicolas Otamendi sent off late on, however, and Bilbao made use of their man advantage to secure a late point through Aritz Aduriz.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from San Mames as Athletic Bilbao welcome Valencia. The visitors now have a real battle on their hands to make the top four, but securing a positive result this evening will certainly not be easy against an in-form Bilbao outfit.
First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news.
TEAMS:
BILBAO: Iraizoz; De Marcos, Etxeita, Gurpegi, Balenziaga; Rico, San Jose; Inaki, Unai, Ibai; Aduriz
VALENCIA: Alves; Orban, Otamendi, Mustafi, Barragan; Fuego, Gomes; Piatti, Rodrigo, Feghouli; Alcacer
So there we have it. Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde is still without the services of Aymeric Laporte, who is suspended, while Iker Muniain and Ander Iturraspe are both on the sidelines. Inaki Williams, Unai Lopez and Ibai Gomez are all given starts behind the top scorer Aritz Aduriz, while San Jose starts in midfield alongside Mikel Rico. Markel Susaeta, however, is only on the bench this evening.
Valencia, meanwhile, are without key duo Jose Gaya and Enzo Perez, who are both injured. Skipper Dani Parejo also misses out through suspension, while Alvaro Negredo once again starts on the bench. Lucas Orban and Rodrigo both come into the XI, while it is Paco Alcacer leading the line.
Somewhat surprisingly, Bilbao have only won one of their last five home league meetings with Valencia – losing three times in the process. That said, each of the last three matches between the two teams have ended in draws. Last season, the corresponding game finished 1-1. The pair have also, of course, already met at the Mestalla this season and the points were shared in a goalless draw.
Bilbao lost 2-0 at top-four hopefuls Sevilla at the weekend, but the Basque outfit have been on an excellent run of form – winning five of their last six in the league. That run of form has moved them into eighth position in the league, while they also have the small matter of a Copa del Rey final against Barcelona to look forward to at the end of next month. The good times are coming back.
Bilbao are currently 14 points clear of the bottom three, but they are six points off seventh-place Malaga and therefore eighth might be the best that they can hope for this term. Valverde's side have won six of their 14 home league games this season, but also been beaten five times. That said, they are currently on their best home run of the campaign, recording three straight wins.
Athleticen beroketa ariketak #athlive pic.twitter.com/ZemuWjDWuS
— Athletic Club (@athletic_eus) April 9, 2015
Valencia, meanwhile, will enter this game off the back of a goalless draw at home to Villarreal on Sunday. Sevilla's excellent run of form has seen them join fourth-place Valencia on 61 points, while Nuno's team are now four points behind third-place Atletico Madrid, who have played a game more.
Los Che's home record this season has been excellent – winning 12 of their 15 league games and losing just once (Barcelona). However, their away form has been quite disappointing – dropping points in eight of their 14 matches. It is far from disastrous form, but Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico and indeed Sevilla have all picked up more away points than Valencia thus far this season.
PREDICTION! I have a feeling that this could be a very, very tight game. Valencia will have their eye on all three points at San Mames, but it is really difficult to back against Bilbao due to their excellent recent run of form. I am going to have to somewhat sit on the fence here and back an entertaining 1-1 draw.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. The away side get the first 45 minutes underway.
This has all the makings of an entertaining game - let us hope it produces! The pitch is in excellent condition for this stage of the season and that is credit to the ground staff here. Both teams will attempt to settle as soon as possible here, but neither has been able to keep the ball thus far.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking football in the opening four minutes, with both teams guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital here. Both of these sides are in excellent form at the moment.
Well, six minutes on the clock and not too much has happened thus far. Really low-key start. Both sides have been in decent areas, but neither has been able to find a piece of quality thus far.
CHANCE! First real sight of goal for the home side as Balenziaga picks up possession in a wide area before drilling a low cross towards the far post, but there are no takers. Any touch would have taken that flying into the back of the net. The hosts are just growing into the game now.
Possession football from Valencia in the last couple of moments, but they are not really threatening in the final third. The referee has been more involved than he would have liked, meanwhile, following a number of late challenges. As expected, it has been a very tight opening 10 minutes in Bilbao tonight.
BOOKING! Balenziaga (Bilbao) is booked for clashing with Feghouli.
Iker Muniain is here tonight. The Spaniard will be on the sidelines for the next seven months after picking up a horrendous knee injury against Sevilla. Big blow for the player and indeed Bilbao.
Good football from Valencia as Piatti combines with Alcacer outside the Bilbao box and it eventually falls for Gomes, but his long-range effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
Stoppage in play as Valencia's Gomes goes down with a head injury. It was actually his own teammate Otamendi that bundled into the back of the midfielder. The stretcher is on the field at the moment.
No stretcher needed, Gomes is back on his feet. That was quick.
I take it back - Gomes is actually having a bandage fitted and there is blood present. The Valencia midfielder should be fit to continue, but it was a heavy knock handed out by his own teammate!
It is a slightly untidy game at the moment, with both teams guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. Neither has really created a chance of note in the opening 20 minutes of this contest.
Excellent defending from Balenziaga as the Atletico defender clears a wonderful cross from Piatti, who had found space in a wide area. It is a good spell for Valencia as Orban buys a foul from Williams.
Piatti delivers the resulting free kick, but it is a stunning defensive header from Aduriz.
Valencia are in control of the possession at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the Bilbao half, but that said, we are still waiting for the first clear opportunity of this contest here.
SAVE! Alcacer strikes a stinging effort from outside the Bilbao box, but Iraizoz makes to make the save. Rodrigo nips in and goes down inside the box, but the referee is not interested.
Piatti appears to have pulled a hamstring for Valencia here. That will be the end of his night.
SUB! Valencia indeed make the change as Rodrigo de Paul replaces Piatti.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments, but neither is able to fashion a clear shooting chance. Williams steps over a low cross inside the Valencia box, but Otamendi hammers clear.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and the score is still goalless at San Mames. In truth, it has not been a great game in terms of clear opportunities, but the tempo has been good. Feghouli delivers a wicked cross towards Alcacer in Valencia's latest attack, but Gurpegi clears.
BOOKING! Aduriz (Bilbao) is booked for a powerful challenge on Barragan.
The referee has not allowed too many aerial challenges this evening, which is not going down well with the supporters. You cannot jump without your arms! Still goalless with 34 minutes played.
BOOKING! Gomes (Valencia) is booked for a late challenge on Rico.
Both teams are playing some nice football in the final third, but neither has been able to find that elusive pass thus far. The referee is also making it too stop-start in the middle third of the pitch.
Gurpegi strikes one from just outside the Valencia box following a corner, but his effort smashes into the hand of Aduriz. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and it is still goalless here.
CHANCE! Ibai Gomez delivers a super cross towards the far post, but Williams just cannot make proper contact and Valencia manage to clear for a corner. That was some ball from the midfielder!
Half-chance for Valencia this time as De Paul breaks down the right before delivering an excellent cross towards Rodrigo, but the forward cannot make contact. End-to-end football at the moment.
In truth, neither side has really done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage of the game. It has been very bitty for long spells, which is not too surprising. Bilbao have another chance to deliver a set piece from deep, but Valencia manage to clear the danger with the excellent Otamendi winning the header.
CHANCE! Another chance for the home side as Gurpegi flicks a flick-post corner towards the back post, but Williams can only find the side netting. Good end to the half for the hosts.
We are into the first of two added minutes at San Mames.
It has been a really bad-tempered half here! Orban and Williams are having words now.
HALF-TIME: Bilbao 0-0 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. In truth, it has not been great in terms of opportunities, with both sides struggling for inspiration in the final third. There have also been three yellow cards during a first period that has been very feisty.
STATS! Valencia have just shaded the possession with 51%, while the visitors have had the game's only attempt on target - a fairly tame effort from Alcacer. Bilbao have had three attempts, but failed to hit the target thus far. Overall, Valencia have just about shaded the game thus far.
BENCH WATCH! Bilbao boss Valverde does not have too many attacking options on his bench this evening, but the likes of Benat, Susaeta and Viguera are all in reserve. Valencia, meanwhile, have already been forced into one change, with De Paul replacing Piatti. Negredo, however, is available.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Will we have a breakthrough at San Mames? Let's hope so! The hosts get the second half underway here.
No changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise at this stage. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains goalless for the next 15 minutes or so.
CHANCE! Quite comfortably the clearest chance of the match as San Jose meets a super corner from the right, but Alves is on hand to make an excellent save. Top goalkeeping there!
It has been a strong start to the second period from the home side, with Williams having a strike blocked and Aduriz causing problems from a corner. Valencia are under some pressure here.
Aduriz just needs to be a little bit careful as he gives away another free kick and argues the decision with the referee. The last thing that Bilbao need is to go down to 10 men at this stage of the match.
Plenty happening in the middle of the park at the moment as both teams continue to battle for the ball. The referee has had a very busy game this evening and that has continued in this second half.
Well, the best chance of the match came to Bilbao early in this second period, but the home side have not been able to build on that opportunity in the last five minutes or so. Change for Bilbao here...
... SUB! Benat replaces Unai Lopez for the hosts.
CHANCE! A long through ball from Otamendi completely catches out the Bilbao goalkeeper, who runs past the ball, but luckily for the home side, it drops just wide of the post. Wow!
OFF-THE-LINE! Sensational defending from Otamendi as the Valencia defender clears a header from Aduriz off the line. That had beaten Alves and was dropping into the bottom corner.
Williams shows wonderful feet in a wide area to work some space before delivering, but there are no takers inside the Valencia box. It is a cracking game at the moment with both teams on the attack.
We are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be considering more changes. Both have two subs remaining and it would not be a surprise to see those exercised shortly here.
GOAL! Bilbao 0-1 Valencia (De Paul)
Valencia take the lead with 61 minutes on the clock as De Paul finds the bottom corner with a wonderful finish. It was a super work from the visitors, with Alcacer stepping over a pass from Rodrigo and De Paul was on hand to finish past Iraizoz. Not an easy finish, but the Argentine made it look so!
Still plenty of time for Bilbao to get back into this match, but it would be some win for Valencia if they could hold on for all three points. A big 25 minutes in Valencia's season here, that is for certain.
Not too much happening in terms of Bilbao pressure at the moment, with Valencia fairly comfortable with everything that is arriving inside their box. The atmosphere has also really dropped here.
You just get the feeling that there is one more goal in this match, but Valencia are looking good for a second at the moment as they continue to threaten in wide areas. Their movement is impressive.
Gomes shows excellent ability to turn inside the Bilbao box, but the midfielder just cannot keep his feet and Iraizoz is on hand to claim. Bilbao are straight down the other end moments later, but they are finding it difficult to play through the Valencia defence. Little over 20 minutes remaining here.
SUBS! Bilbao make a double change as Susaeta and Viguera replace Rico and Ibai.
SUB! Valencia also make a change as Negredo replaces Alcacer.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia to score a second as Negredo does excellently to set up Rodrigo inside the Bilbao box, but his effort just flashes wide of the post.
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and Valencia still lead 1-0 courtesy of that super finish from De Paul. As it stands, they are moving to within one point of third-place Atletico Madrid.
Half-chance for the home side as Aduriz flashes a low cross towards Viguera, but once again, Otamendi is on hand to make the clearance. How good has he been tonight?! Just sensational.
Half-chance for the home side and once again, it comes for Viguera, but the striker cannot make contact on a cross from De Marcos and the danger is cleared. Good spell for the home side here.
BOOKINGS! Benat and Gurpegi (Bilbao) are both booked. Benat for a foul, Gurpegi for dissent.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia as Rodrigo finds all sorts of space inside the Bilbao box, but his low strike is straight at Iraizoz. That could have been game, set and match there!
SAVE! Once again it is Rodrigo against Iraizoz and once again the Bilbao goalkeeper wins the battle as he saves a header from the attacker. Valencia are really threatening here.
RED CARD! OTAMENDI!
SHAMBLES! It is all kicking off here!
The referee cannot get a grip of the game as tempers boil over. Otamendi has been sent off for Valencia for a high challenge on San Jose, but that is far from the end of the story here.
SUB! Valencia make their third change as Rodrigo is replaced by Cancelo.
BOOKINGS! Iraizoz (Bilbao), Alves (Valencia) and Barragan (Valencia) have also all been booked. The two goalkeepers for the clash that occurred and Barragan for a late challenge on Aduriz.
Benat takes the resulting free kick, but his effort is straight into the arms of Alves. Williams has also been having a few words with some of the Valencia defenders. It could all kick off again here.
All the pressure is coming from Bilbao at the moment as Valencia play on with 10 men. You just get the feeling that there might be one more big chance and there should be a chunk of added time.
GOAL! Bilbao 1-1 Valencia (Aduriz)
Oh my word! Bilbao level in the final minute as Aduriz fires home from close range after Viguera had one deflected onto the post. A really, really scrappy goal, but they all count. Harsh on Valencia!
Benat fires high and wide of the crossbar as Bilbao put the pressure on!
Valencia are clinging on at the moment as Williams has one deflected behind for a corner. Orban manages to clear the set piece, but the pressure is straight back on. It is relentless at the moment!
Bilbao have another free kick as Feghouli brings Susaeta to the ground. Benat delivers once again from a wide area, but the danger is headed clear. Valencia are just about holding on here!
FULL-TIME: Bilbao 1-1 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Bilbao securing a point against 10-man Valencia. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
