Athletic Bilbao 3 - Valencia 2

Athletic: Gorka Iraizoz; Iraola, Aitor Ocio, Ustaritz, Koikili; David López, Orbaiz (Yeste 73'), Javi Martínez, Gabilondo (Mikel Balenziaga 69'); Ion Vélez (Toquero 64'), Llorente. 4-4-2.
Valencia: Renan (Goitia 41'); Angulo, Marchena, Maduro, Moretti; Joaquín (Vicente 75'), Albelda, Manuel Fernandes, Mata; David Villa (Michel 65'), Morientes. 4-4-2.

Team changes: Athletic: Ustaritz, Gabilondo for Amorebieta, Susaeta / Valencia: Angulo, Maduro, Morientes for Raúl Albiol, Baraja, David Silva.

Goals:
0-1. 02. David Villa. Ran on to Mata through ball and shot wide of Iraizoz.
1-1. 18. Gabilondo. Got above defence to head David López cross in to net.
1-2. 29. Morientes. Got on end of Villa cross to turn shot in on near post.
2-2. 42. Javi Martínez. Glancing header past Guaita from David López free kick.
3-2. 91. Llorente (penalty). After Manuel Fernandes held back Javi Martínez.

Yellow cards: Orbaiz 20', Mata 31', Morientes 35', Javi Martínez 69', Aitor Ocio 79', Fernandes 79', 90', Koikili 84' / red cards: Fernandes 90'.

Valencia lost ground on the leaders after a last minute 3-2 defeat at the hands of Athletic Bilbao, and they remain in fourth spot as a result. David Villa put the Ches ahead after running on to a pass from Mata in only the second minute, and although Gabilondo headed an equaliser, Morientes turned in Villa's cross to restore the lead a few minutes later.

Javi Martínez made it all square again before the break with a header past substitute keeper Guaita, who had only just replaced the injured Renan. And Llorente went close with a header just a minute later from another David López free kick.

Joaquín hit the bar soon after the restart, and Mata missed an easy chance a few minutes later. Guaita made a good save from Javi Martínez at the other end, and David López hit the post after Toquero headed on Llorente's cross. A draw seemed on the cards though until Manuel Fernandes gave away a penalty and got himself sent off with a second booking for a foul on Martínez, and Llorente stepped up to win it for his side.