Valencia Pulls Away from Danger Zone, Nico Williams Injury Shocks Spain

Valencia secured a crucial 1-0 away victory against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga's 35th round. This win allowed "Los Che" to exact revenge on "Los Leones," who had eliminated them from the Copa del Rey quarterfinals in February with a 2-1 triumph at Mestalla.

In the 26th minute, Hugo Duro earned a penalty for the visitors after being fouled by Yuri Berchiche. The striker stepped up to take the spot-kick himself but struck the crossbar.

Ten minutes later, unfortunate news emerged for both the hosts and Spain as a whole. National team player Nico Williams was forced off due to a muscle injury, replaced by his brother Iñaki Williams, just 32 days before the start of the 2026 World Cup. According to local media, the winger repeatedly exclaimed, "It can't be!" as he left the field.

After the break, the Basques were the more dangerous and persistent side, but "Los Che" ultimately scored the winning goal. It came in the 72nd minute when substitute Umar Sadiq headed home from a cross by Luis Rioja.

With this result, Valencia climbed to 12th place in the standings with 42 points, five clear of the relegation zone. Athletic, meanwhile, remained in ninth position with 44 points, missing an opportunity to claim seventh place, which could offer a European competition spot if Rayo Vallecano triumphs in the Conference League.