BILBAO (Interstat) — Valencia opened the La Liga season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday at San Mamés, spoiling the home side’s return to league action and handing the visitors a perfect start.

The only goal came in the 72nd minute when forward Sadiq Umar collected a pass from midfielder Alejandro Rego and finished calmly past Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón. The strike settled a tense, physical contest that saw five yellow cards and few clear-cut chances for either side.

Valencia’s defensive organization frustrated Athletic Bilbao throughout the match. The home team struggled to break through a compact Valencia block, managing only a handful of half-chances. Bilbao’s best opportunity came early in the second half when a header from center back Aymeric Laporte was saved by Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Laporte had been cautioned in the 15th minute for a late challenge, one of multiple bookings that disrupted Bilbao’s rhythm.

The match turned increasingly combative as the first half progressed. Referee José María Sánchez Martínez issued his first yellow card to Laporte, then added three more in a span of 10 minutes during the second half. Valencia defender Eray Cömert was booked in the 50th minute for a tactical foul. Rego, who later provided the assist, received a yellow card in the 55th minute for dissent. Valencia midfielder Pepelu followed in the 59th minute for a reckless tackle. Umar, the goal scorer, was cautioned in the 88th minute for time-wasting as Valencia sought to protect its lead.

Despite the caution-heavy officiating, the game remained relatively open in the final third. Valencia created several dangerous moments on the counterattack, with Rego pulling the strings from midfield. His assist to Umar came after a swift transition, with Rego spotting the run and slipping a precise through ball between two Bilbao defenders. Umar’s finish was clinical, slotting low into the far corner.

Athletic Bilbao pushed for an equalizer in the closing minutes, forcing a late save from Mamardashvili on a long-range effort from winger Nico Williams. But Valencia’s defense held firm, securing three points on the road.

The result gives Valencia a 1-0 record in La Liga play and 1-0 across all competitions. Athletic Bilbao falls to 0-1 in league play and 0-1 overall. Both teams now prepare for matchday two, with Valencia hosting and Bilbao traveling.

The victory was especially significant for Valencia after a turbulent preseason. Manager Rubén Baraja’s tactical approach paid off, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick transitions. Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, will look to regroup after a defeat that featured more bookings than shots on target.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Athletic Bilbao 1, Valencia 1. Interstat’s ELO system had given Valencia a 58.70 percent probability to win. The actual outcome proved the prediction underestimated Valencia’s defensive resilience, though the one-goal margin was within the expected range of outcomes.