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Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq was missing in action as Valencia played out a hard-fought, goalless draw against Athletic Bilbao in Saturday’s La Liga encounter.
The Nigerian international, who is currently nursing a hamstring injury, has made three appearances and scored one goal for Valencia so far this season.
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In a game characterized by defensive discipline and intense midfield battles, neither side could find the decisive touch in the final third at the Mestalla Stadium.
Athletic Bilbao controlled the lion’s share of possession with 63% and pressed for openings through Iñaki Williams and Robert Navarro, but Valencia’s resolute low block, marshalled expertly by César Tárrega and goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski, refused to crack.
Valencia looked dangerous on the counter-attack through Arnaut Danjuma and Javi Guerra, registering 13 total shots, but Unai Simón was alert between the posts for the visitors, making key stops to preserve his clean sheet.
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Despite tactical tweaks and second-half substitutions from both dugouts, including the introduction of Harvey Elliott for Valencia, clear-cut scoring chances remained at a premium as the respective defenses stayed firmly on top.
The scoreless stalemate leaves both teams sharing the points, with Valencia continuing their steady search for consistency under their tactical rebuild, while Athletic takes a hard-earned away point back to the Basque Country.
