Valencia secured a 1-0 victory at home against Athletic Bilbao, bringing an end to the visitors' impressive 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions at the Mestalla Stadium on Saturday. The decisive moment came in the 61st minute when Hugo Duro headed in a cross from Jose Gaya in a match that offered few chances.
Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made a crucial save from Unai Gomez as Athletic sought an equalizer in an evenly contested game, ultimately decided by Duro's goal.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad claimed a 1-0 away victory against Celta Vigo, with Brais Mendez scoring an 11th-minute goal against his former club. The midfielder's powerful shot from outside the area left Celta keeper Vincente Guaita with no chance. Despite the win, Real Sociedad faced a setback as left-back Aihen Munoz suffered an injury and had to leave the game in the 39th minute.
Las Palmas continued their strong season with a 2-0 win away against Rayo Vallecano. Goals from Alberto Moleiro in the first half and Javi Munoz in the 83rd minute secured the victory for Las Palmas. Rayo Vallecano's challenges were compounded when Alvaro Garcia received a red card nine minutes from time.
In another match, Villarreal was held to a 1-1 draw at home against Mallorca. Alexander Sorloth scored for Villarreal just before halftime, but Javi Llabres salvaged a point for Mallorca with an acrobatic finish in the last minute of normal time. Villarreal's substitute goalkeeper Pepe Reina was sent off in the 62nd minute for his protests from the dugout.
(With Agency Inputs)
