Pizzi's men have excellent second half in another strong performance

Valencia CF drew 1-1 against Athletic Club at Mestalla, although the home side deserved to have taken all three points from the Sunday night encounter. A great second half effort went unrewarded, however, as their lead was cancelled out from the penalty spot after a dubious incident between Sofiane Feghouli and Ander Herrera.

After an unexpected loss at Vallecas the previous weekend, VCF were determined to turn things around at home. The first chance of the game went to Athletic and former Valencia CF player, Aritz Aduriz, who sent a shot just wide of Diego Alves' goal in the opening minute of play.

After the early scare, Juan Antonio Pizzi's men tried to free themselves from Athletic's pressing game which was forcing misplaced passes. The atmosphere was electric (although the game had started late precisely due to a power cut) and both teams were pushing for the win. The ball went back and forth throughout the first half, with chances either way; Paco Alcácer almost got on the end of a magnificent ball from Fede Cartabia, and subsequently Herrera hit the post for Athletic with a curling strike.

It would be Valencia CF would would take the lead, in the 23rd minute and off the boot of Alcácer. Joao Pereira burst through the middle, played the ball off to Feghouli and the Algerian crossed in for Alcácer to score. The fans were delighted and VCF were out in front.

Athletic's Oscar De Marcos put Diego Alves to the test shortly after with a header, and the game reached a phase of excitement and intensity. Dani Parejo almost caught Iraizoz out with a long free kick, which curled threateningly towards goal and required the goalkeeper's intervention.

In the 38th minute Alcácer had another chance, but his control and twist off Juan Bernat's pass did not result in a goal. Iraizoz made an initial save, with defender Laporte preventing a rebound shot. Athletic's opportunities were also plentiful, and Herrera ran their midfield with quick touches. Despite any attempts at an equaliser, VCF went into the break 1-0 up.

The game followed a similar script at the start of the second half, with Valencia CF keen to extend their advantage and Athletic looking to draw back level. It was shortly into the second period that referee Fernández Borbalán made his mark on the game: The official pointed to the penalty spot after adjudging contact between Feghouli and Herrera in the box. It was a controversial call from the man in the middle, but he would not be dissuaded by protests and Aduriz would put away the penalty to make it 1-1. Luck with referees has not been on Valencia CF's side as of late.

There was still plenty of time in which to go back in front, and VCF had a great chance to do so through Seydou Keita when the man from Mali cut inside and released a shot which rasped wide. Keita stayed down in dismay that he had been unable to convert a great chance and complete a magical move. Likewise Muniain had a golden opportunity for Athletic, but he sent his effort straight at Diego Alves.

Becoming the dominant force in the game, Valencia CF pushed for a final goal. Mestalla was behind the players and gasped as Eduardo Vargas shot at Iraizoz. That was to be the final clear chance for the hosts, however, and despite their best efforts the team would share the points with Athletic Club on Matchday 27. Had the second half penalty not been awarded, then a 1-0 victory would not have been an unfair result. The positives to take from the game were the point, the effort and the strong showing in front of the home fans.

Spanish Primera División

Mestalla, Valencia

Valencia CF 1 vs. 1 Athletic Club

Valencia CF: Diego Alves, Joao Pereira, Senderos, Mathieu, Bernat, Parejo, Keita, Feghouli, Fede (Javi Fuego, m. 84), Jonas (Vargas, m. 73) and Alcácer.

Athletic Club: Iraizoz, De Marcos (Iraola, m. 58), Gurpegui, Laporte, Balenziaga, Iturraspe, Mikel Rico, Susaeta (Guillermo, m. 89), Herrera, Muniain and Aduriz (Toquero, m. 82).

Goals: 1-0. M. 23: Alcácer. 1-1. M. 52: Aduriz (Pen)

Referee: Fernández Borbalán. Yellow cards for Keita, Mathieu and Feghouli (Valencia CF), De Marcos and Iraola (Athletic Club).