Umar Sadiq was absent as Valencia and Athletic Bilbao played out a 0-0 draw in a closely contested La Liga match at Mestalla Stadium on Saturday.
The Super Eagles striker is currently nursing a hamstring injury and has made three appearances for Valencia this season, scoring once.
Athletic Bilbao enjoyed most of the possession, controlling 63% of the ball, but were unable to turn that advantage into a goal. Their attacks frequently involved Inaki Williams and Robert Navarro, although Valencia’s disciplined defensive structure limited the visitors’ opportunities.
Cesar Tarrega helped organise Valencia’s low block, while goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski made sure Athletic Bilbao could not find a way through. The home side remained compact without the ball and resisted sustained pressure during a match dominated by midfield battles.
Valencia posed a different threat on the counter-attack. Arnaut Danjuma and Javi Guerra provided the main attacking outlets as the hosts looked to exploit space behind the visitors’ defence.
Valencia registered 13 shots, but Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon was equal to the attempts that tested him. His important saves ensured that the visitors preserved their clean sheet and secured a point away from home.
Both managers attempted to change the pattern of the contest with tactical adjustments and second-half substitutions. Harvey Elliott was introduced for Valencia, but the changes did not produce the clear-cut chances required to break the deadlock.
With both defences maintaining their concentration, neither team managed to apply a decisive finish in the final third. The result leaves Valencia continuing their search for consistency during their tactical rebuild, while Athletic Bilbao return to the Basque Country with a hard-earned away point.