Laporte leads Athletic’s 1x1: strong start and applause vs Valencia

Athletic Club leaned on Aymeric Laporte as a starter against Valencia, putting in a controlled display: he defended well, cleared the ball with better quality, and held firm during the toughest stretches with a booking. He didn’t face constant volume, but made the saves/clearances needed when the opponent pressed.

Back line, different side

Laporte began as a right-back and finished operating on the other flank. In his usual zone he suffered, but improved noticeably on the left. He also avoided dangerous sequences by stepping in at the right times.

Subbed after a booking

After a solid first half, Laporte was replaced at halftime after carrying a yellow card. He got forward at times, though he was affected after an Otorbi entry. The match also carried a worry: Álex Guruzeta picked up an injury in the final stretch, but he stayed on until the end because the substitutions had already been used.