Athletic Club cemented their place in the LaLiga top four with a narrow 1-0 victory over Valencia, thanks to a spectacular second-half strike from Álex Berenguer.
The win, secured on the penultimate matchday, also dealt a final blow to Valencia’s slim hopes of European qualification.
Few would have predicted Valencia’s late-season push for Europe, especially after languishing at the bottom of the table at Christmas.
But under the guidance of Carlos Corberán, the team defied expectations and came into the final stretch of the season with continental ambitions rather than relegation concerns.
Though a recent loss to Alavés complicated matters, Valencia pushed forward with intent, with Luis Rioja testing Unai Simón at his near post in an early attempt to keep their dreams alive.
For Athletic, already assured of a Champions League spot, the focus was on locking in fourth place and securing a spot in the Spanish Super Cup.
Gorka Guruzeta nearly brought that goal closer with an audacious backheel that skimmed just wide.
Chances were limited in a relatively quiet first half, though Oihan Sancet’s deflected free-kick off Javi Guerra added a flicker of danger shortly before halftime.
The tempo picked up after the break, with Giorgi Mamardashvili called into action by a Guruzeta header. While the game slipped back into a lull, it burst back into life in the 72nd minute.
Berenguer cut inside onto his right foot and unleashed a stunning curling effort into the top corner from 25 yards, a moment of brilliance that ended his 24-game goal drought.
Unai Gómez had an opportunity to double the lead but shot straight at Mamardashvili.
However, the miss proved immaterial, as Berenguer’s wonder goal was enough to seal the win and confirm Athletic’s top-four status.