Valverde s first defeat in the Europa League: Controversial penalty becomes a turning point

Ball Push Network reported on May 2 that in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals, Athletic Bilbao lost to Manchester United 0-3 at home. After the game, Athletic Bilbao coach Valverde reviewed the game in an interview and bluntly stated that the controversial penalty completely rewritten the situation on the field.

Valverde admitted that the pressure brought by the first goal conceded made the team mess up, and the subsequent red card and penalty kicks were even worse. "When the 11 players fought, we created many opportunities, but we were not able to grasp the goal." He pointed out in particular that the key penalty in the 33rd minute of the game was controversial - before Manchester United received a penalty and Bilbao defender Vivian was sent off, Garnacho was suspected of handball first, "We clearly protested this handball, but the referee chose to ignore it. The subsequent penalty was too strict, and it directly pushed the game to one side."

Although he had objections to the penalty, Valverde still recognized Manchester United's performance: "The score of 0-3 means that the opponent is indeed better. Manchester United seized the opportunity, and the defense in the final was also unscathed. We must learn from it." Speaking of the UEFA Cup final, he seemed calm, "This will not become our advantage. The victory or defeat of the football game only depends on the performance on the spot." In addition, he also reserved whether Maguire's foul action should be awarded a red card, believing that the referee's standards are to be discussed.

Although this defeat put Athletic Bilbao in a desperate situation, Valverde's words still revealed his unwillingness and fighting spirit. In the second round of competition, Athletic Bilbao will definitely counterattack with all its might and strive to turn the situation around.