[Mario]

Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid Predictions

Can Athletic Bilbao hold on to the lead in this match against Valladolid?. Let's see when they go head to head this weekend. Catch real time updates on your favorite Spanish La Liga Match.

Athletic Bilbao Preview

We know know the Athletic Bibao can put points on the board. The only problem is they can give up some easy points as well. Real Betis recovered from squandering a 3-0 half-time lead to seal all three points in a 5-3 victory over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames thanks to two goals from Jorge Molina and others from Ruben Castro, Benat Extebarria and Alex Pozuelo.

The visitors had flown into a 3-0 lead after just half an hour thanks to calm finishes from Castro and Molina were followed up by a wonderful strike by Benat.

But it was Athletic who stormed out of the traps after half-time when Oscar de Marcos reduced the arrears within 60 seconds of the restart.

Mikel San Jose then twice headed home from corners to bring the Basque side level but Betis were back in front four minutes later as substitutes Jose Canas and Pozuelo combined to allow the latter to slot home.

And with the Athletic defence all at sea, another fine counter-attack from the visitors saw Jonathan Pereira release Molina to seal the points with a delicate chip over Gorka Iraizoz.

With Javi Martinez and Fernando Llorente looking set to leave Athletic before the end of the month, both Spanish internationals were left out by Marcelo Bielsa and their presence was missed as Betis soaked up Athletic's dominance in possession and broke with ease in the first period.

Valladolid Preview

Olympiacos in 2008, was the match-winner, scoring towards the end of the first half to earn the visitors the three points.

They could even afford to miss a second half penalty, with Victor Perez Alonso missing the target.

The hosts survived the drop by just two points last season and look like they could be in for a similarly tough campaign after failing to create many chances.

Neither side imposed themselves on the game early on with Helder Postiga's tame 15th-minute effort the first on target, easily saved by Jaime, with the goalkeeper denying Apono two minutes later.

Oscar had the visitors' best chance of the early stages but from 12 yards out shot over.

The visitors were in the ascendancy and should have taken the lead after 35 minutes but Javi Guerra's volley from six yards went wide of the left post.

However Valladolid were not to be denied and broke through with seconds of the first half remaining as Omar Ramos played in Oscar who stroked the ball home from six yards.

Realising his team needed to show a lot more creativity in the second period, Zaragoza coach Manolo Jimenez brought on Jose Mari for Romaric at the break.

Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid Predictions: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 over Valladolid

Bilbao high octane offense might be just too much to handle for Valladolid. Im sure the that loss put a bitter taste in their mouths and we’ll see a much better match against Valladolid.

Original Source Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid