The home team had won one of their last six competitive matches ahead of the race and went behind after 72 minutes when 18-year-old Iker Muniain again demonstrated his enormous potential with a wonderful starter.
But with time running Soldado scored the equalizer just as well, rounding Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz and playing from a tight angle.
Valencia had a blistering start by seeking Europe Thursday night's defeat against Bayer Leverkusen League.
Ever Banega saw a shot blocked inside the opening 30 seconds and from the resulting corner was shot Mehmet Topal.
Valencia midfielder Sergio Canales also came four minutes before, from their first attack of note, Athletic were unfortunate not to go forward.
Muniain 20-yard shot was blocked by goalkeeper Vincent's house Guaita, also reacted well to divert Jon Aurtenetxe tracking. The second rebound fell to Markel Susaeta, who volleyed only to be denied by an offside.
Atletico came on 36 minutes with Fernando Llorente heading to a job with equal Guaita.
After getting on top, Athletic gave almost right at the half time whistle.
A poor clearance from goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz fell at the feet of Jonas and his 25-yard effort first ran in the post before Iraizoz smuggle back a corner.
Soldier was a cry of pain after 65 minutes when Fernando Amorebieta wrestled in the area but referee Carlos Gomez was impressed.
Muniain has been an animated figure all night and curled home a wonderful first game after cutting in from the right to put the visitors ahead.
The teenager nearly doubled the advantage soon after but his shot from the right shoulder, trimmed and flew Guaita.
Valencia rushed forward, but men do not seriously threaten the tie until the 89th minute when a ball played Banega intelligent Soldier and finished with aplomb.
Spanish Primera Division Live Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Match Schedule Sunday, October 23-2011, Live Streaming Time: 20:00 CET Watch Live Valencia vs sport Athletic Bilbao Stream On October 23rd.
| Valencia | 1 - 1 | Athletic Bilbao |
|---|---|---|
| Roberto Soldado (25) |  | |
| Victor Ruiz (31) | | |
| Javi Martínez (41) | |
| Andoni Iraola (45) | |
| Ander Herrera (71) | |
 | Muniaín (72') | |
| Miguel (73) | | |
| Ander Iturraspe (78) | |
| Roberto Soldado (89') | | |
| Jon Aurtenetxe (89) | |
| Date | : | Sun Oct 23, 2011 |
| Time | : | 20:00 CET |
| Play on | : | Spanish Primera Division |
Valencia 1 - 1 Athletic Bilbao 23rd Oct Highlights 2011
Valencia 1 - 1 Athletic Bilbao 23rd Oct lineup
Valencia: Vicente Guaita Panadero, Victor Ruiz, Ricardo Costa, Jérémy Mathieu, Miguel, Ever Banega, Mehmet Topal, Roberto Soldado, Jonas, Sergio Canales Madrazo, Sofiane Feghouli
Substitutions: Pablo Piatti for Sergio Canales Madrazo (37), Pablo for Sofiane Feghouli (70), Aritz Aduriz for Jonas (78)
Athletic Bilbao: Gorka Iraizoz, Fernando Amorebieta, Borja Ekiza, Jon Aurtenetxe, Andoni Iraola, Ander Iturraspe, Oscar, Javi Martínez, Muniaín, Susaeta, Fernando Llorente
Substitutions: Carlos Gurpegui for Andoni Iraola (45), Gaizka Toquero for Fernando Llorente (45), Ander Herrera for Carlos Gurpegui (57)
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