Valencia CF welcomed Villarreal CF on Saturday, the 31st of August, at Mestalla, at 9:30 p.m. kick-off time (local time) in the regional derby on Matchday 4 of LaLiga EA Sports.
Valencia CF had a quiet start to the game, trying to find a foothold in possession during the early stages of the derby.
The first Valencia CF chance fell to André Almeida, who got on the end of a Luis Rioja delivery down the left wing to test Diego Conde, but it was adjudged as offside in the build-up around the ten-minute mark.
Shortly after, Hugo Duro connected with a Thierry Correia delivery, but he could not quite get enough power behind it, and Diego Conde claimed it.
However, persistence paid off when the aforementioned Hugo Duro latched onto a half-hearted Villarreal CF clearance to give Valencia CF the lead with a forceful effort that went through everyone’s legs and beyond Diego Conde.
Valencia CF continued with their resolutely defensive display as the game saw some frantic spells from both sides in the latter stages of the opening half. Alas, on the stroke of half-time, and against the run of play, Villarreal CF got back on level terms through Ayoze Pérez.
The first half finished 1-1, with everything to play for in the second half.
The second half saw a high tempo, with both sides looking to score and tussling for every ball. Valencia CF had some defending to do to keep the opposition at bay as Villarreal CF tried to play counterattacking football, while Valencia CF aimed to maintain a possession-based style of play.
The first Valencia CF chance in the second stanza fell to Thierry Correia on the hour mark with a long-range shot which blazed over the crossbar. Valencia CF continued to probe down the flanks.
Later on, Villarreal CF was reduced to ten men following Pape Gueye’s sending-off for a rash challenge on Guillamón.
Consequently, Valencia CF upped the ante to try to score the winning goal and capitalise on their man advantage.
Luis Rioja and Hugo Duro linked up well on the edge of the box, but Luis Rioja’s effort flashed wide of the post. Rafa Mir, who replaced Jesús Vázquez, came close to scoring but was denied by the post.
Valencia CF kept piling the pressure on Villarreal CF through corners and relentless attacks. Sergi Canós forced Diego Conde into two superb saves at full stretch.
The regional derby finished in a 1-1 stalemate, with Valencia CF picking up their first point of the season, with Valencia CF feeling hard done by.
Valencia CF will visit Atlético Madrid after the LaLiga break on Sunday, the 15th of September, at 5 p.m. kick-off time at the Estadio Metropolitano on Matchday 5 of LaLiga EA Sports.
MATCH SHEET:
VALENCIA CF: Mamardasvhili, Cesar Tarrega, Cristhian Mosquera, Jesus Vazquez (Foulquier, 70′), Hugo Guillamon (Rafa Mir, 69′), Pepelu, Diego Lopez, Luis Rioja (Sergi C. Tenes, 82′), Andre Almeida (Javi Guerra, 82′) and Hugo Duro.
VILLARREAL CF: Diego Conde, Kiko Femenía, Sergi Cardona, Costa, Raul Albiol, Dani Parejo (Akhomach, 46′), Pape Gueye, Yeremy Pino (Ramon Terrats, 69′), Santi Comesaña, Thierno Barry and Ayoze (Juan Bernat, 76′) . . . .
GOALS: 1-0 Hugo Duro, 24′; 1-1 Ayoze, 45’+3.
REFEREE: Jesús Gil Manzano (C. Extremadura). Yellow cards for Hugo Duro, Yeremy Pino, Pepelu, Hugo Guillamón, Kiko Femenía and Raúl Albiol. Gueye was sent off for a double booking.
WAS: Valentin Pizarro Gomez (C. Madrid).
OBSERVATIONS: LALIGA EA SPORTS Matchday 4 held at Mestalla. A minute silence was observed ahead of kick-off in memory of former Valencia CF player, Paquito García who passed away recently.
Related News :