Valencia player ratings: Rioja y Guerra light up Mendizorroza | OneFootball

Valencia’s standout performers at Mendizorroza included Luis Rioja, who returned to his former home, scored within about a quarter of an hour, then went off injured after finishing a pass from Javi Guerra.

As reported by AS, Dimitrievski was assured throughout and made a vital stop at the end of the first half. In defence, Maffeo offered security, Pepelu again filled in at centre-back comfortably and De Haas, back after three weeks out, dovetailed well with him. Gayà started strongly against Ángel Pérez and still produced a solid display.

Guido was essential in midfield, breaking up play, directing traffic and adding experience. Ugrinic operated wide, looked at ease and tried his luck from distance without reward. Mayol impressed on his first-team debut with clarity in decision-making and was among the best.

Guerra resembled last season’s late-surge version, head up and choosing well, and his through-ball set up Rioja’s goal. Danjuma was lively from the left, occasionally too individual, and had a fine finish ruled out for offside. Hugo Duro worked tirelessly, lacked a clear chance, but his movement aided the attack.

From the bench, Otorbi brought pace and directness and went close when he shot across goal. Arnau Martínez and Iker Córdoba arrived late with little to note, while Jesús Vázquez shored up the left in the closing stages.

Source: AS

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”