Match Report: Valiant Valencia CF return to winning ways amidst heartfelt tribute (4-2) | OneFootball

Valencia CF returned to action on Saturday, the 23rd of November, in a lunchtime 2 pm kick-off (CET) at Mestalla to host Real Betis Balompié on Matchday 14 of LaLiga EA Sports. This followed a lengthy hiatus due to the flash floods across the region and the international break for November.

The game saw a cagey start, with Valencia CF looking to tear away on the break at every opportunity. Shortly after, Valencia CF went ahead thanks to a pin-balling corner kick, which was poked home by none other than César Tárrega.

Alas, Hugo Duro found himself on the wrong end of a hapless flick-on following a Betis set-piece situation, and the ball found its way into the back of the net only six minutes after Tárrega’s opener.

The match saw an off-the-pitch treatment stoppage for a fan in the stands, who had to receive medical attention close to the half-hour mark in an eventful and heartfelt affair at Mestalla, with the crowd right behind the team.

Diego López came mighty close to putting Valencia CF back in front after a swift link-up play with José Gayà, who delivered a teasing cross. Diego López smacked the upright with a glancing header in the half's closing stages.

The first half finished locked at 1-1, with everything to play for in the second half.

Valencia CF came out in the second half looking to take the game to the opposition and enjoying a dangerous foray forward. Moments later, it was none other than Hugo Duro who made amends for his hapless mistake at the other end with a peach of a volley off a Tárrega deflection.

Hugo Duro grabbed a fine brace with a scintillating chipped finish by expertly lifting the ball over Rui Silva to make it 3-1 for Valencia CF and moments later it was Diego López who got on the scoresheet with a sweet volley into the top corner to make it 4-1.

Chimy Avila pulled one back for Real Betis Balompié halfway through the second half after a mix-up at the back.

Rubén Baraja shuffled his pack with a triple like-for-like substitution with Hugo Duro, Diego López and Enzo Barrenchea making way for Germán Valera, Dani Gómez and Hugo Guillamón respectively.

Valencia CF saw out the remainder of the game by setting out the stalls in defence, defending resolutely amidst nervy spells and moments of tension, including the last knockings of the second stanza at Mestalla.

Valencia will be in Copa Del Rey action in midweek against CP Parla Escuela on Tuesday, November 26th at 7 pm kick-off at Las Américas over a knock-out tie in the Copa Del Rey opening round.

4. VALENCIA CF: Mamardashvili, Foulquier, Cristhian Mosquera, Tárrega, Yarek Gasiorowski, Gayà, Enzo Barrenechea (Hugo Guillamón, 75’), Javi Guerra (André Almeida, 80’), Diego López (Germán Vlaera, 74’), Luis Rioja, Hugo Duro (Dani Gómez, 74’).

2. REAL BETIS: Rui Silva, Sabaly, Bartra, Natan, Perraud, Altimira, Iker (C. Ávila, 57’), Guirao (Lo Celso, 57’), Aitor Ruibal (Bakambu, 58’), Ez Abde (Juanmi, 68’), Vitor Roque (Diao, 80’).

GOALS: 1-0 César Tárrega, 7’; 1-1 Hugo Duro (p.p), 13’; 2-1 Hugo Duro, 50’; 3-1 Hugo Duro, 53’; 4-1 Diego López, 56’; 4-2 C. Ávila, 66’.