Javi Guerra stakes claim as Valencia derby catalyst after months on the margins | OneFootball

Javi Guerra seized the Valencia derby in Orriols, coming off the bench to influence both goals and push his case for a recall under Carlos Corberán after a stop-start 2026.

According to Superdeporte, he entered with the game at 0-0, immediately shouldering responsibility and driving through lines. One trademark surge sparked the opener and he was involved in the second, a statement display that revived his best version.

His slide began with the chastening defeat at Celta in Balaídos to open 2026, when he lost his starting spot. Since then he has gone six matches without starting, registering 13, three, two, zero, nine and 32 minutes against Elche, Getafe, Espanyol, Betis, Real Madrid and Levante respectively, and he did not start the Copa quarter-final against Athletic.

Concerns over his form had grown inside the club and staff since mid December, and Mestalla booed when he was substituted against Sevilla. His reduced role also coincided with the rise of Swiss team-mate Filip Ugrinic.

Corberán has continued to work with him at Paterna and, satisfied with his attitude in training, sought a competitive response. On Sunday, Guerra offered exactly that and now wants his revival to stick.

The head coach has the final say, whether Guerra returns straight into the eleven or remains an impact option. Team-mates’ embraces underlined the mood, and Sunday felt like more than a victory for him personally.

Source: Superdeporte