Rioja’s anger was not about the substitution | OneFootball

Luis Rioja’s touchline outburst was not triggered by his withdrawal, AS reports, on a night when Valencia overturned Alavés late on at Mestalla.

The match was breathless from the start, with a penalty for the visitors after 28 seconds, then Javi Guerra equalising in the first minute of the second half.

Chants of “Corberán dimisión” rang out, Mariano missed a key chance, Cömert levelled later on and Hugo Duro completed the comeback in stoppage time across more than 100 minutes of action.

Rioja was substituted in the 70th minute for Danjuma with the game at 1-1 and a murmur already audible in the stands. Movistar cameras showed him striking the bench seat and roof several times as he sat down, while Renzo Saravia alongside appeared taken aback.

A minute before being called off, Rioja had vented on the pitch after a Valencia move led by Sadiq that Ramazani failed to finish. In other footage he can be seen saying “claro, claro” after Lucas Boyé’s second goal.

The change itself was not behind his anger, and such a reaction is described as out of character for a player regarded as well liked and respected in the dressing room.

After Duro’s late winner, the players celebrated with the travelling support, and Rioja was among the first to head down the tunnel, where the celebrations continued before leaving Mestalla.

Source: AS