MATCH REPORT | 10-man Valencia CF beaten at home by Real Sociedad

Valencia CF's suffered a slim 0-1 defeat to Real Sociedad on LaLiga Matchday 7, as a solitary first half goal from Carlos Fernández and a sending off for Amallah proved decisive against the Basque side.

Rubén Baraja's men began the game with several early attacks, and had their first chance through Javi Guerra, who took a shot from outside the area that hit the post. Opposition goalkeeper Remiro would be tested by a header from Amallah shortly afterwards.

However, it was the visitors who took the lead. Real Sociedad played a quick free kick that surprised the Valencia CF defence, and Fernández made it 0-1. Trying to recover immediately, José Luis Gayà put crosses in from the left looking for a finish in the heart of the area and Diego López tried to attack behind the opposition defence.

Valencia CF would be reduced to ten men when Amallah was shown two yellow cards in quick succession.

Just before the interval, off a counterattack, there was a strong appeal for a red card to be shown to a Real Sociedad player for elbowing Diego López when he was through on goal. From the resulting free kick, Pepelu was centimetres away from surprising Remiro with a great hit towards the top corner.

The team lost Gayà due to a muscle problem at the beginning of the second half, and minutes later Baraja brought on André Almeida to activate the attack and generate danger in the opposition area. In the 74th minute, it was time for the debut of summer signing Roman Yaremchuk, whose first involvement was a header over the crossbar.

In the final minutes, Guerra almost took advantage of a mistake from the opposition, but his shot went slightly wide.

Valencia CF were narrowly beaten at Mestalla, and will look for victory this coming Sunday against Real Betis.