Valencia CF returned to LaLiga action on Saturday 29th of February at 4 pm kick-off time on matchday 26 to welcome Real Betis Balomiopié. Albert Celades’men looked to return to winning ways at Mestalla where they are still unbeaten in the competition.

Valencia CF had a slow start to the game but trying to get on the front foot and getting on the break at every opportunity and putting crosses into the opposition box in the first minutes of the opening half. Jose Luis Gayà had the first chance with a wonderful volley which came back off the angle after an inch-perfect crossfield pass from Geoffrey Kondogbia over the quarter-hour mark in the match. 

Valencia CF had a cagey spell over the half-hour mark with Real Betis in possession and Valencia CF having some defending to do. Carlos Soler got his shot off in the closing minutes of the first half which was collected by Joel Robles and minutes later, Jose Luis Gayà brought a save from Robles on the stroke of half-time.

The first half finished goalless at Mestalla with nothing to separate the sides at halftime and all to play for in the second half.

Albert Celades made a substitution at the restart bringing on Gonçalo Guedes who replaced Maximiliano Gómez. Valencia CF had some early defending to do right from the off in the second half.

Gonçalo Guedes teed up Kevin Gameiro who drew first blood with a stunning bending right-footed effort which clipped in off the far post on the hour mark. Valencia CF upped the tempo and the pressure on Real Betis Balompié. 

Minutes later, Goçalo Guedes tried to emulate his teammate by cutting inside and getting his shot off but it went straight at Joel Robles and Kevin Gameiro could not get on the end of a loose ball just two minutes later.   

Denis Cheryshev replaced Kevin Gameiro with little over twenty minutes of normal time left to play and he almost made an impact at the near post but he could no quite wrap his foot around the ball following a Ferran Torres low cross. Denis Cheryshev flashed his shot wide following a textbook counter-attack.

Four minutes later, however, Dani Parejo sealed Valencia CF’s victory following a quick exchange inside the opposition box. Dani Parejo picked his spot and side-footed it inside the left-hand post past Joel Robles. 

Loren Morón grabbed an extra-time consolation goal which did not matter much as far as the three points were concerned. Valencia CF picked up all three points to return to winning ways as the unbeaten home run continued.

Valencia CF will visit Club Deportivo Alaves on Friday Night Football on the 6th of March at 9 pm kick-off time at Mendizorrotza on Matchday 27 of LaLiga Santander looking to end their hoodoo on the road. 

Match Details:

2. VCF: Cillessen, Wass, Gabriel Paulista, Diakhaby, Gayà, Kondogbia, Parejo, Ferran Torres (Sobrino, 88 ’), Carlos Soler, Gameiro (Cheryshev, 74’) and Maxi Gómez (Guedes, 46 ’).

1. RBB: Joel; Emerson, Mandi, Sidnei, Edgar (Aleñá, 72 ’) Álex Moreno; Guradado (Loren, 82 ’), Canales; Joaquín (Tello, 72 ’), Fekir and Borja Iglesias.

Goals: 1-0 Gameiro, 60 ’; 2-0 Parejo, 89 ’; 2-1 Loren, 94 ’.

Referee:  Adrián Cordero Vega booked Álex Moreno, Emerson, Guardado for RBB. Kondogbia and Gayà for VCF.

Observations: Matchday 26 of LaLiga Santander played at Mestalla before 37,418 spectators.