Match Report: Home draw in regional derby (1-1)

Valencia CF welcomed Villarreal CF on Wednesday, May 3rd at 7:30 pm kick-off time at Mestalla on Matchday 33 of LaLiga in a midweek regional derby against their northern neighbours.

Valencia CF came out quick off the blocks and looking to take the game to the game. However, it was the opposition who enjoyed a flurry of chances in front of goal in the next few minutes.

Valencia CF struggled to settle into the game and moments later, Giorgi pulled off a magnificent stop to deny Nicolas Jackson who was flagged up for offside much to Valencia CF’s relief.

Valencia CF kept on trying to probe down the flank through deep crosses into the area with nobody getting end of them as they continued to keep Villarreal CF who were dominating in terms of shots and possession over the half-hour mark.

The first Valencia CF chance fell to Edinson Cavani who nodded the ball over the crossbar in the 35th minute of the first half.

Minutes later, aforementioned Edison Cavani got on the end of a quick cross into the box from Samuel Lino, but his forceful sprawling header fizzed just wide of the front post.

The first half finished goalless at the break with all to play for in the second half.

Rubén Baraja made a half-time substitution with Diego López coming on for Yunus Musah at half-time.

The second half started at a high tempo at both ends with Diego López turning provider in the opening minute into André Almeida whose forceful effort went wide and then scooped the ball over the opposition keeper following a turnover but the ball went wide.

Valencia CF got a foothold in the game, piling the pressure on the opposition. Alas, Nicolas Jackson made it 0-1 to Villarreal CF against the run of play over the hour mark.

Edinson Cavani thought to have scored the equaliser. However, Samuel Lino was flagged up for offside in the buildup and then Rubén Baraja made an attacking substitution bringing on Hugo for André Almeida.

Later on, Samuel Lino made it 1-1 following an attacking turnover from Edinson Cavani who rolled into Hugo Duro who he squared the ball for Samuel Lino to slot the ball home across the keeper and into the back of the net with twenty minutes plus stoppage time left to play.   

Valencia CF upped the ante for the remainder of the half in search of the winning goal as Rubén Baraja made another double substitution with Edinson Cavani and Samuel Lino making way for Alberto Marí and Toni Lato.   

Valencia CF youngster, Alberto Marí thought to have grabbed a stoppage-time winner, but the goal was ruled out for a tight offside in the buildup.

The regional derby finished points shared between Valencia CF and Villarreal CF in a frantic and dramatic affair at Mestalla.  

Valencia CF will visit Celta Vigo on the 14th of May at 2 pm kick-off time at the Abanca Balaídos in another six-pointer away from home for Rubén Baraja's side.

MATCH SHEET:

VALENCIA CF: Mamardashvili, Thierry Rendall, Diakhaby, Gabriel Paulista, Gayà, Nico (Ilaix Moriba, 56'), André Almeida (Hugo Duro, 69'), Javi Guerra, Yunus Musah (Diego López, 46'), Samuel Lino (Lato, 86') and Cavani (A. Marí, 86').

VILLARREAL CF: Reina, Foyth, Albiol, Pau Torres, Pedraza, Parejo, Baena, Ramón Terrats (Trigueros, 74'), Chukwueze (Gerard Moreno, 81'), Jackson and Yeremy Pino (Capoue, 66').

GOALS: 0-1 Jackson, 61'; 1-1 Samuel Lino, 72'.

REFEREE: Gil Manzano (C. Extremadura).Booked  Nico, Samuel Lino, Thierry, Jackson, Cavani, Parejo.

VAR: Estrada Fernández (Catalan C.).

OBSERVATIONS: LaLiga matchday 33 played at Mestalla.