Valencia CF welcomed Cádiz CF on Friday the 6th of January at Mestalla at 9 pm kick-off on Matchday 16 of LaLiga on Three Kings’ Day.  

Valencia were off to a poor start to the first half when only they trailed Cádiz CF by 0-1 only nine minutes into the first half when Rubén Alcaráz made it 0-1 to Cádiz CF. 

However, Valencia CF refused to back down and immediately searched for the equaliser through Samuel Castillejo and Ilaix Moriba who tried their luck in front of goal just under the midway point of the first half. 

Edinson Cavani, Valencia CF’s main attacking outlet, fashioned further chances to bring Valencia CF back level from long range.  

Giorgi Mamardashvili kept the scoreline at 0-1 in the final minutes of the first period and Valencia CF trailed Cádiz by a 0-1 scoreline at half-time with all to play for in the second half.

Gennaro Gattuso made a like-for-like substitution at the restart with André Almeida replacing Hugo Guillamón in midfield.  

Valencia CF tried to get a foothold in the game by hitting the opposition on the break in the first minutes of the second half while the opposition were enjoying more possession trying to take the sting out of the game. 

Samu Castillejo made way for Hugo Duro as Valencia CF enjoyed a spell of dangerous forays forward over the hour mark aiming to up the ante. So much so that José Luis Gayà brought Ledesma into a save with a venomous half-volley. 

The floodgates opened and Valencia CF enjoyed a flurry of chances from open play and deadball situations. Alas, they were unable to unpick the opposition’s lockings despite their valiant efforts and dominance.  

Valencia CF kept on pushing for a late equaliser but the scoreline remained unchanged and Valencia CF fell to a 0-1 loss at Mestalla. 

Valencia CF will be in Spanish Super Cup action in midweek against Real Madrid at the King Fahad International Stadium at 8 pm (CET).   

Match Details:

0. VALENCIA CF: Mamardashvili, Thierry R. (Foulquier, 82’), Cömert, Diakhaby, Gayà, Hugo Guillamón (André Almeida, 46’), Yunus Musah, Ilaix Moriba (Justin Kluivert, 46’), Samu Castillejo (Hugo Duro, 65’), Samuel Lino and Cavani.

CÁDIZ CF: Conan, Iza (Raúl Parra, 66'), Luis Hernández, Fali, Espino, Rubén Alcaraz, San Emeterio (Iván Alejo, 71'), Rubén Sobrino (Arzamendia, 84'), Brian Ocampo (José Mari, 71') (Youba Diarra, 84'), Álex and Choco Lozano.

GOALS: 0-1 Rubén Alcaraz, 9'.

REFEREE: González Fuertes. Yellow cards for Justin Kluivert, Brian Ocampo, Luis Hernández, José Gayà, Hugo Duro, Isaac Carcelén, Iván Alejo, Yunus Musah.

VAR: Medié Jiménez.

OBSERVATIONS:

Matchday 16 of Laliga held at Mestalla . A respectful minute's silence was observed before kick-off in memory of Vicente Mandingorra Rodríguez, Valencia CF season ticket holder number 13 for over 60 years, as well as for Manuel Torres, a former Club director, and the footballing legend, 'Pelé who recently passed away.

Kick-off was delayed for a few minutes due to a medical assistance in the stands.