Match Report: Preseason Valencia derby ends in victory (1-0)

Valencia CF welcomed crosstown opposition Levante UD on Friday 30th of July at the Antonio Puchades of the Ciutat Esportiva at 7 pm kick-off time (CET) in a preseason Valencia derby.  

Valencia CF were off to a dominant start to the game with Maxi Gómez enjoying the first Valencia CF chance three minutes into the first half. Valencia CF pressed high up the pitch and forced Levante UD into giving the ball away on the edge of the area and Maxi Gómez got his shot away which fizzed just wide of the far post.    

The game saw high tempo at both ends with both sides breaking into either opposition box with ease with Jesus Vázquez enjoying a chance after getting to the byline and forcing a stop out of Dani Cárdenas and then Giorgi Mamardashvili following suit at the other end to de Frutos.   

Maxi Gómez crashed a powerful effort against the woodwork after chesting down a long ball and hitting it first time and rattling the crossbar just under the 30-minute mark, the clear-cut chance of the first half for Valencia CF. 

Minutes later, Goçalo Guedes fashioned another fine chance on the turn following a fast break but it went off target. Valencia CF kept on pushing for the opening goal in the closing minutes of the first half with José Luis Gayà collecting a Jason low cross into the box with Maxi slightly ahead of the ball to meet it but Dani Cárdenas managed to turn José Luis Gayà's close range effort around the post. 

The first half finished goalless with nothing to separate the side at halftime.

Valencia CF came out in the second half looking to take charge of proceedings with Maxi Gómez testing Dani Cárdenas straight out of the blocks but the Levante UD goalkeeper was equal to it.  

Levante UD were reduced to ten men as Mickaël Malsa was sent off for a straight red card for dissent. 

Valencia CF looked to make their numerical advantage pay to break the deadlock with Gonçalo Guedes firing off target.

Persistence paid dividends with little under twenty minutes plus stoppage time left to play. Omar Alderete nodded it home with a glancing header at the back post. 

Levante UD tried to equalise from set-piece situations after the water break while Valencia CF were looking to see it out to return to winning ways and edge out their neighbours by 1-0 in an eventful preseason Valencia derby. 

Valencia CF will host AC Milan in the 49th edition of the Trofeu Taronja curtain raiser on Wednesday 4th of August at 8:30 pm at Mestalla which will provide the opportunity to welcome back Valencia CF’s fanbase back in the stands. 

Match Details:

 1.- Valencia CF: Mamardashvili, Thierry R., Alderete, Guedes, Diakhaby, Gayà ©, Hugo G., M. Gómez, Jason, Burlamaqui, J. Vázquez,Gabriel, Cheryshev, Manu Vallejo, Rubén Sobrino, Diego López, Javi Guerra and Joseda.

 0.- Levante UD: Cárdenas, Son, Rober Pier, Radoja, Roger MS ©, Bardhi, Vezo, Soldado, De Frutos, C. Clerc, Campaña, A. J. Morales, Malsa, Postigo, Miramón, Dani Gómez, Melero, Pablo M.Coke, Cantero.

Goals: 1-0, m. 70 Alderete.

Referee: Saúl Ais Reig. Booked Burlamaqui and Joseda  for VCF. Radoja, Vezo and Postigo for LUD. Sent off Malsa on 56 minutes for a staright red for dissent following collision with Buralamaqui.

Observations: Fifth preseason friendly held at the Antonio Puchades of the Ciutat Esportiva de Paterna.