Match Report: Scoreless draw against RCDE at Mestalla (0-0)

Valencia CF returned to LaLiga action to host RCDE at Mestalla at 4.15 pm on matchday 24 after their 0-2 win over Celtic Football Club at Parkhead in the first leg of the last 32 in the Europa League on Saint Valentine’s Day.

Valencia CF had a comfortable start to the game in possession and getting into their stride. Dani Parejo had the first chance for Valencia CF with a first-time backheel flick following a Denis Cheryshev ball in but it went just wide of the post.

Kevin Gameiro had the first meaningful chance of the first half with an effort which rattled the post after a Ferran Torres delightful inviting through ball to run onto just under the 30-minute mark.

Ferran Torres had another chance in the closing minutes getting on the end of a Jose Luis Gayà cross at the near post but his attempt went just wide. The first half finished goalless at half-time between Valencia CF and RCD Espanyol.

Valencia CF came out in the second half looking to score and they almost did though Ezequiel Garay from a corner kick but his free header went agonisingly wide of the left post three minutes into the second half.

Dani Parejo had a clear-cut chance from point-blank range on the hour mark but was denied by Diego López. Moments later Kevin Gameiro went for the acrobatic after a brilliant Ferran Torres cross.

Facundo Roncaglia came close to scoring with little under 15 minutes of normal time left to play with a powerful downward header which went just wide. Kevin Gameiro had a powerful shot but it went wide.

The match finished in a scoreless draw at Mestalla between Valencia CF and Real Club Deportivo Espanyol. Valencia CF will welcome Celtic Football Club in the second leg of the last 32 in the UEFA Europa League at Mestalla at 6.55 pm kick-off time (5.55pm BST).

Match Details:

0. Valencia CF: Neto, Wass, Garay, Roncaglia, Gayà, Ferran (Santi Mina, 77), Coquelin (Kondogbia, 68), Parejo, Cheryshev, Rubén Sobrino (Guedes, 57) and Gameiro.

0. RCD Espanyol: Diego Lopez, Rosales, David Lopez, Javi Lopez, Mario Hermoso, Granary, Marc Roca, Darder (Puado, 64), Wu Lei (Semedo, 71), Borja Iglesias (Ferreyra, m. 78) and Melendo.

Referee: De Burgos Bengoetxea, booked Coquelin and Roncaglia for  Valencia CF, and Marc Lopez and Granero for  RCD Espanyol. He sent off Javi López for a double booking in injury time for RCD Espanyol.

Observations: Matchday 24 of LaLiga Santander played this Sunday at 4.15 pm at Mestalla before 39,564 spectators.