Match Report: Ten-man VCF Mestalla fall to derby loss (1-0)

VCF Mestalla returned to action on Sunday against cross-town opposition Atletico Levante at 12pm kick-off time at Buñol training ground on Matchday 16 in group III-B of Segunda División B.

VCF Mestalla fell to a 1-0 away loss in the Valencia derby in a game that was heavily affected by the 15-minute mark incident where Atlético Levante were awarded a penalty kick and Kevin Sibille was sent off for a straight red card offence.

This result will see them fight to stay up in the division in the second stage of the season as established by the RFEF notice number 7.   

The game started in pouring rain. The home side took the initiative in the early goings while VCF Mestalla were looking to hit them with quick breaks conducted by Gozálbez and William.C down the wings trying to link-up with Emanà and Fran Navarro who returned to the starting XI with a bandage wrapped around his leg after being on the sidelines over the last few weeks.

The game-changer came on the 15-minute mark when the referee awarded the home side a penalty kick for a slight contact on the home side’s forward and dismissed the Argentine for a straight red card and Alcaina made it 1-0 to Atletico Levante.

Óscar Fernández tweaked his tactical shape and the team took charge of proceedings despite being a man down. VCF Mestalla enjoyed two chances through Esquerdo and Gozálbez which forced Pablo into a save. Gozálbez had two further attempts on goal from outside the box.

The first half finished 1-0 at Levante UD training ground.

The second half saw a similar start with VCF Mestalla dominating in terms of possession and the home side who nearly got a second but Sorberón effort took a wicked deflection off of Facu and onto the post.

 VCF Mestalla had a goal disallowed for a contentious offside call against the onrushing Emaná who got on the end of a Joseda cross. VCF Mestalla stayed in the game and had further chances through Gozálbez, Fran Navarro, Hugo González and K. Koba Leïn.

The scoreline remained unchanged and VCF Mestalla fell to a hapless derby loss away to Atletico Levante. This result will see them fight to stay up in the division in the second stage of the season.            

Match details:

Atlético Levante: Pablo, Peña (Toni Herrero, m. 55), Diana, Blesa, Ferni, P. Iñíguez ©, Sevikyan (Joan M. m. 75), Carvajal, Raúl Alcaina (Villalón, m. 89), M. Soberón (Cantero, m. 75) and Joseda.

VCF Mestalla: Unai, J. Vázquez, Adri Gómez ©, F. Navarro (H. González, m. 74), Esquerdo (K. Koba Leïn, m. 74), Emaná, José David, Sibille, Gozálbez (Carlos Glez, m. 86), William .C and Facu

Goals: 1-0, m. 16 Alcaina (p).

Referee: Busquets Ferrer. Booked Peña, Joseda, Ferni, Carvajal for the home side and Esquerdo, William .C, head coach  Óscar Fernández and sent off Kevin Sibille for a straight red card for VCF Mestalla.

Observations: Matchday 16 in group III-B of Segunda División B held at Buñol training ground behind closed doors in heavy rain showers.