Match Report: Valencia CF strike late to see off Celta Vigo (2-0)

Valencia CF left it late for a victory  against Celta Vigo at Mestalla, claiming three important points thanks to two goals in stoppage time. Strikes from second half substitutes Manu Vallejo ad Kevin Gameiro ensured the win for Javi Gracia’s side, who were boosted by the sending off of opposition goalkeeper Rubén Blanco. The 2-0 triumph moves Valencia CF up to 27 points from 24 games played.

The game began with Valencia CF reshuffling the starting lineup, including a first LaLiga appearance of the campaign for Jasper Cillessen in goal. A 4-4-2 formation was used, with Kang In and Maxi Gomez up top together -the latter having scored against his former club in the reverse fixture.

On 22 minutes, Valencia CF had the ball in the net, as Daniel Wass struck from inside the box off a break. However, the goal would be ruled out for offside.

After a goalless first half, the pace of the game slowed down after the break, with Celta Vigo continuing to enjoy the better of possession. After an hour, the turning point of the contest arrived: A deep ball through the middle was latched onto by Maxi Gomez, who was brought down by goalkeeper Ruben Blanco. The Celta Vigo shot stopped was shown a red card, and the visitors went down to ten men.

With the numerical advantage, Valencia CF continued to press in search of the three points, as the opposition withdrew and only enjoyed sporadic chances.

Valencia CF made changes to bring on both Manu Vallejo and Kevin Gameiro, and both would get the vital goals. Vallejo was put through by Kang In off a one-two inside the box, and tried to pull the ball across. Unintentionally, it tricked across the line to make it 1-0 in the 94th minute.

Gameiro confirmed the victory with the final touch of the match, as Thierry Correia cut inside and set up the Frenchman. The striker put his foot through his shot to beat the goalkeeper.

Next up for Valencia CF is a meeting with Getafe next Saturday at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

VALENCIA CF 2 vs. 0 CELTA VIGO

Valencia CF: Cillessen, Thierry Correia, Gabriel Paulista, Hugo Guillamón, Gayà, Racic (Manu Vallejo, 80’), Carlos Soler, Wass, Álex Blanco (Gameiro, 70’), Kang In (Ferro, 97’) and Maxi Gómez.

Celta Vigo: Rubén Blanco, Hugo Mallo, Néstor, Murillo, Aarón Martín, Renato Tapia, Denis Suárez, Solari (Aidoo, 80’), Nolito (Fran Beltrán, 91’), Facundo Ferreyra (Iván Villar, 65’) and Santi Mina.

Goals: 1-0 Manu Vallejo, 94’; 2-0 Kevin Gameiro, 97’.