MATCH REPORT: Valencia CF suffer late turnaround against Girona FC

Valencia CF fell to defeat against Girona FC on LaLiga Matchday 15, losing 2-1 to a high flying Girona side who came back from behind in the final ten minutes of a very competitive contest.

The first half confirmed the solidity of a Valencia CF in defence, leaving little space for the Girona attackers. They were without a shot on target in the opening half hour for the first time this season.

It was just a few moments from the end of the opening stanza that Girona FC tested Mamardashvili for the first time, and he responded with a strong claim.

The home team tried again upon the restart, this time with a shot by Aleix García from the edge of the area that was once again stopped by the Georgian goalkeeper. In the 54th minute he would once again provide a crucial save.

Both teams stepped higher up in the second half and just when it seemed that Girona FC were applying more pressure, a wayward pass at the back was miscontrolled by David López, allowing Hugo Duro to run through and beat Gazzaniga with a deft lob in the one-on-one for his seventh goal this season.

Valencia CF would try to make it 0-2 with two actions by Foulquier in the 75th minute: A first-time shot looking for the back post that Gazzaniga would push out, and a cross into the area that he could not finish cleanly.

Girona FC rallied late, and brought on Cristhian Stuani and Yan Couto late on. In the 80th minute Mamardasvhili was required again, with another great save that stopped Stuani's close-range shot.

The Uruguayan striker, however, would get the equaliser moments later, pushing a cross from Couto in at the far post.

With the score at 1-1, Girona completed their comeback in the 88th minute, as Couto sent another ball in and Mosquera, under pressure from Stuani, turned it into his own net with the final touch.

After a tough defeat, Valencia CF will look for victory on Tuesday against Arosa SC, in the second round of the Copa del Rey.

MATCH DETAILS:

2. GIRONA FC: Gazzaniga, Eric García, David López (Stuani, 75’), Blind, Miguel Gutiérrez, Aleix García, Yangel Herrera (Pablo Torre, 13’) (Yan Couto, 81’), Iván Martín (Portu, 82’), Tsygankov, Savinho and Artem Dovbyk.

1. VALENCIA CF: Mamardashvili, Thierry R., Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Paulista, Yarek (Jesús Vázquez, 89’), Papelu, Javi Guerra, Diego López (Sergi Canós, 84’) Foulquier (Amallah, 84’), Fran Pérez (Diakhaby, 67’) and Hugo Duro (Yaremchuk, 84’).

GOALS: 0-1 Hugo Duro, 56’; 1-1 Stuani, 82’; 2-1 Cristhian Mosquera (p.p.), 88’.

REFEREE: Iglesias Villanueva (C. Gallego). Amonestó a Yan Couto, Daley Blind, Yarek, Hugo Duro, Savinho and Gabriel Paulista.

VAR: Munuera Montero (C. Andaluz).