Valencia CF took a 2-0 victory against Villarreal CF in a highly competitive match from start to finish, proving to be solid at the back and effective in attack. Hugo Guillamón and Carlos Soler scored the two goals that returned the team to winning ways.

As coach José Bordalás had insisted, Valencia CF had clear ideas for the regional derby, playing with tight lines and keeping hold of the ball. The opposition took the initiative with possession in the first few minutes, but the first shot came from José Luis Gayà on the quarter hour.

Villarreal CF could have taken the lead off a corner kick turned goalwards by Aurier, but Jasper Cillessen would provided a great reflex save. The move came just before the opening goal of the contest: Foulquier won the ball, and the counter found its way through for Hugo Guillamón. The midfielder kept his cool to chip Rulli and score for Valencia CF.

In the second half, Villarreal CF coach Unai Emery sought a reaction by taking off Parejo, Yeremy and Capoue, who made way for Chukwueze, Dia and Trigueros. For Valencia CF, Carlos Soler would enter in place of Uros Racic.

Play continued to go in Valencia CF’s favour, and Villarreal CF needed Albiol to clear off the line to prevent Gonçalo Guedes from scoring the second when he had already beaten Rulli one-on-one.

In another foray into the opposition box, Foulquier was fouled and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Soler -the established taker- converted from 11 metres to round off the win, in a game that included returns from injury for Thierry Correia and Cristiano Piccini.

VALENCIA CF 2-0 VILLARREAL CF

VALENCIA CF: Cillessen, Foulquier, Gabriel Paulista (Diakhaby, 72’), Omar Alderete, Gayà (Piccini, 82’), Hugo Guillamón, Racic (Carlos Soler, 53’), Wass, Hélder Costa, Guedes (Hugo Duro, 82’) and Marcos André (Thierry Rendall, 72’).

VILLARREAL CF: Rulli, Serge Aurier, Albiol, Pau Torres, Estupiñán (Alberto Moreno, 71’), Parejo (Chukwueze, 46’), Capoue (Manu Trigueros, 60’), Coquelin, Moi Gómez (Alcácer, 71’), Danjuma and Yeremy Pino (Dia, 46’).

GOALS: 1-0 Hugo Guillamón, 43’; 2-0 Carlos Soler, 76’ (pen).