Match Report: VCF slip to defeat against SD Eibar (0-1)

Valencia CF welcomed SD Eibar on matchday 35 of LaLiga Santander at 12 pm kick-off time CET. Valencia CF had a cagey start in the opening minutes with the away side in possession. Dani Parejo had the first chance for Valencia CF in the 13th minute with a great free-kick which was pushed away by the keeper. Minutes later, Jose Luis Gayà had another shot which went just over the bar.

Kevin Gameiro tried his luck over the half-hour mark from an acute angle but his shot was deflected wide by Sergio Álvarez. 

The away side kept on asking questions of the VCF backline with dangerous chances but Valencia CF showed their stalls out in defence following some nervy passages of play for Marcelino’s side.

The first half finished all square with nothing to separate the sides and all to play for in the second half.

Valencia CF had a brighter start to the second period upping the tempo and applying pressure on SD Eibar. Valencia CF had an intricate piece of play moving the ball from side to side but the ball was cleared behind for a corner kick.

Kevin Gameiro came close to scoring twice in quick succession over the hour mark, Dani Parejo set the Frenchman away with a great ball over the top but was denied by the Eibar keeper from close range. A minute later, Gameiro flashed his shot over the bar.

Santi Mina came close to scoring but he could not get on the end of a cross to toe it in and Charles Dias made it 0-1 to SD Eibar deep into injury time. The game finished 0-1 at Mestalla.

Valencia CF will visit Arsenal FC for their quarter-finals first leg in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday  the 2nd of May  at 9 pm (CET), 8 pm (BST) at the Emirates Stadium.

Match Details:

0. Valencia CF: Neto, Wass, G. Paulista, Roncaglia, Gayà, Parejo ©, Coquelin (Rubén Sobrino, m.76), Guedes (Santi Mina, m.83), Ferran (Carlos Soler, m.55), Gameiro and Rodrigo Moreno.

1. SD Eibar: Dmitrovic, Rubén Peña (De Blasis, m.46), Sergio A, Paulo, Cote, Escalante ©, Jordán, Pedro León (Marc, m.71), Orellana, Cucurella and Sergi Enrich (Charles, m 80).

Goals: 0-1. M. 93: Charles.

Referee: Estrada Fernández, from the Catalan committee. He booked Carlos Soler and Roncaglia for Valencia CF, and Cote, Charles and Sergio Álvarez for SD Eibar.

Observations: Matchday 35 of LaLiga, played on Sunday at 12 pm at Mestalla before 35,393 spectators.