Match Report: Win over Cartagena keeps up perfect preseason record (3-2)

Valencia CF took on FC Cartagena on Saturday 24th of July at 7 pm kick-off time (CET) at the Antonio Puchades of the Ciutat Esportiva for their third preseason test.

Valencia CF were off to a positive start pressing high up the pitch trying to win the ball back and using the wings going forward with Omar Alderete  trying to play long balls into the left channel.

The away side grew into the game halfway through the first half and bringing menace into the opposition box with Rubén Castro drawing a right-legged reaction stop out Giorgi Mamardashvili from point-blank range close to the half-hour mark.

The first Valencia CF chance fell to Hugo Guillamón after the water break following a corner kick delivery. Hugo Guillamón rose up to meet it from point-blank range but Mark Martínez denied him with a reflex stop.  

The first half finished locked together at 0-0 with chances few and far between for either side and all to play for in the second half.

Valencia CF were off to a slow start to the second half and minutes later, Rubén Castro made it 0-1 to FC Cartagena in the early goings of the second half.  Denis Cheryshev got Valencia CF back on level terms close to the hour mark.

The Russian showed his goal poaching instincts capitalising on a Gonçalo Guedes wicked assist to tap it in from close range and the floodgates opened.

Brand new signing, Omar Alderete, got off the mark for Valencia CF on the hour mark following a corner kick to give Valencia CF the breakthrough with an onrushing imperious header past Mark Martínez.

Five minutes later, Hugo Guillamón was bundled over Fromsa and the referee pointed to the spot and up stepped Jason Remeseiro to blast it home to put Valencia CF two goals to the good from twelve yards out.

Eduardo Martínez pulled one back to FC Cartagena on 81 minutes. 

Valencia CF managed to see it off to maintain their perfect record under José Bordalás with another three goal turnaround in the second half.

Valencia CF will welcome Real Zaragoza on Wednesday 28th of July at 6:45 pm kick-off time at the Pinatar Arena for their fourth preseason test, their first of their second preseason training camp.

Match Details:

3. VALENCIA CF: Mamardashvili, Joseda Menargues, Alderete, Gabriel Paulista, Jesús Vázquez, Hugo Guillamón, Diakhaby, Fran Pérez, Cheryshev, Guedes, Manu Vallejo. Jason, Javi Guerra, Diego López, Sobrino, Burlamaqui, Xavi Estacio, Jorge Sáenz and Pedro Alemañ.

2. FC CARTAGENA: Marc Martínez, Andújar, Uri, Teddy, Antoñito, Delmas, De la Bella, Boateng, Ortuño, Neskes, Rubén Castro, Nacho Gil, Fromsa, Edu, Esteve, David Simón, Kawaya, Antonio Luna, Josema and Kevin.

Goals: 0-1 Rubén Castro, 48’; 1-1 Cheryshev, 56’; 2-1 Alderete, 59’; 3-1 Jason (p), 65’; 3-2 Edu, 81’.

Referee: Iván Muñoz Pérez.

Observations: Preseason friendly held at the Antonio Puchades of the Ciutat Esportiva behind closed doors.