Match Report: Stalemate at Mestalla against RCD Mallorca

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Valencia CF were held to a 1-1 draw in the opening game of Matchday 17 in LaLiga, as they took on RCD Mallorca at Mestalla. Hugo Duro scored the equaliser for the team in the contest.

The match began with high energy from both teams, and Valencia CF started creating dangerous chances to break into Leo Román's area. In a well-worked move, Ugrinic played the ball out wide to an unmarked Luis Rioja, and the Andalusian winger crossed to the far post for Gayà to head, but his shot went wide.

However, RCD Mallorca also created some problems. In one move, Agirrezabala had to stretch to tip the ball out for a corner. Valencia CF then took control of the possession, but were dealt a shock: Mallorca took the lead with a shot from Samu Costa from square on, after a header from Raillo.

In the following minutes, Valencia CF tried to regain control to create chances, but RCD Mallorca remained solid defensively. Beltrán had a shot strike the elbow of a Mallorca defender, although referee Alejandro Quintero did not award a penalty for it.

After a corner kick, Rioja almost equalised, taking advantage of a rebound in the area, but his shot was blocked by an opponent.

SECOND HALF

Just minutes into the second half, Hugo Duro levelled with a header from a Correia cross inside the box. It was his sixth league goal of the season.

Valencia CF pushed hard in front of a noisy Mestalla, and Gayà came very close to scoring the second goal. Rioja crossed and he headed the ball, but it crashed against the post.

Carlos Corberán's men took the initiative and pinned RCD Mallorca back in their own half. In one of their numerous attacks, Beltrán almost scored with a powerful header that Leo Román saved -with the tip of his right foot.

The coach then brought on Ramazani and Javi Guerra.

Despite Valencia CF's dominance, Mateo Joseph nearly put the visitors ahead with a shot from outside the box that grazed the left post. Later, Foulquier and Danjuma both entered the game. Shortly after, Beltrán almost put the ball in off a great run by the latter.

Looking for a last roll of the dice, Diego López was brought on, but there would be no change in the scoreline and the game ended 1-1.

Next for Valencia CF is a visit to RC Celta de Vigo at Abanca Balaídos on January 3rd.

MATCH STATS

1. VALENCIA CF: Agirrezabala, Thierry R. (Foulquier, 79’), Tárrega, Copete, Gayà ©, Pepelu, Ugrinic (Javi Guerra, 72’), L. Rioja (Ramazani, 72’), A. Almeida (Danjuma, 79’), Beltrán (Diego López, 87’) and Hugo Duro.

1. RCD MALLORCA: Leo Román, Maffeo, Valjent, A. Raillo ©, Mojica, Samu, Morlanes (Darder, 58’), Antonio Sánchez (Morey, 87’), Jan Virgili (Kumbulla, 66’), Mateo Joseph (Asano, 87’) and Muriqi.

GOALS: Samu, 23’ (0-1); Hugo Duro, 53’ (1-1).

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