MATCH REPORT: Late goal denies Valencia CF THREE POINTS

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Valencia CF's game against Sevilla FC at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán ended 1-1. Luis Rioja scored the first of the encounter, but a late equaliser meant the points were shared.

The team started the match by pressing and trying to gain control of the game. The first arrival into the opposition area by Valencia CF came in the 9th minute, after a steal by André Almeida and a pass into space towards Rioja, who could not connect with a teammate. Rioja had another chance shortly afterwards, but again without success.

José Luis Gayà, who was returning from injury, received the attention of Sevilla FC defender Carmona, who tried to stop him with two very hard and clear fouls that were not called - and which drew blood from the captain's left boot.

Midway through the first half, Isaac brought Mamardashvili into the game, forcing him into an extraordinary save off a shot from outside the area. The Georgian goalkeeper was also back in the starting eleven after injury.

A shot from Javi Guerra missed the target and another move from Rioja involved his cross from the right flank swinging towards Nyland's goal.

A few minutes before the end of the first half, Saúl Ñíguez had a dangerous opportunity to put the home team ahead, but he did not find the target.

Valencia CF came onto the pitch for the second half keen on keeping possession of the ball. However, ten minutes into the second half, Mamardashvili needed another great save after a shot by Lukebakio. On the next move, Sevilla FC came close to taking the lead with a header from Saúl off a corner kick.

In the 61st minute of the match, Rioja's efforts were rewarded with a goal. Mamardashvili launched a long ball forward, Hugo Duro headed on and Rioja finished perfectly past Nyland to put this team ahead.

Just two minutes later, Rioja would have another chance that was very close to doubling the lead.

Following a disallowed goal for Sevilla's Saúl, Umar Sadiq came on for his first league minutes with Valencia CF, having featured in the Copa del Rey in midweek.

Sevilla FC tried to equalise with a shot from Rubén Vargas that hit the left post. Valencia CF resisted the attacks, but in the 92nd minute bad luck struck Mamardashvili, who was unable to stop a cross-shot from Pedrosa that slipped through his grasp and meant the points were shared.

Valencia CF will be in action next against Ourense CF in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday, away at O Couto.

MATCH STATS

1. SEVILLA FC: Nyland, Carmona (Juanlu Sánchez, 69’), Badé, Gudelj, KikeSalas (A. Pedrosa, 78’), Agoumé (Rubén Vargas, 69’), Sambi, Sow (Idumbo, 78’), Lukebakio, Saúl (Peque, 86’) and Isaac.

1. VALENCIA CF: Mamardashvili, Foulquier, Mosquera,Tárrega, Gayà (Yarek, 68’), Barrenechea (J. Vázquez, 92’), Javi Guerra, Diego López (Canós, 69’), L. Rioja, A. Almeida (Pepelu, 78’) and Hugo Duro (Sadiq, 69’).

GOALS: Luis Rioja, 61’; A. Pedrosa, 92’.

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