MATCH REPORT: Valencia CF take first win of 2024/25

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Valencia CF opened their win account for the 2024/25 season with a 2-0 victory against Girona FC on LALIGA EA Sports Matchday 6. Two shots from Luis Rioja and Dani Gómez, both going in off opposition defender Juanpe, earned the home team the triumph at Mestalla.

The first half saw Valencia CF employ order and tactical discipline, and they allowed little space for a Girona FC side that days before had played a high-level match against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Diego López popped up on the right with a dangerous run, in which he looked for a finish at the near post, in the opening chance of the game.

The Asturian would try again minutes later with a shot that went just over the crossbar. Meanwhile, at the other end, Girona FC could not trouble Giorgi Mamardashvili in the Valencia CF goal.

Pepelu shook off a knock at the end of the first half, remaining on the pitch to help out the team in the middle of the park.

SECOND Half

After the interval, Valencia CF tried to take advantage of their good play to hurt Girona FC, taking steps forward. In the 55th minute, the long-awaited goal finally came. Luis Rioja received the ball high up the pitch and executed a left-footed shot that hit Juanpe, turning the effort past Girona goalkeeper Gazzaniga.

It provided the confidence boost needed, and just two minutes later Dani Gómez would strike again, with another drive from outside the area that got a touch off the defender.

With half an hour of play still ahead, Valencia CF needed to face the final stretch calmly and with determination. Mamardashvili made a great save in the 64th minute, recognised by Mestalla with the crowd's applause, and the team held on for the win.

Their next game is on Tuesday against CA Osasuna, also at Mestalla.

VALENCIA CF 2 VS. 0 GIRONA FC

2. VALENCIA CF: Mamardashvili, Thierry R (Foulquier, 78’), Cristhian Mosquera, César Tárrega, Jesús Vázquez, Pepelu, Enzo Barrenechea (Hugo Guillamón, 67’), Diego López, Luis Rioja (S.C. Tenés, 87’), Javi Guerra (André Almeida, 87’) and Dani Gómez (Germán Valera, 78’).

0. GIRONA FC: Gazzaniga, Francés, Juanpe, Krejci, Blind, Solís (Van de Beek, 78’), Oriol Romeu (Yangel Herrera, 62’), Danjuma (Bryan Gil, 78’), Miovski (Stuani, 78’) and Abel Ruiz (Gabriel Misehouy, 62’).

GOALS: 1-0 Luis Rioja, 55’; 2-0 Dani Gómez, 57’.

REFEREE: Hernández Hernández (C. Canario).

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