MATCH REPORT | 0-0 home draw for Valencia CF against Real Sociedad

Valencia CF played out a 0-0 draw with Real Sociedad at Mestalla, in a highly competitive contest on Matchday 23 of the LaLiga season. Coming into the game off the back of a win in the Copa del Rey over Cádiz, the team were looking to carry over their momentum and move their way up the league table, but were unable to break the deadlock despite a series of chances on goal.

With the first leg of the cup semifinal against Athletic Club coming up this Thursday at San Mamés, coach José Bordalás opted to rotate his side against Real Sociedad. Despite the changes, the team gelled well in the opening period, and an attempted chip by José Luis Gayà and a free kick crossed in by Bryan Gil provided close calls in the first half.

Giorgi Mamardashvili, back in the starting XI, was solid in disrupting any attempts from the visitors. At the other end, a penalty appeal for a grab on Maxi Gómez was waved away by the referee. The first half ended goalless.

After the break, Bordalás decided to bring on Carlos Soler in place of Cristhian Mosquera, whilst Mestalla gave an ovation to the returning David Silva -the Valencia CF legend now playing for Real Sociedad.

Gayà enjoyed another opportunity off a corner that was kept out, whilst a rapidfire one-on-one for Real Sociedad was warded off by Mamardashvili. The referee would rule out a Portu goal for offside on the hour mark, as the game drew closer to its conclusion.

Gómez was played through by Gil for a one-on-one, which he failed to convert, then had a header graze the crossbar. He would then set up Gil on 83 minutes for the best chance of the game, which saw Remiro deny the new loan signing.

The game concluded 0-0, with Valencia CF now turning their focus to the Copa del Rey and a Thursday fixture away from home.

MATCH STATS

VALENCIA CF: Mamardashvili, Foulquier, Cömert (Racic, 70’), Cristhian Mosquera (Carlos Soler, 46’), Gayà, Hugo Guillamón, Thierry Correia, Ilaix Moriba (Guedes, 70’), Yunus Musah (Hugo Duro, 80’), Bryan Gil and Maxi Gómez (Marcos André, 80’).

REAL SOCIEDAD: Remiro, Gorosabel (Zaldua, 90’), Zubeldia (Aritz Elustondo, 64’), Le Normand, Rico, Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Portu (Januzaj, 72’), Oyarzabal, Rafael Alcántara (David Silva, 72’) and Sørloth (Isak, 64’).