A late own goal handed Valencia CF an undeserved defeat at home to Atletico Madrid on Matchday 11 of the LaLiga season, as a competitive, focused display went unrewarded. Disciplined defending and high intensity appeared to have been enough to earn at least a point against a team who began the matchday second in the table, but the goal in the 79th minute meant Javi Gracia’s side went home emptyhanded.

Valencia CF had come into the contest off the back of a draw against Deportivo Alavés six days prior, and were looking for a repeat of their second half performance in that game. On 21 minutes, Uros Racic enjoyed the first chance of the game, receiving a ball from Carlo Soler and striking towards goal, only to be thwarted by Jan Oblak.

At the other end, Jaume Domènech made a series of three decisive saves, keeping it goalless going into the halftime break.

The second period began with Valencia CF picking up from where they left off. They defended well, pressed and kept their shape well, whilst Jaume made another save to deny Lemar. The follow-up was dangerous, but Daniel Wass was able to reach it and send the ball clear.

Hugo Guillamòn would go off injured during the second stanza, replaced by Eliaquim Mangala.

The clash was decided at the end, in cruel fashion: A cross from the left flank hit Toni Lato, spinning its way into the net. Whilst it was another positive display, Valencia CF would not have point to show for their efforts.

Valencia CF 0 vs. 1 Atletico Madrid

Mestalla

LaLiga Matchday 11

0. Valencia CF: Jaume Domènech, Wass (Jason, 84’), Gabriel Paulista, Hugo Guillamón (Mangala, 57’), Lato, Racic, Carlos Soler, Yunus Musah (Thierry Correia, 69’), Guedes, Manu Vallejo (Sobrino, 69’) and Maxi Gómez (Gameiro, 69’).

1. Atlético de Madrid: Obak, Trippier, Giménez, Savic, Saúl (Carrasco, 59’), Koke, Llorente, Renan Lodi (Joao Félix, 45’), Lemar (Kondogbia, 64’) and Correa (Vitolo, 64’).

Goals: 0-1, Lato (p. p.), 79’.

Referee: Ricardo De Burgos Bengoechea (C. Vasco). VAR:  Alejandro Hernández Hernández (C. Las Palmas). Yellow cards for Saúl, Correa, Racic and Guillamón, Llorente and Joao Félix.