Baraja: "tHE TEAM kePT going AND COMPETED UNTIL THE END"
The Valencia CF coach talks after the 2-2 result against Deportivo Alavés
Valencia CF struck late at Mestalla to beat Real Valladolid 2-1 on Matchday 30, handing their survival hopes a massive boost. The team came back from behind with an equaliser from Mouctar Diakhaby and a stoppage time winner from youngster Javi Guerra -his first goal for the senior side.
An early goal from Real Valladolid was not an ideal start, as a miscontrolled pass in the defence from Diakhaby was pounced upon by Cyle Larin. The Canadian striker then placed a shot past goalkeeper Georgi Mamardashvili to make it 0-1.
Despite the initial setback, Valencia CF composed themselves and began to get comfortable, creating chances through an Edinson Cavani header, a Diakhaby hit from outside the box and a nod towards goal by Gabriel Paulista which were all unsuccessful.
Rubén Baraja brought on Hugo Duro for the second half and the team became more aggressive in search of an equaliser in front of a packed Mestalla. A pair of early chances raised the decibel levels yet further
A cross into the six-yard box, flicked on by Diakhaby and just out of the reach of Cavani, showed that Valencia CF were getting closer.
They finally pulled level as Diakhaby made amends for his earlier error, heading a cross in on 60 minutes that Valladolid goalkeeper Masip mistakenly assumed was on its way out of play.
Real Valladolid had an incredible opportunity through Iván Fresneda inside the area, when a cutback came his way. The fullback stabbed the ball against the crossbar from close range.
André Almeida's free kick, a Hugo Duro header and José Luis Gayà's blast over the top were all close calls, but with the score level the game went into stoppage time. Just moments before, Baraja had brought on Javi Guerra, the young 19 year old making only his third LaLiga appearance.
Real Valladolid had an incredible opportunity through Iván Fresneda inside the area, when a cutback came his way. The fullback stabbed the ball against the crossbar from close range.
André Almeida's free kick, a Hugo Duro header and José Luis Gayà's blast over the top were all close calls, but with the score level the game went into stoppage time. Just moments before, Baraja had brought on Javi Guerra, the young 19 year old making only his third LaLiga appearance.
He proved to be the gamechanger, as he recovered the ball in the midfield and showed for a pass in the centre. Dummying a defender and with no pass on for him, Guerra went for goal and his shot found its way inside the far post, giving Valencia CF a 2-1 win and all three points.
He proved to be the gamechanger, as he recovered the ball in the midfield and showed for a pass in the centre. Dummying a defender and with no pass on for him, Guerra went for goal and his shot found its way inside the far post, giving Valencia CF a 2-1 win and all three points.
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