Match Report: Soler strike earns first LaLiga win of 2021 (0-1)

Valencia CF visited Real Valladolid CF on Sunday the 10th of January at 9 pm kick-off time at the José Zorrilla on Matchday 18 of LaLiga Santander amidst the rough wintery weather conditions that swept across Spain.

Valencia CF had a positive start to the game taking the game to the opposition going forward with the first two chances going Valencia CF’s way 

A double chance for José Luis Gayà who first had a follow-up shot blocked by a defender and then with a firing it over on the half volley just shy of the ten-minute mark.

A minute later, Maxi Gómez could not quite get enough power behind his effort which was comfortably gathered by Jordi Masip.

Valencia CF were dominating both in terms of chances and possession with the opposition also breaking with ease and asking questions of the Valencia CF defense.

 Valencia CF were looking to play their way through the Real Valladolid defence halfway through the first half.

Soon after, Valencia CF enjoyed two guilt-edged chances first through José Luis Gayà who sent a rasping drive against the angle and then Carlos Soler with a powerful follow-up shot which was turned behind by Jordi Masip.

Valencia CF were turning the screw on Real Valladolid CF  looking to break the deadlock before half-time alas, the scoreline remained goalless at the interval with all to play for in the second half.

Valencia CF were put on the back foot and broken down by the opposition on the counter-attack while as they were trying to find a foothold in the second half.

Maxi Gómez came close to scoring following a Hugo Guillamón flick-on into Maxi Goméz who crashed his effort against the woodwork from a tight angle over the hour mark.

 Javi Gracia made his first substitution on 72 minutes bringing on Manu Vallejo who replaced Kang In.

It was Carlos Soler who came up with the opener with an absolute screamer which caught out Jordi Masip with little under 15 minutes of normal time plus stoppage time left to play.

Manuel Vallejo appeared to have put Valencia CF two goals to the good alas after an on-field VAR review the goal was wiped off by a marginal offside in the build-up against Maxi Gómez. 

Manu Vallejo came close to wrapping up the win but he was denied by the off-rushing Jordi Masip and then Orellana provided a scare after hitting the post at the other end.

Valencia CF managed to hang on for their opening LaLiga win of the calendar year.

Valencia CF will be back in Copa del Rey action to visit Agrupación Deportiva Alcorcón at the weekend in the round 32 of the Copa del Rey knock-out tie.     

Match Details:

0. Valladolid CF: Masip ©, Luis Pérez (Orellana, 81’), Javi Sánchez, Bruno, Nacho, Roque Mesa (Alcaraz, 82’), Fede, Jota (Sergi Guardiola, 82’), Kike Pérez (Hervías, 70’), Toni Villa (Óscar Plano, 70’) and Weissman.

1. Valencia CF: Jaume Domènech, Thierry Correia, Diakhaby, Hugo Guillamón, Gayà ©, Racic, Carlos Soler, Wass (Yunus Musah, 90’), Cheryshev (Lato, 90’), Kang In (Manu Vallejo, 73`) and Maxi Gómez.

Goals: 0-1 Carlos Soler, 76’.

Referee: Cuadra Fernández. Booked Bruno, Carlos Soler, Diakhaby, Orellana and Thierry Correia.

 Observations: Matchday 18 of LaLiga Santander played at the Estadio José Zorrilla, Valladolid in icy weather conditions.