Sporting Gijon vs Valencia CF Copa Del Rey

Valencia CF has not had the best start to the new year with loss after loss, the latest one in the Super Cup at the feet of Real Madrid, not the end of the world loss, but it still stings. Valencia CF did show way better play and gave Real Madrid a hard time, in fact Valencia CF could have won the match if the finishing was a bit more precise. 

Sporting Gijon vs Valencia CF Match Preview

I think if Valencia CF shows such play in every league game we can probably challenge for European competition, but that the issue is our team has been very inconsistent. We can lose to the worst team in La Liga and then go on to beat a Barcelona or challenge Real Madrid and just barely lose. There is no consistency, something which I'm hoping Gattuso has addressed, and we see a good Valencia CF side against Sporting Gijon. 

Sporting Gijon are 15th place in the second division, so they are coming into this match as the underdog with Valencia CF the favorite, but anything is possible. Again, I'm hoping to see a stable and effective side tomorrow that easily dismantles Sporting Gijon, after all they are playing kind of poor football even for second division. Not quite relegation level football, but they are bottom of the pack with a lot of goals conceded and average number of goals scored. 

We are likely going to see several changes from the match against Real Madrid as Gattuso is likely to give other players some playing time and keep some of the better performing players like Andre Almeida and Cavani fresh for the league match against UD Almeria on the 23rd. 

Valencia CF squad: Cristian Rivero; Jesus Vazquez, Paulista, Diakhaby, Correia; Foulquier,  Hugo Guilamon, Illaix Moriba; Fran Perez, Hugo Duro, Marcos De Sousa.

Goncalo Guedes wants a return to Valencia CF

Goncalo Guedes is another option for Valencia CF to take on loan as Wolves have listed the player on the transfer market. They want to sell the player and recuperate some of the money they spent on him, but bidders are in short supply this transfer window as clubs have tightened their purses and are looking at cheaper options with Wolves wanting somewhere in the region of 25 to 30 million euros for Goncalo Guedes.

Another option would be for them to loan out the player in order for him to regain some of his market value and what better destination than Valencia CF where the player got his recognition from. Goncalo Guedes also wants a return to Valencia CF and Gattuso wants a winger to strengthen Valencia's attack and provide more cover for the position.

In case you haven't been following Guedes after his departure from Valencia CF, he hasn't celebrated himself at his new club, in fact it's been going really downhill for him. He started good enough for Wolves and he was a starter at the start of the season, but they weren't getting a lot of good results and Guedes had failed to provide many goals or assists and slowly but surely, he went out of favor with his initial coach. Bruno Lage was then fired due to a string of poor results, but this didn't change Guedes's fortune, he didn’t feature all that much under interim manager Steve Davis either. 

Things have become even worse under new manager Julen Lopetegui, with Guedes being substituted half time against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.  Guedes was left out of the squad for the matchday squad against West Ham United.

Diakhaby renews until 2027

Mouctar Diakhaby has renewed until 2027. His contract expired this summer and he could have left for free. There is no news on any release clause, so it's assumed it stays as it was: 100 million.

To be honest, I'm surprised. I thought he was out the door as the club had left it late. Diakhaby has had a checkered time at Valencia. On the positive side, it was in some ways his late 93rd minute equaliser against Sevilla in the 2nd Marcelino season which would be instrumental in gaining us the Champions League spot. However, the Atlanta game, where he conceded 2 penalties, turned many fans against him, there were other incidents as well, and he has errors in his game. That said, he's also improved many aspects of his game starting in the Bordalas era and suits Gattuso's high line. He's definitely someone that Valencia could improve on if we had the funds, but that's the permanent issue under Lim, with a miserable 2-3m runoured as the maximum transfer budget available, so this saves us relying on yet another loanee. 

Cadiz' draw tonight means Valencia are now just 3 points above the relegation zone and we need to start winning games, with a dismal 1-3-4 record from the last 8 games, hopes of Europe have rapidly faded and we now start looking over our shoulder again. With the next 4 games featuring 3 teams around us (Almeria, Girona and Valladolid) the next month will be critical.

Adnan Januzaj to join Valencia CF?

Valencia CF are negotiating the loan of Sevilla winger Adnan Januzaj. Adnan Januzaj joined Sevilla in 2022 as one of the many reinforcements that was supposed to create a new era of success at the club, but it's been nothing short of disaster. Now they are cleaning house and one of the targets is Adnan Januzaj who's barely featured at all since his arrival at Sevilla FC.

Adnan Januzaj had the most success at Real Sociedad where he featured over 130 times and managed to score 15 goals for them. He's also played 15 times for the Belgium representation and scored one goal for them! 

Gennaro Gattuso want the club to bring him another winger and even though central midfielder Nico was injured and will be out for 3 months, Gattuso still thinks the team lacks offensive options and wants another winger to join the team. 

Certainly not the most exciting option that has been rumored, he's also barely played in an official match since joining Sevilla and there are questions about his fitness and form. What do you think about Adnan Januzaj joining Valencia CF on loan?

Valencia CF after Facundo Pellestri

Valencia CF are going after Manchester United winger Facundo Pellestri. The offer is an initial loan deal for the rest of the season with an option to purchase the player at the end of the season. It's highly unlikely that Manchester United are going to agree with a buyout clause, though they might loan the player to Valencia CF in the hopes that he gets more play time. 

Facundo Pellestri joined Manchester United in 2020 from Uruguayan side Penarol, though was immediately loaned out Alaves for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Only recently did he make his competitive debut in their victory over Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup. 

The player is very talented and has huge potential for the future, no wonder why Manchester United got him, but he is still young and inexperienced and has ways to go before he reaches his potential. Valencia CF is after him because they can get him for free on a loan deal, while other options would cost money, something Valencia CF wants to avoid in the winter transfer market! 

Real Madrid 1-1 Valencia CF Match Report (4:3p)

Unfortunate loss for Valencia CF who fought very hard against Real Madrid and gave them a hard time for most of the match, only to lose on penalties. 

Real Madrid started the match with high tempo and looking to take the lead over Valencia CF as early as possible. Their first big chance came in the 9th minute when Valverde released a through ball to Rodrygo who latched on to the ball, ran forward a long distance, entered the penalty area and shot, but it went wide.

Few minutes later it was Valverde who took a shot at goal from long range, but once again it went wide. Valencia CF would have a chance on their own in the 18th minute after Gaya's cross found Cavani who headed the ball, but Courtosis was alert and saved the goal. Only a minute later Toni Lato would fall in the penalty area and claim a penalty, but the referee waved play on.

On the other side of the pitch a similar situation would arise when Benzema went down in the penalty area and the referee immediately without any deliberation awarded Real Madrid a penalty. I would say this was likely a penalty if not for the reverse situation where Lato was fouled in the same way, but no penalty was awarded. Two almost identical fouls, what I'd call light fouls, but one was given and once was not. To me this is clear corruption, but whatever, we are used to this by now. 

Benzema would go on to score the penalty and give Real Madrid the lead. Thankfully their lead would not last long as Lino would go on to equalize the score after he intercepted a solid cross from the other side of the field by Lato. He anticipated the cross well, ran forward to position himself just right for the cross and then with a simple shot scored the goal.

The second half was subdued, not too many attacks as there were more fouls and stops to the match with both teams vying for control of the midfield and play becoming scrappier.

In the dying moments of the match Vinicius would have a big chance to score and give Real Madrid the victory, but Giorgi was alert, came out of his goal and blocked the shot giving Valencia CF a fighting chance in extra time and later on on penalties.

Real Madrid were the better team in extra time, they were the one looking for the win, they were the ones with the desire to win and Valencia CF goal was to survive essentially till the penalties and try and win it there. They would create several opportunities, some quite solid ones, but usually it was Giorgi that would save the goal time and time again.

In the penalty shootout both Valencia CF defenders blundered. Eray Comert shot above the goal and then for the must score penalty Gaya shot straight at the goalkeeper. A valiant effort by Valencia CF but felt short of winning. This could be a somewhat positive take as the team played some good football, generally competed well against Real Madrid and created some good goal scoring opportunities that could have punished Real Madrid. The defense is still generally kind of shaky, they still allow too many opportunities for the opposition and rely too much on the goalkeeper to get them out of trouble, to save the goal over and over again. 

I'd say I'm pleased with the performance; I didn't go in with any expectations into this match so I'm not disappointed, I can't be disappointed, I actually think if our team can play like this most of the time, we can actually win most of our matches and move up the table. This was overall a much better display than our previous two matches in La Liga. 

Real Madrid vs Valencia CF Super Cup

Real Madrid vs Valencia CF Match Preview

Valencia CF are going to face Real Madrid in the Spanish super cup tomorrow. The other duo are Real Betis vs FC Barcelona, the matches will be played in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Spanish super cup got overhauled in 2020, now it's a four-team competition that takes place in January. The top two teams in La Liga the previous season and the two Copa del Rey finalists make the four teams to play in the cup. If the same teams finish in the top two and reach the Copa del Rey final, then the spot goes to the 3rd placed team and so forth.

Real Madrid vs Valencia CF Super Cup Match Preview

Valencia CF qualified for this year's super cup by reaching the final in last year's Copa del Rey, while Real Betis were the winners. Real Madrid won the league title last season and also won the super cup as well, beating Athletic Bilbao to clinch the title. 

Valencia CF are coming to this match with two losses since the start of the second half of the season and will be looking to put those behind them with a win over Real Madrid. I wrote in last match's report how Valencia CF can lose to the weakest opponents and then go on to beat a team like Real Madrid or FC Barcelona, well they have the chance to do that tomorrow.

Real Madrid are also coming to this match with a loss to Villarreal, they lost 2-1 against them, same score Valencia CF lost to them just a week before that! Real Madrid is currently trailing FC Barcelona 3 points in the league and will be looking to get back to winning ways with a victory over Valencia CF tomorrow night! 

Valencia CF will be without Samu Castillejo and Nico Gonzales due to injuries, while Jaume Domenech has traveled with the team, but won't be available for selection because of injury as well. 

Real Madrid on the other hand are without their defender David Alaba, and their midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, but have few returning players from injury who will be available for selection.

Valencia CF Line-up: Mamardashvili; Correia, Comert, Diakhaby, Gaya; Musah, Guillamon, Almeida; Kluivert, Cavani, Lino

Real Madrid Line-up: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Kroos, Valverde, Modric; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius

It's going to be an interesting match for sure, I think Valencia CF are going to have stronger fighting spirit and extra motivation against Real Madrid, as such I do not expect Valencia CF to be more competitive than they've been in their last two matches, and I don't see it being a walk in the part for Real Madrid. That said it's going to be very hard for Valencia CF to win this match considering our form and the defensive weaknesses, realistically a draw would be a decent result, but as always, I'm preparing for a loss that way I can't be disappointed. 

RCD Espanyol to purchase Dimitri Foulquier

RCD Espanyol have offered Valencia CF 2 million euros for the purchase of Dimitri Foulquier, an offer Valencia CF deemed too low to accept, though they have shown willingness to listen for an improved offer. 

Dimitri Foulquier has not featured too much under Gennaro Gattuso and has been relegated as a backup to Thierry Correia, with Foulquier featuring 10 times, but mostly as a sub with only 289 minutes played so far in the season. 

Valencia CF isn't particularly interested in selling the player, certainly not for just 2 million euros when we lack cover the right back position and we have a mini-injury crisis with Nico and Samu both out of the squad for at least one month and longer, positions that Foulquier can cover as he can play central defense, right back, right winger and as a defensive midfielder. 

We'll have to wait and see if RCD Espanyol come back with an improved offer, 3 million euros seems to be the amount where Valencia CF might think about parting ways with Dimitry Foulquier. 

Liverpool and Chelsea FC going after Yunus Musah

The competition to acquire Yunus Musah is heating up with Liverpool FC the latest premier league club to show interest in the player. Jurgen Klopp is a fan of the player personally and is requiring Liverpool FC go after the player. 

That is not going be as easy for Liverpool FC as perhaps they would have hoped, as Chelsea FC have also shown interest in the player and are looking to add him to their squad. In fact, I wrote about this two weeks ago with Chelsea FC being one of the most serious contenders for the player, along with Fulham who were willing to offer up to 35 million euros to acquire the player. Valencia CF is demanding 40 million euros and with several premier league clubs vying for his signature there is no reason for Valencia CF to negotiate for the price. 

Whoever reaches that number is going to acquire the player, though if he is to be sold, it's unclear how Valencia CF is going to cover his absence, considering Nico got injured recently and will be out for at least 3 months and additionally Samu Castillejo also got injured during last match and will be out for at least a month. 

Yunus Musah has become more of a central midfielder, so we do sort of have cover for him, but he is very versatile and can cover multiple positions, which is part of his appeal, so it's going to be very hard to replace him, though maybe Valencia CF is waiting for exactly that to sell the player for 40 million euros and then purchase reinforcements! 

Either way there are several premier league clubs interested in the player with Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC being closely linked to the player, though as I reported previously, we might even see Fulham and other teams come in the spotlight. 

For 40 million euros I'd sell him, he is a solid player and has big potential, he's shown he can be very effective defensively, has a lot of speed as well, but for 40 million euros I think that is a fair price for him as of right now. There is no guarantee that he is going to become the next Silva or Aimar or Baraja for Valencia CF, so for 40 million euros I'd sell him. 

Valencia CF to sign Luis Gerardo Chávez

Luis Gerardo Chávez

Valencia CF are interested in Pachuca midfielder Luis Chavez as they look to cover for the injured Nico Gonzales who suffered a serious injury that is going to have him absent for at least 3 months. Valencia CF were looking to bring in another winger but are now turning their attention to a central type of midfielder in order to cover for Nico's absence. 

He joined CF Pachuca in 2019 from FC Tinuana for 1.2 million euros and has helped them win the league title in 2022. His current market value stands at 8 million euros.

Luis Chávez is 26 years old, plays as a defensive midfielder, stands at 1.78m height and has so far featured in 16 matches for CF Pachuca and has scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist. 

With decent negotiations Valencia CF can sign the player for less than his market value, realistically 5 million euros should be enough to sign the player, since Luis has showed interest in continuing his career abroad and Europe is his preferred destination. Spain would be an excellent fit for him and Valencia CF a great club to continue his career at.

Valencia CF 0-1 Cadiz Match Report

What a bad start to the second half of the season and to the new year, with back to back loses for Valencia CF. This team can be so frustrating to watch sometimes, as we can often lose even against the worst opposition with the worst stats in La Liga, but then two matches down the line we manage to beat a Real Madrid or a Barcelona. 

Just 8 minutes into the game and Valencia CF was already losing at home against one of the worst teams in La Liga with one of the lowest scoring records in the league. Someone needs to explain this to me as I just don't get it.

Valencia CF started attacking from the get-go with them controlling possession and looking to go forward and attack, but this also left spaces at the back and opportunities for Cadiz to counterattack. This is exactly how Cadiz managed to take the lead, as they intercepted a pass from Valencia CF, passed the ball to R. Sobrino who ran from his side's own third to Valencia's own third, managed to outrun and get past Ilaix Moriba and assisted the ball to R. Alcaraz who was just outside of the penalty area, took a long range shot and managed to score. 

Valencia CF 0-1 Cadiz CF

As the game progressed Valencia CF controlled most of the possession at around 75% percent, but most of it was in our own third, just passing the ball in circles, instead of forward and when they did manage to pass forward it was often blocked or intercepted by the opposition. Hugo Guiliamon was the most responsible for this as time and time again he passed inaccurately and straight into the opposition players, no forced errors or anything of the sort, just terrible passing. 

The best Valencia CF came to scoring in the first half was a claim for penalty, other than that it was mostly ineffective attacks with no finish. 

Gennaro Gattuso decided to change things up for the second half and introduced Andre Almeida for Hugo Guillamon and Justin Kluivert for Ilaix Moriba. An obvious and right decision, considering they were the weakest link in the squad. Hugo misplaced so many passes and put Valencia CF in bad situations and Ilaix was just completely ineffective in doing anything, the game passed by him as he was a spectator.

The changes brought some much-needed energy and urgency in Valencia's play, with Almeida doing a much better job in bringing the ball forward and spreading it around with precision! Its baffling since stats wise Hugo Guillamon is one of Valencia's most accurate passers with a high rate of passing, but tonight most of his passes were inaccurate and back to the defense. 

Valencia CF did play much better in the second half as a result and created more opportunities and chances, forcing Jeremias Ledesma to react and save his team on few occasions. While the effort was there, and more chances were created it just wasn't quality enough. There were barely any goal scoring opportunities, with most of the threat towards Cadiz goal being from low probability opportunistic shots, rather than clear cut goalscoring opportunities. 

The best chance for Valencia CF was probably Gaya's long range effort on goal that was saved by their goalkeeper. Valencia CF also had few claims for a penalty, but the referee wasn't having it and wasn't going to serve them a goal opportunity on a platter. The claims were realistically farfetched, and most referees wouldn't entertain them! 

Player Ratings:

Giorgi 6 - Questionable positioning for the goal, seemed a bit out of position and thus couldn't quite reach the ball, but barely at fault here. Had few other saves that make up for that suspect positioning.

Correia 5.5 - Defense wise it was an okay performance but going forward he was lackluster and scrambled few good opportunities. Overall, not an impressive performance.

Diakhaby 6 - It was an average performance by his standards, industrial performance with few clumsy moments, classic Diakhaby stuff.

Comert 6 - Not a great defensive showing considering he was playing against one of the weakest attacking teams but did not make any sort of big mistakes.

Gaya 7 - He was mostly absent in defense, but he was always on the other side of the field and attacking. Most of the attacks came through him and he had the best chance of the night to score. 

Yunus Musah 6 - Better than the other two midfielders in the first half, but that is not saying much. He was mostly accurate with his passes and did try to create something on that right flank but was hardly effective and didn't cause Cadiz many problems!

Hugo Guillamon 3 - One of the worst performances I've seen from him, inexplicable passing errors and lazy mundane passing. He was also lackluster in tracking opposing players and breaking up their play.

Illaix Moriba 3 - Possibly the guiltiest player for the goal, got overrun so easily, but he could have made a foul and stop the attack, back in the days an Albelda or Topal or Fuego type if they lost the duel, they would foul out the opposing player to prevent a dangerous counterattack. 

Samu Castellijo 5.5 - Was lively during his time on the pitch and had some good movement and dribbles but was unable to make a difference.

Edinson Cavani 5 - Not given much to play with, had few penalty claims and arguments with the opposing players, but did not contribute much to this match and was left without any goal scoring chances. Not to blame, but clearly not a game in which he can be a threat! 

Lino 6 - Combined well with Gaya on the left flank and was generally very active in attack, had some good movements and passes, but like the whole team he just could not muster up an end product.

Subs:

Andre Almeida 7 - Justified substitution as he brough in better quality over Hugo and was key in moving the ball forward and spreading it around with precision. He has good playmaking abilities and seems to have huge potential for the future. I was impressed by his performance even if VCF lost and overall played poorly.

Justin Kluivert 6 - An upgrade over Illaix Moriba as he was much snappier and often run channels, something we lacked before his introduction, but like all others was unable to provide something concrete, to really change the course of the match. Decent effort but fell short. 

Hugo Duro 5.5 - Came on for the injured Samu and played decently, I liked his energy and combativeness, he wants to win, he wants to do good, so points for that, but in terms of finding himself in goal scoring positions or providing the key pass he was lacking.

Foulquier N/A - Not enough time 

Valencia CF vs Cadiz Match Preview

Valencia CF will be hoping to get back to winning ways in La Liga as their last match against Villarreal ended up in a devastating loss in which Valencia's defensive frailties were exposed to the fullest, and time and time again Villarreal were able to create chances and shoot on goal.

It wasn't so bad this past week as Valencia CF managed to win against La Nucia in the Spanish cup by three goals to zero, with Justin Kluivert really impressing with his performance, though the question is can he perform at the same level against higher quality competition.

Valencia CF vs Cadiz CF Match Preview

Cadiz are currently 19th place on the table with 12 points out of possible 45, though the difference between them and Valencia CF who is 10th on the table is only 7 points. Cadiz are the joint-lowest goalscorers in La Liga this season with only 10, though their biggest issue lies in the defense having conceded 27 goals which is second highest in the league. 

Valencia CF problems on the other side have been inconsistency, set pieces defending, loss of form towards the end of the matches, and just bad organization at the back overall. You would have been forgiven if you though month and a half of rest for the team would have allowed for Gattuso to address and fix some of these problems, but no, they still persist and are even more obvious than ever. 

Valencia CF will be without Nico Gonzales as he sustained a big injury last match and is likely to be out for months. All the more reason for Valencia CF to bring in another winger, possibly Bryan Gil as he is a known quantity and can improve the team. 

Jaume is also in doubt for this match, but apart from these two the rest of the squad are all fit and ready! I think we are going to see mostly the same lineup we saw against Villarreal CF, although personally I'm not convinced about the Comert and Diakhaby duo at the back. I've not even been impressed by Gaya's defensive contribution, similar to last season he has been a liability at the back on many occasions. 

Valencia CF lineup: Mamardashvili; Correia, Comert, Diakhaby, Gaya; Musah, Moriba, Almeida; Castillejo, Cavani, Lino

La Nucia 0-3 Valencia CF Match Report

Valencia CF won its Copa Del Rey cup match against La Nucia in convincing fashion with no unexpected surprises.

It only took Valencia CF 3 minutes to score the first goal through Kluivert on an assist by Ozkacar, though it was Kluivert that did all of the work as he dribbled past several La Nucia players, went inside the penalty area and when he found space for himself managed to shoot and score. Valencia CF continued with its attacks, though La Nucia were not pushovers and did manage to combat Valencia CF for the most part. 

Then at 30 minutes in Ilaix Moriba would score Valencia's second goal and allow the team a sigh of relief as this match looked secure. Jesus Vazquez received a long ball on the left flank, immediately passed the ball into the penalty area reaching Ilaix who was between two players but managed to get his foot to the ball and score.

Finally, Hugo Duro would score the 3rd and final goal of the match to set the result at 3-0 for Valencia CF. 

Good win for Valencia CF even if it was against a much weaker opponent and some great play by Justin Kluivert who seems to be becoming better and better and could be a key player for Valencia CF in the future if the team plays its cards right and is able to secure the player from Roma. 

Bryan Gil on loan at Valencia CF again?

Valencia CF wants to bring Bryan Gil back again with a long-term loan deal spanning 18 months. The player favors a return to the Mestalla and is ready to take a pay cut in order to facilitate the move. Tottenham are not so willing though, as they want Bryan Gil as cover and are unwilling to release the player if they do not bring in someone else for his position. 

While the player has featured sparingly for Tottenham, he is still deemed as a bright future prospect and Tottenham are unsure if such a long-term loan deal would be beneficial for them! Either way Valencia CF is pushing hard for this deal to become a reality and are even willing to even pay Tottenham small amount of loan fee, something in the region of 2-3 million in order to expedite the transfer. 

Valencia CF also wants a purchase option at the end of the loan deal for 25 million euros, so they can possibly buy the player if things go smoothly, and he becomes an integral part of the team. 

Isco to return to Valencia CF?

Isco was an up-and-coming Valencia CF player who impressed for Valencia's B team, amazed with his trickery the few times he featured for Valencia's main team as well, but instead of securing his stay at Valencia CF Valencia's management did not secure his long term stay at the club, and he got snatched by Real Madrid. 

He spent most of his career at Real Madrid, often playing second fiddle to the other midfielders and only occasionally getting the chance to play. Either way he persisted at Real Madrid and spent 9 years there before moving on and joining Sevilla FC in the summer of 2022. His time at Sevilla has not been fruitful as the player lost favor with the coach and after only 5 months his story at Sevilla ended. Both parties agreed to terminate the contract and Isco became a free agent. 

His agent has been offering the player's services to various clubs, with some clubs in Italy showing the biggest interest, but he's indirectly asking about Valencia's interest in possibly bringing Isco to its ranks once again.

Gennaro Gattuso has been clear that he wants a new winger and one more defensive player, but Isco can change his priorities. The biggest issue would be the player's salary as the player is looking for a 1.6 to 1.8 million annual salary, something Valencia CF might be unwilling to pay considering most of our newer players earn around the 1.2 to 1.4 million mark and Valencia CF pretty much got rid of almost all of the high earners with only Jose Luis Gaya remaining one of the few players that earns more than 4 million per year. 

Isco is 30 years of age, so not the young promising star he once was, but he's gained a lot of experience and considering he is free, with a salary that is not that high, this could be a decent transfer for Valencia CF. 

Villarreal CF 2-1 Valencia CF Match Report

Valencia CF started the second half of the season and on the brink of the new year with a painful loss. The game was headed towards a draw, but then in the 88th minute Villarreal CF scored a goal and managed to snatch all 3 points for themselves. Valencia CF has no one to blame but themselves as the team has been conceding last minute goals in a lot of matches this season. I don't know what it comes down to, maybe fatigue, maybe deconcentration, maybe nerves, but whatever it is making us lose points needlessly. Reminds me of the Valencia CF from 7-8 years ago or so, when we had a similar issue where inexplicably they would start playing badly the last 5-10 minutes and throw the match. 

Valencia's defense this season has been in shambles and this match was no different, Villarreal CF had two huge chances in the first 7 minutes of the match, with our defense caught sleeping. 

Valencia CF would counter in the 15th minute with a good chance on their own, as Cavani would head a ball crossed by Gaya from the left flank, but the goalkeeper was alert and managed to save his goal. Then just several minutes later Edison Cavani would score and give Valencia CF the lead. It was a bounced ball from the goalkeeper and Cavani was first to it, making himself enough space to shoot and managing to score! 

Villarreal did up their pressure and attacks after that 21st minute and had several decent chances, but it wasn't until he 44th minute when they would score. Samuel latches on to a good cross from the right flank, there is no one covering him and is able to lead the ball into the penalty area, set himself up and shot past the goalkeeper. 

I think Giorgi made at least 5 saves in this match, that is how many shots on target Villarreal CF had and they also scored two goals and hit the bar. So, way too many chances and opportunities that they were able to create and execute. 

Villarreal CF would win this match in the 88th minute as Juan would score with a header after a well delivered corner kick by former Valencia CF player Daniel Parejo. He was pretty much left alone in that area and was the only one jumping to head the ball. Giorgi rushed out to punch the ball out, but he kind of got blocked by Diakhaby and fell to the ground.

Villarreal CF were allowed to create too many opportunities, they had too much space given to them, and all of their goals were easy ones. They scored easy goals they could have scored more goals if not for the efforts of Giorgi who saved Valencia's net on at least 5 occasions. 

If Valencia CF are to do better in La Liga then the defense needs to improve drastically, we need to be more cohesive at the back, we need to be organized better and we also need better individual performance and please have Gaya anywhere else except in our penalty at corner kicks. He is way too short and gets outjumped by everyone. He needs to be somewhere else and we need our taller guys in there jumping and defending. 

Villarreal CF vs Valencia CF Match Preview

Valencia CF starts the second half of the season with an away game at the Estadio de la Cerámica against Villarreal CF in what is going to be an exciting match to watch. Both teams have so far been at a similar level of performance with only 2 points separating them. Villarreal CF sits at 9th position on the table with Valencia CF following suit at 10th position and looking to overtake them with a direct win over them tomorrow.

Valencia CF has been more proficient at the front this season with Gattuso installing a more attacking setup and mentality which has resulted in 22 goals in 14 matches, while Villarreal CF are somewhat more conservative and more defense focused with only 15 goals scored, but also only 10 goals conceded, 5 less than Valencia CF.

Valencia CF has again been slow on the renewal front and is likely going to lose Diakhaby and Tony Lato this winter transfer window, just when we though everyone is going to stay, and we'll see some stability at the team. Tony Lato has been offered a one-year extension of his contract with a smaller salary than his current one, so it's only a matter of time before the player leaves for a new team. Diakhaby on the other hand has been offered a contract extension with a slight increase in his salary, but the player has not accepted the new contract and is likely pondering to leave. 

Valencia's winter friendlies have been all over the place with the club winning some and then losing some, so a mixed bag and nothing really to garner from it, we just have no clue at what level the team is at right now. Villarreal CF is going to be a real test to see where the team is at, what is our current level and if we can muster up some offensive for a possible European place or if we are doomed yet again for a mid-table finish. 

The only injury woe for Valencia CF is Jaume Domenech who is out for a ligament injury and is likely going to sit out the next two to three weeks. Everyone else seems to be fit and healthy and should be available for selection.

Valencia CF lineup: Mamardashvili; Correia, Comert, Ozkacar, Gaya; Musah, Gonzalez, Almeida; Castillejo, Cavani, Lino

Football legend Pele dies

Football legend Pele is dead at 82 years old. He has been suffering health problems since November and unfortunately at his age has succumbed to the illness.

He is three times world champion and has scored 77 goals for his national team. He played for Santos for most of his career, featuring in 636 games and scoring 618 goals!

He is considered one of the best players of all time along with Maradona. RIP Pele.

Nahitan Nández on Valencia CF wish list

Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nández is on Valencia CF new year's wish list. According to reports from Italy Valencia CF has inquired Cagliari about securing the services of Nahitan Nández. He is valued at about 5 million euros, though Valencia CF could offer them a player exchange type of deal with Diakhaby moving to Cagliari and Nahitan Nández to Valencia CF. 

Diakhaby has been offered a new deal with Valencia CF, but he has yet to sign it and Valencia CF will be looking to sell him off this transfer window, rather than losing him in the summer for free. Both players market value is around the 5-6 million euro mark and this is going to be a one for one deal with no other options added.

Gennaro Gattuso is said to be a big fan of Nahitan Nández and would love to bring the player to Valencia CF.

Fulham, Chealsea interested in Yunus Musah

Yunus Musah has had his fortunes turned around under Gennaro Gattuso as he's been entrusted by the coach on many occasions this season and has solidified himself as a first team player. He's also been one of the breakout players of the world cup and has impressed people with his speed, passing and eagerness to play.

His market value has risen accordingly at currently stands at around 25 to 30 million euros, which is only likely to grow through the rest of the season. Valencia CF has already put a price on him, but its reasonably above market value as to save face when they do sell him. Right now, Valencia CF is demanding 40 million euros for Yunus Musah and won't be listening to offers lower than that!

There are several English clubs already interested in Yunus Muash, one of the clubs that has shown the most interest in Fulham and they are willing to possibly shell out 35 million euros for the player or maybe sweeten the deal with money plus player if Valencia CF doesn't budge from their 40 million euros demand.

Valencia CF has no reason to lower the asking price though as Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton are all interested about the player and are inquiring about a possible purchase. There is big interest for the player right now and this means that Valencia CF are going to sell him by the summer, if not even sooner. 

Valencia CF unlikely to bring in reinforcements

Valencia CF are unlikely to bring in reinforcements this winter transfer window as the club is saving up money for salaries and the possible restart of construction of the new Mestalla. As you all know the club sold most of its key players this summer and kept a small core of players. This brought a decent amount of needed cash and lowered the salary bill significantly, but it also meant rebuilding the team yet again anew with a new coach on top of it.

Valencia CF brought in new mostly loan players and older players in order to fill up the team and tasked Gennaro Gattuso with forging this new team. The team is likely self-sufficient right now as in it probably brings in enough revenue and has low enough expenditures that its likely making small profits at the end of the season, though that is without actual transfers. 

In order for the club to bring in new players it would have to first sell players and then use that money to bring new players. So, you can see how the club is unwilling to spend any money in this transfer window and is keeping its options for summer. 

There has also been limited speculation, with few reports suggesting that Valencia CF might bring in a midfielder and one winger, but even in the speculation department it's been fairly quiet, this just goes to show how unlikely it is for Valencia to bring in any new players.

I think the current squad can improve slightly and bring in somewhat better results, but it's going to take very hard work and a serious dedication by the players to want to do much better. 

News update

 The World cup was, overall, not a happy one for Valencia players. Gaya was sent home due to a minor injury while other players from the top clubs who had similar injuries stayed on. The only positive is that now that Enrique has gone we may see less favouritism. Musah was the stand-out player though, as usual, pride in seeing him do well is balanced with the realisation that it just makes it more likely this will be his last season here. Guillamon got no minutes and Comert only limited game time. Cavani did play, but it's probably better he didn't. After not having a penalty appeal go in his favour he and other Uruguay players lost the plot a bit, with Cavani kicking over a plinth at the end. I have to say that I think the referee was right, it was a soft call and didn't look a penalty to me. Now, as a result, FIFA are planning disciplinary action with a ban of 10-15 matches for him being discussed. Possibly the only positive is that Valencia players may have enjoyed more rest.

There have been recent developments on the new stadium. The city council finally published the conditions which it should meet. This includes a 70,000 capacity to allow it to be included in a World Cup bid, allowance for an athletics track around the stadium, solar cover to provide shade and an attached sporting complex which would cost 10 million. The club has until 11 January to respond and the issue needs to be legally settled by August.

Valencia extended the contract of Jaume Domenech until 2024.

Domenech broke into the first team in 2015 after the injuries to Alves and Mat Ryan and has played 116 times since then. Some of us do have concerns about his weakness to shots from outside the area, on the other hand, he's been a Valencia loyalist, who's been happy to be a back-up player and numerous managers have spoken positively about his leadership in the dressing room so it's probably a good thing.

The club has also made a contract offer to Diakhaby whose contract ends in the summer but haven't received a reply. He looks gone to me. The club are still looking for a midfielder and a winger in the transfer market, almost certainly on loan. Jesus Vazquez has been linked with Torino and it's unclear if it will be a simple loan, a loan with a purchase option or repurchase option. This seems a huge loss as he's shown potential, but instead we're developing Lino, good as he is, for another team.

Lastly, Valencia learnt their Copa Del Rey last 32 opponents yesterday.

 
It's La Nucia of the 3rd level. By pure chance, I attended the Copa Del Rey first round game of La Nucia when they won at Hercules Alicante in controversial circumstances. I didn't see anything that we couldn't handle, their defence looks shaky, but we'll find out soon enough when we play them on 3 January.

La Liga back on track

The world cup is over with Argentina the new world champions, so now it's time for club football again. La Liga starts at the 29th of December with Valencia's next match on the 31st of December against Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Their stadium was going through a renovation and the grand opening will be on the 31st of Devember against Valencia CF.

After the match with Villarreal CF, Valencia CF will host Cadiz CF at the Mestalla and the next matches after that yet to be scheduled at precise dates.

Valencia CF played 4 friendly matches during the world cup, the first one against Leeds United which the team won eight to zero, the second against Clermont Foot which the team won 4 to 2 and then two losses against Nottingham Forest and Az Alkmaar. Losing 1-2 to Nottingham Forest and then losing 1-3 against Az Alkmaar with severe defensive mistakes in both our losses. 

Take what you will from these friendly matches, but it's clear that the team is still not functioning at a high level, and it would be hard to achieve good results in La Liga. It looks like we are likely going to be fighting for the middle table position once again. 

Gattuso has been calling for reinforcements to improve the team but considering Valencia's irrational sales and purchases in the past 5 years it's hard to expect success in that field. The best we can hope for is few reinforcements that do not worsen the team and actually keep the status quo. 

I'm hardly excited about the restart of the league and have low hopes of Valencia CF improving and playing for European football, but I'd love to be wrong about it.

Valencia - Betis match thread

Apologies for such a short thread. Valencia's last game before the World Cup break sees a chance of revenge for the cup final in a tough game against high flying Betis. It's also a chance for us to break a run of negative results.

There are some variations in the line-up due to injuries, with Hugo Duro finally getting his chance up front, an all-Turkish centre back pairing of Comert and Cenk in defence for the first time and Castillejo finally starting after weeks of absence. The absence of Borja Iglesias gives us hope but goals, not possession, are needed to reverse the negative run.

==FULL TIME/SEASON BREAK==
Valencia finally turn possession into points with a solid win. The team played well in the first half albeit without creating many chances. I thought this may have ended one of those games where we did well in 1st half but went in with nothing to show and then blew it in the 2nd, luckily it wasn't to be. The turning point was the sending off of Edgar for 2 clear yellow cards. The first could even have been a straight red. Almeida hit a great free kick to open up the scoring. The penalty we got was dubious, I thought, but Guillamon placed it well and then Kluivert, put through one on one as in a previous game showed great finishing instincts. I do wonder if he's wasted on the wing? He's very dangerous around the box.

The 2 guys who really made a difference today were Castillejo and Almeida. The 1st is always a busy presence on the right, passing and recovering the ball well and he came close to scoring in the 1st half. Almeida is steadily growing into the number 10 role vacated by Soler and has shown signs of being a solid replacement. 

So Valencia go into the break on 19 points and 10th place. It could easily have been 3 to 5 more which would have put us in European places. The team needs stronger second half and late game performances. Maybe a change of formation to 4-4-2 might work in some games? People like Duro, Kluivert and Marcos Andre would do better with Cavani to play off. Work to do in the 2nd part of the season but it's not a lost cause.

I'll try and put some posts up in the coming weeks. Enjoy the world cup!

Real Sociedad - Valencia match thread

 Valencia come into this game after a mostly poor run of results, with just 1 win in the last six and disappointing outcomes against Elche, Mallorca, Sevilla and Barcelona in the last 4.

It's Anoeta tomorrow, a ground which sounds intimidating but is actually a place where we've had good results in recent times. In the previous 5 seasons, we've won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1. A very good return for such an away fixture. Sociedad have also hit their own mini-slump, losing their last 2 league games in Valladolid and at home to Betis. 

Valencia mostly have a full squad to draw on with longer term absentees Jaume, Diakhaby and Ilaix unavailable. The big question mark is over Cavani, with Andre likely to start instead. 

HALF-TIME 

Valencia went behind to a comical goal. 1st Thierry slipped while in possession. Sociedad still had work to do but Guillamon did it for them sticking out a leg to deflect it past Mamardashvili. 5 minutes later Sociedad had a man sent off for a dangerous foul and that tilted the balance with Lino scoring, nutmegging 2 guys with his shot. Despite the man advantage it's an even game with Sociedad coming closest to scoring.

FULL-TIME
1-1. Really negative emotions. Same vibes as the Sevilla game. Before the season I'd have happily taken a point from this one but in the end feels more like a defeat. To have a man advantage for 75 minutes and 64% possession but look at best equal is not acceptable. If anything it was Sociedad who looked likeliest to win despite only having 10 men. We got a little better when Castillejo and Duro came on, but not good enough. 

Valencia - Barcelona match thread

 After a positive start, it's gone a little sour for Valencia in recent games. Unfortunately, tomorrow brings up one of Valencia's traditionally most difficult opponent in the Mestalla: FC Barcelona. While we did of course beat them in the Copa final of 2019, our home record against them has been dismal. In the last 15 seasons, Valencia has managed only one win, in January 2020 under Celades, when a Maxi Gomez double gave us a 2-0 win. Other than that, we've drawn 6 and lost 8.

Diakhaby's injury last time turned out to be more serious, and he's out till January, although the world cup gap makes that less serious. After being injured the previous week, Comert has been back in training and Cenk was one of the bright spots last game. Castillejo has been back in training, but it's unclear if he's fit enough yet. It's the midfield where Gattuso has a huge headache. Ilaix also got injured for a month, which means till after the world cup. Musah is suspended due to yellow card accumulation and Nico can't play against Barcelona due to a "fear clause" in his loan agreement. I think it's unlikely Gattuso will throw a youth player in at the deep end in such a big game so he'll probably play someone else there. I'd expect Foulquier. Another option would be to switch to 4-4-2, but my money is on the Foulquier option. Most likely: Mamardashvili, Thierry, Comert, Paulista, Gaya; Almeida, Guillamon, Foulquier; Lino, Cavani, Kluivert.

Barcelona lost yet again to Bayern in midweek but they've otherwise been playing well so unfortunately I will be surprised to get anything from this game.

Before the game there will be an homage

to David Villa, Valencia's 4th best striker of all time.

Valencia - Mallorca match thread

 After a couple of disappointing games Valencia come into this game hoping for a win.

Our opponents Mallorca have had an even worse run. with just 1 point and 1 goal from the last 4 games and that goal against bottom club Elche. Indeed, goals have been a problem for them, with just 7 in the 10 games so far, a poor record only beaten by the bottom 2, Elche and Cadiz. 

For Valencia, only Jaume and Castillejo are unavailable. The second is expected to be back in the next few weeks. In the last game, Foulquier was the main novelty, used as a right midfielder and extra cover on that side, but I'd expect Kluivert to be back instead. Probably a line-up like Mamardashvili, Gaya, Comert, Diakhaby, Thierry; Almeida, Guillamon, Ilaix; Lino, Cavani, Kluivert is most likely with variations in the midfield three possible. In training Gattuso tested a line-up of the above but with Paulista instead of Diakhaby, Yunus instead of Ilaix and Fran Perez instead of Lino. 

I'm going to Mestalla for this game which means updates will be scarce. By chance this is the 3rd time I've seen this fixture. The previous 2 had the same result. In the Emery era, we blew a 2-goal lead to draw 2-2. Last season saw Kang-In sent off on his return to Mestalla, Mallorca get a 2-goal lead before 93rd and 98th minute goals from Guedes and Gaya salvaged a point. I'm hoping for 3rd time lucky, with a Valencia win.

Gaya renews until 2027

So following the disappointment of the late drama at Sevilla comes better news. Gaya has renewed until 2027. His contract was up next summer and a lack of renewal could have led to a painful exit for free. 

                                   

In his statement, Gaya admitted that he'd had offers from other clubs including some for more money but only wanted to play at Valencia. In particular, Barcelona have had a long interest in signing Gaya as long term replacement to Jordi Alba and Gaya always had good relations with Mateu Alemany.

The club's video (here) announcing the renewal was very good, with Valencia legends Pep Claramunt, Ricardo Arias and Fernando Gomez symbolically passing on the captain's armband to Gaya.

The 10th anniversary of his senior debut in the Copa del Rey will be on 30th October. He is currently 26th in terms of league appearances for Valencia

He's quite a way to go to match Fernando and Arias but could get into the top 10 next year. The club is also interested in renewing Diakhaby and Lato but those will be more difficult. Diakhaby is understandably evaluating offers from other clubs. As for Lato, the renewal of Gaya and continued competition from Vazquez makes his role questionable. Gattuso has been trying him as a Wass-style utility player but it hasn't worked so I would be surprised if her or Diakhaby were still with us next season.

Sevilla - Valencia match thread

As so often happens, Valencia, after getting us excited with a couple of decent results, messes up against a weak relegation candidate. The team really showed their inexperience in the second half and the main message is that, as with recent seasons, there isn't much depth in the squad to turn things round when they're not going right.

Next up is one of several tough games we face in the coming month, Sevilla away. For several seasons, Valencia had the measure of Sevilla, but that changed when Marcelino was fired and since then, results against them have been awful. In the last 3 seasons we have 2 draws and 5 defeats, including a Copa elimination. Last season's game in Seville was eventful for the wrong reasons with Valencia 3-0 down after 22 minutes and two of the goals due to mistakes by Mamardashvili who was dropped for 4 months after the game.

Sevilla have had an awful start to the season which saw them in relegation places and led to the sacking of Lopetegui and his replacement by Jorge Sampaoli who returns for his second spell. Under him, results have improved, a battling draw with Bilbao was followed by another in Dortmund where they were unlucky not to win, before a credible win in Mallorca last game. He's known for his attacking style, using a high defensive line, so this should be an interesting match-up.

For Valencia, both Diakhaby and Marcos Andre are available again after suspensions. Cavani's injury last time doesn't seem too serious and he should be available, however Guillamon and Castillejo remain in doubt.

In other Valencia news, Gaya's contract extension is reported to happen this week. The club also wants to renew Diakhaby but that looks unlikely to happen as he looks to be holding out for a move as a free agent in the summer. Lato has also attracted the interest of Bologna and Ajax.

More on the Sevilla game to follow tomorrow.

====
Update: Both Cavani and Guillamon trained with the team, so both may be available, though whether Gattuso risks Hugo is another question. 
====

Unfortunately, due to work I'm going to miss most of this game but good news is we're ahead through a Cavani goal.

I only caught the last 30 minutes and wish I hadn't. Second game in a row we've been poor in the 2nd half. Could have stolen it at the end but the Gaya penalty was awful. If it hadn't been for the penalty I'd have been relieved to get the point. I hate Sevilla.

Valencia - Elche match thread

 Valencia come into this game in a very positive frame of mind. A good and deserved win at Osasuna last time out has created a mood of optimism. The team has, for possibly the first time in a few seasons, been fun to watch, with direct attacking football. Numerous news stories have suggested the renewal of Gaya, until 2028, is imminent. Following the renewal of Guillamon, this would be great, leaving a solid base to build a team around.

The opponents are also at a low point. Elche have managed a dismal 2 points from their opening 8 games, conceding 19 goals, the highest in the division, and having the second worst scoring record with just 4 goals scored. Valencia's defenders have actually scored more (5 goals) ! So, on paper, an easy game. The emphasis being on "on paper" because this is a regional derby and Valencia have often messed up such easy games in the past. Valencia's run of fixtures after that is very tough with Mallorca, Betis and Barcelona at home and Sevilla, Sociedad and Villarreal away, so I'm hopeful of a solid win tomorrow.

In team news, Castillejo is still injured. Guillamon sounds doubtful so either Musah or Nico will start instead. There have been news stories this week that Barcelona would like to cut the loan short in January as they're unhappy with his limited playing time, however that isn't something they can do unilaterally under the contract. Diakhaby and Marcos Andre are suspended.

I'll post more closer to the time. 

------------

No surprises at all in the line-up. With Guillamon doubtful the only question was which of the midfield 4 would not start and it's Ilaix on the bench with Nico returning to the line-up.

In the ideal world, a 2- or 3-goal win would be golden.

HALF-TIME 

A weird slightly frustrating first half. Apart from an early corner, Elche did nothing. The first 25 minutes were all Valencia but somehow we failed to score. Almeida, Gaya and Comert all had decent chances which somehow failed to trouble the keeper too much. A rare Elche attack gained a free kick. Mamardashvilu came out to punch but it was their player (who left on a stretcher) not the ball. He got a hand to the penalty but we found ourselves 1 down. 12 minutes later Gaya was brought down and Cavani comfortably equalised with the penalty for his 1st goal. Deep into injury time he headed home a cross. Hat-trick upcoming? Elche had set out to park the bus so will be interesting to see how they approach next 45.

65 minutes: just rubbish. We've been clumsy in passing and wasteful in possession and are punished. Poor from defence and keeper as Elche equalise. Totally don't understand why Cavani was taken off at half time either

72: Elche ahead? No they're  not. Valencia lazy in possession and the ref whistles for a foul when he should have played advantage. Elche furious and I don't blame them. Terrible refereeing. Awful from Valencia who could lose this.

FINAL: 2-2. Very poor result in a game we dominated for long periods.

Osasuna - Valencia match thread

Putting this up for comments if anyone's interested.

To be honest, it's a bit demotivating to put more effort into these if, like the last one, no one comments.

27 minutes in and we're ahead! Cavani had had a quiet game but makes a great driving run on the counter, an intelligent run from Kluivert, excellent from Cavani to find him and Kluivert beats the keeper well. A great goal.

The match had been even up to this point with both sides having chances. Osasuna still look dangerous so all to play for. 

HALF TIME
A pleasing first half, after around the 20th minute we took control and looked the better side. We've been defensively solid and looked threatening in attack. I'd like to see the midfield three more involved as Osasuna have found their way through there too often. Going well, but against such a difficult side we need to increase the lead.

52: words I never thought I'd type with Valencia temporarily in European places 8 games in: a great poacher's goal from Valencia's leading scorer this season.... Diakhaby! A corner is not cleared, the ball pings around, super effort from Ilaix to hold off players and Diakhaby manages to put it in.

54: Let off! Guillamon messes up and gives away a penalty. Chimy, who's just come on takes and skies it over the bar. Valencia maintain a 2-goal lead.

57: As Osasuna press, Valencia nearly get a 3rd, with Lino heading just wide.

69: Nooo! Another top class through ball finds Lino, he turns and is brought down. Penalty and red card. Cavani takes. Can he get off the mark? No, he hits the bar. Still 2-up but with a man advantage. We have Musah on for Guillamon who was on a yellow.

85: Valencia have been really sloppy in the last 10 minutes, inviting pressure and chances from Osasuna, who've missed a few good opportunities.

90: Valencia trying to hold the ball up, but Gaya ruins it with a senseless cross into no one.

92: Dumb from Diakhaby who says something from the bench to the referee and gets a 2nd yellow. Gattuso rightly furious. Diakhaby had had a good game otherwise.

 93: Just really stupid from Gaya. For the second time, with Valencia in possession and comfortably passing it around near the opposition box Gaya tries a senseless shot. It gives them possession and they go up to our area and score. Nervy stuff with 2 minutes left.

96: Combative finish, temper gets the better of Pena of Osasuna who kicks Duro and gets a red card. Osasuna finish the last half minute with 9 men.

FULL TIME
Valencia get their first away win since March. A deserved win and the scoreline was fair as Osasuna had chances too especially at the end. A solid performance all over the pitch I thought. Valencia temporarily 5th and Gattuso finally has more points than Bordalas had at the equivalent game of the season!

Espanyol - Valencia match thread

 After a solid win over Celta 2 weeks ago, Valencia come into this game with the age old question of whether decent home form can be translated into results away. That has often been the club's problem.

Evaluating Gattuso's start so far, with 9 points, it's mixed in relation to former managers. A win today would produce a start bettered in the last 11 seasons only by Nuno and Marcelino's debut seasons. A draw or a defeat would mean the same average start we've seen far too often and leave a struggle for the European places ahead.

Espanyol come into the game in poor form. They needed a 98th minute goal to get a draw at Celta on the opening day, lost at home to Rayo and R. Madrid, got a surprise win at Bilbao before losing at home to Sevilla and away to Sociedad. The pressure is also on them to get results.

For our line-up, Musah remains the main injury doubt so the only questions are 3 positions in the centre. Will Paulista partner Diakhaby or will Comert be preferred? Which 3 of Guillamon, Almeida, Ilaix or Nico will start? Up front will Cavani start or will Marcos Andre or Duro start instead?

Line up and updates will follow.

--------------------------

And we have the line-up and it's one free of surprises.

Let's hope for the 3 points!

-------------------
10 minutes in and Espanyol had the better start, pressing us, but we had the best chances. First Gaya's cross was missed by Cavani and then Lino dribbled well to leave himself one on one, though with a defender on him and from an angle and was saved by the keeper.

12: good work again from Lino. He lays it off to Cavani who shoots over.

16: Uff. Guillamon, who's been shaky so far, gives it away. There's a 3 on 3 break and Mamardashvili has to turn away Braithwaite's shot.

23: Nice! Diakhaby, Almeida and Lino with a great link up but the shot is just wide.

28: We've looked in control but only the Lino chances to show for it.

45: most of our attacks have come down the left. It looks like Lino and Castillejo have switch sides. 57% possession but without too many threats. Cavani has been disappointing. 

46: Kluivert is on for Castillejo who was invisible the first half, though the right side saw almost nothing in passing. Hopefully Castillejo isn't injured as he was good in previous games and earned a player of the month nomination.

47: penalty claim for Espanyol but looks like the ball just missed Thierry's hand.

50 break on for Espanyol but great work by Gaya to cut it out. Guillamon, whose passing has sucked gives it back.

52: GOAL! Through ball finds Ilaix, who puts in a good centre for Cavani who can't get there. Espanyol put it out for a corner, nice header down from Paulista, the keeper gets a hand but it creeps in at the post.

55: FFS. 1-1. It's very close, Joselu is just about level when he gets the ball and he curls it past the defender and keeper off the post.

62: close again from Espanyol, Braithwaite gets and forces a save, the ball pings around and reaches Darder whose bouncing shot goes out off the bar. We're on the back foot now.

67: chances for both teams. Cavani hits a free kick just over, Joselu gets in but Diakhaby and Gaya do enough to put him off and he shoots over.

72: Espanyol have looked the more likely to score, sadly. Triple substitution. Comert on for Paulista, Andre for Cavani, Nico for Almeida.

77: first Valencia chance in a while, centre from Gaya, Kluivert just can't get to it, comes to Andre who blasts over.

80: excellent from Guillamon who makes space and force a great save from their keeper as it was going in.

82: Losing 2-1. Comert did well to cut out a pass, but we're clumsy in midfield possession, give it away, Darder is allowed to run freely and his shot from out of the area goes on. Unusually poor from Mamardsashvili who was wrongfooted.

83: Duro on for Ilaix.

84: Going from bad to worse, Marcos Andre tussles with their defender. Looked like 6 of one half a dozen of the other to me, but he puts his hand on the defender's face and he goes down like he was hit with a baseball bat. Red card for Andre and we're down to 10 men.

91: 10 men each as Braitwaite is sent off for fouling Thierry. 7 minutes left of added time to rescue something.

92: Valencia really pushing. Mamardashvili is even on their half to make a pass. Nico, who gave it away for their 2nd hits a good shot which their keeper fumbles but just managed to push off the line.

95: GOAL! Lucky, but it counts. Valencia put a throw in, it's knocked out. Comert puts the ball into the box looking for a colleague but somehow it sails over the keeper, who totally misses it.

FINAL: 2-2

Somewhere between disappointment and thinking that a draw is a fair result. Valencia looked in control for much of it but gifted a goal to Darder, then had to rely on luck to fluke an equaliser. After 7 games the feeling would still be that we're more exciting to watch but are going to have a similar finish to last time, a mid table irrelevance.  

PLAYER RATINGS
Mamardashvili 5.5: made a few important stops but at fault for their goal.
Gaya 6.5: good game in defence and attack, his crossing was better here.

Diakhaby 6.5: another solid game and his passing continues to improve.
Paulista 6: apart from Espanyol's opener, handled Joselu well. Looked better this game and scored.
Thierry 6: a quiet first half, saw more action in the 2nd and provoked the dismissal of Braithwaite.
Ilaix 5: needs to get forward more and stop going for the foul, but had few mistakes.
Almeida 4: very quiet game where he saw little of the ball
Guillamon 6: After a shaky start when he was gifting possession improved in the 2nd half and was unlucky not to score.
Lino 7: a constant threat to their defenders in the first half, though ran out of steam in the 2nd.
Cavani 3.5: disappointing game and so far he's been rusty it's been a case of Uruguayan up front with nothing happening, same as last season.
Castillejo 2.5: worst game of the season. Totally anonymous and barely touched the ball.

SUBS:
Kluivert 5: lively at times, but lacking experience
Nico 4: guilty of gifting possession for them for their second, nearly made up for it with an equaliser.
Comert 6: has been this season's most improved player. Now looks sound in defence and got a lucky goal.
Andre 2: improvement on Cavani, and the red card was dubious, but you're asking for trouble when you put your hands in someone's face. He really should know better and could have cost us the game.
Duro: not enough time.

Valencia sign Herrerin

Valencia have announced the signing of Iago Herrerin on a free transfer as he was a free agent following the long term injury to Jaume Domenech, who is expected to be out until around March.

Herrerin is a Bilbao youth product who broke through into the first team but was mostly back-up to Kepa. He played most games in the 2018-19 season before being displaced the following season by Unai Simon. Loan spells followed before he spent last season at Al Raed in Saudi Arabia. He joins us after a successful trial with a contract till the end of the season with an option to renew for a further season.

I see some fans on social media criticising this. What's wrong with Mamardashvili and Rivero, they say? Definitely nothing in the case of Mamardashvili, but Rivero is untested in La Liga, whereas Herrerin has La Liga, Copa and European experience. It wouldn't be the first time both keepers got injured at the same time (happened last season and at the start of Nuno's 2nd season) so having an extra experienced option as cover makes perfect sense and there were few other free agents with La Liga experience available. It remains to be seen how much he'll play, Valencia is in the super cup this season, so unlike the previous two seasons, we start in Copa del Rey at round of 32 instead of round of 128, skipping two games against 3rd or 4th level sides.

Mamardashvili renewed until 2027

In welcome news, Valencia today finished the contract renewal and upgrade of Giorgi Mamardashvili. He renews until 2027 with his release clause increased from 20 million to 100 million euros.

He joined us on loan lasy year from Dinamo Tbilisi with a buy option of 800,000 and was expected to play for Valencia Mestalla while we assessed him. However, injuries to both Cillessen and Jaume, with Rivero already being loaned out, threw him in at the deep end and he did well enough in the early games to keep his place when Cillessen returned. That prompted Valencia to exercise the buy clause.

However, doubts crept it with a few errors and after a horror show against Sevilla he was dropped. He was benched for over 4 months, during which time he became disgruntled and sought a loan out at one point. He returned to the team at the start of February and played most games after that in La Liga and unusually, the Copa del Rey as well. By the end of the season he had clearly established himself as first choice so no one complained when Cillessen was moved out. The low release clause remained a worry but having retained him this window, we now have space to play with.

The question is now about the other renewals. Guillamon, Gaya, Diakhaby, Jaume and Lato all finish contract next summer and all should be renewed in that order.