Valencia CF vs Bursaspor Buraspor Match Preview

Valencia CF vs Bursaspor
Stadium: Mestalla
Champions League matchday 5
Wednesday 24.11.2010; 20:45pm






Winning the next match in the Uefa Champions League against Bursaspor will mean that Valencia qualify for the round of 16 in the competition. Valencia have the chance to ease its troubles and put the next round qualification to rest if they just win tomorrow against Bursaspor.
Valencia will also qualify if Rangers lose to Manchester United and we draw with Bursaspor, but that would also mean a lot of criticism towards the team and coach, as well as less money. Winning in the champions league actually brings additional money to the clubs and with Valencia's dire situation we need every penny we can get.

Group C

			Home			Away			Total
	Clubs	P	W	D	L	W	D	L	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	Pts
1	Manchester United FC	4	1	1	0	2	0	0	3	1	0	5	0	5	10
2	Valencia CF	4	1	0	1	1	1	0	2	1	1	8	2	6	7
3	Rangers FC	4	1	1	0	0	1	1	1	2	1	2	4	-2	5
4	Bursaspor	4	0	0	2	0	0	2	0	0	4	0	9	-9	0

Group C	Bursaspor	Man. United	Rangers	Valencia
Goals scored	0	5	2	8
Goals against	9	0	4	2
Yellow cards	5	2	6	5
Red cards	0	0	0	0
Attempts on target	11	15	15	28
Attempts off target	23	22	15	31
Offsides	9	10	9	3
Corners	21	18	11	38
Fouls committed	52	50	38	52
Possession (time)	114	151	96	145
Possession (%)	45%	56%	39%	58%

  Valencia CF VS Bursaspor

Valencia first match in the champions league was against Bursaspor and Valencia managed to win easily by crushing Bursaspor four to zero. It was extremely one sided match where Valencia dominated in every regard and managed to get a successful victory. Since the loss to Barcelona though Valencia just can't seem to shake off a string of bad results. Valencia won in the copa del rey, only to loose from Sevilla and then winning against Getafe and this week drawing with Villareal, so much have the results varied and the team playing inconsistently.

This match should be easier though and Valencia shouldn't have any trouble taking this one in the bag. Having said this I'm preparing for the worst. With such inconsistency its hard to predict how one match will turn out.

Bursaspor on the other side have lost all of their matches in the champions league, but each time they have improved tremendously and their last match against Manchester United, they only lost by 1-0. No doubt they will come into this match much improved and will be fighting to at least go away with a point from the Mestalla. They have not been doing too great in their domestic competition, but shall present a threat to Valencia nevertheless.

Interviews and press conferences:


Ricardo Costa, Valencia player
Ricardo Costa had the usual talk in a press conference ahead of the match against Bursaspor. He talked about how important this match is, how Valencia want to win and as always asked for the fans to show up at the Mestalla and support them.

Official Valencia squad:
To be announced...

Valencia had all players, except Mathieu available in the last training, but its still not known if Miguel, Topal, Mata and Alba are fully fit to play.
What is certain is that Mathieu is unavailable due to injury and Stankevicious can't play in the Champions League for Valencia.

Official Bursaspor squad:
To be announced...

Valencia CF Technical:
Formation: 4-4-2
Line up: Cezar; Bruno, Maduro, R. Costa, Alba; Joaquin, Albelda, Tino, Vicente; Aduriz, Soldado
Tactics: High frequency crosses from the wings, positional changes from the right winger, high defensive line and opposing field pressure, deep zone defensive midfielder, long shots.

There is no point defending and we need to secure a victory in this match so that is why Emery will probably go for a 4-4-2 formation and the fact that Chori hasn't been in good form to play behind a striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The tactics will also be same as always with mostly crosses from the wings in Bursaspor's penalty area and high defensive line to keep the pressure.

Result prediction:
Valencia CF 3-1 Bursaspor
I expect a victory and nothing else. I can't be too confident and I'm preparing for any result, but I think Valencia has enough quality to win this match and score 3 or more goals, the question is do we receive a goal also. Its a tough question and we will probably concede some stupid goal, but ultimately winning in a good fashion.

Villareal 1-1 Valencia CF Match Report

I could not watch the match fully because my streams were going down all the time, so I watch 2 minutes and than restart the stream another 2 minutes, than search for other stream and so on, so I can't write myself and will instead take the ESPN report and there won't be ranking for the players also.
From what I did watch Valencia defended 95% of the time and only had 3 chances for goal against Villareal. We did concede 3 goals, though luckily 2 were ruled offside and so we managed to hold onto a draw.

Villarreal fought back to win a point after going behind to regional rivals Valencia this evening, but saw their perfect home record in the Primera Division this season brought to an end by Unai Emery's defensive-minded side.

Aritz Aduriz gave Valencia the lead after 20 minutes, but Villarreal hit back in the second half and levelled through Giuseppe Rossi late on.

It looked as if Juan Carlos Garrido's side would then go on to claim all three points, especially after Valencia defender Marius Stankevicius was sent off with 10 minutes left, but the visitors defended in numbers and the derby ended in a stalemate which leaves both sides off the pace in the title race.
Villarreal began the day in third, six points adrift of leaders Real Madrid and three ahead of fourth-placed Valencia.

The Yellow Submarine lost 3-1 away to Barcelona last weekend, but came out of that match with a lot of credit following an impressive performance at the Nou Camp.
Valencia, meanwhile, had ended a four-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory at home to Getafe.
With Villarreal impressive in attack this season, especially at home, Emery opted for a five-man defensive line at El Madrigal.

And Valencia caused problems for the home side with their impressive counter-attacking play early on.
Aduriz, all alone up front, was heavily involved and gave the visitors the lead when his shot was deflected in off Gonzalo Rodriguez after 20 minutes.
Gonzalo, Cani and Joan Capdevila then all came close as the home side looked to hit back before the interval.

Pablo Hernandez blasted over as Valencia started brightly after the break, but Villarreal gradually began to take control and after Nilmar had come close with 20 minutes left, Rossi equalised.

The former Manchester United striker latched on to Bruno Soriano's cross from the left and gave keeper Miguel Angel Moya no chance with a close-range finish.

Valencia had been unable to hold on and their chances of sealing a point looked slimmer after Stankevicius received a second yellow card.

But Nilmar was unable to get on the end of Bruno's late cross and Villarreal failed to capitalise on their extra man.

Villarreal stay in third and Valencia remain in fourth for now, but Emery's side could be overtaken by Sevilla and Espanyol tomorrow.

Source: ESPN Sports

Technical Details:
Villarreal CF (1): Diego López, Gonzalo, Marchena, Angel, Nilmar, Cazorla, Cani, Capdevila (Marco Ruben, min. 61), Borja Valero (Senna, min. 69), Bruno and Rossi.
Valencia CF (1): Moyà, Bruno, Maduro, Navarro (Ever, min. 38), Joaquín, Aduriz (Soldado, min. 73), Stankevicius, Pablo H., Ricardo Costa, Miguel (Dealbert, min. 57) and Tino Costa.
Goals: 0-1 Min. 20 Aduriz. 1-1 Min. 72 Rossi.

Villareal vs Valencia CF Match preview

A very exciting encounter is ahead of us, with Villareal meting Valencia for a fight for 3rd spot and of course pride and bragging rights. It will be a tough match, but it will also be a chance for the teams to size up each other before the also very important Copa Del Ray match.

Villareal are coming off of a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish League and will be slightly nervous because of that defeat, but otherwise they have been on a winning row in the league and all their players are in top form.
This is also the first time Marchena will play against Valencia, a team that was his home and where he spend 10 years. He said its going to be strange for him to play against Valencia, but confirmed that he is a professional and would play to his best ability in order for Villareal to win. He also said he has settled well in Villareal and he feels comfortable there.

Villareal are a very strong team especially in recent years and this season they have had tremendous success so far in the league, so they will be a very tough opponent, probably even more so than Barcelona was and Real Madrid will. Nilmar, Rossi and Cazorla have been in amazing form so far and will be the attacking players to watch from. Capdevilla is a well known Spanish international and is a great defender that possesses a great attacking skill and is playing almost like a winger for their side.

Villarreal CF squad
Goalkeepers: Diego López y Juan Carlos
Defenders: Ángel, Gonzalo Rodríguez, Carlos Marchena, Mateo Musacchio, Joan Capdevila, José Catalá
Midfielders: Bruno Soriano, Borja Valero, Marco Senna, Javier Matilla, Santi Cazorla, Cani
Strikers: Giuseppe Rossi, Nilmar, Marco Ruben, Jozy Altidore

Valencia CF on the other side are coming off of a win against Getafe CF and will feel a little bit more comfortable than before, where they didn't have a win in 4 La Liga matches. Valencia had problems with Ever Benega who was suspended due to his late night style and coming late to a training session, but he has talked to the coach and seems determined to make up for it, as he has been working to reduce his weight and get back in top form as soon as possible. 

Banega played the full 90 minutes for Argentina against Brazil and while he wasn't great at that match, he showed some good touches and was actually the contributor to the only goal for Argentina as he pressured the Brazilian player to looses the ball, which Messi took and scored a goal.

Hedwiges Maduro also played for Holland for 85 minutes and provided the assist for their only goal against Turkey. So he is in good form right now and that's great, because Topal is injured and Albelda will miss this match due to suspension and so he is the only defensive midfield Valencia have right now. Baenga is also a defensive midfield, though he is a lot more attack minded and works better when forward. 


With so many injuries, Mathieu, Jordi Alba, Topal, Mata and Albelda's suspension Unai Emery has once again called on our super youngster Isco. Also in the squad will be Dealbert and Stankevicious after being left out by the coach for most of the matches. Feghuoli is also in the squad and he seems fully fit and in form after a great showing against Logrones in the Copa Del Ray.


Valencia CF squad
Goalkeepers: Miguel Ángel Moyà, Vicente Guaita
Defenders: Bruno Saltor, Miguel Brito, David Navarro, Ricardo Costa, Ángel Dealbert, Marius Stankevičius
Midfielders: Hedwiges Maduro, Éver Banega, Tino Costa, Pablo Hernández, Joaquín Sánchez, Vicente Rodríguez, Sofiane Feghouli, Isco Alarcón
Strikers: Roberto Soldado, Aritz Aduriz, Chori Domínguez

Valencia CF Technical:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Line up: Moya; Miguel, Navarro, R. Costa, Bruno; Joaquin, Maduro, Banega, Vicente, Tino; Aduriz.
Tactics: Medium frequency crosses from the wings, positional changes from the 3 attacking midfielders, medium defensive line, low opposing field pressure, long shots.

I believe Unai Emery will change the tactics a bit for this match. Since we are going to probably start with the 4-2-3-1 formation and with one striker, there will be less crossing from the wings. I expect Tino or Isco to play just behind the striker and to see a lot of movement to the left and right wings to help out. I also expect the right winger to to the the left wing from time to time to form a double threat.
The defensive line is not going to be as high, as Villareal posses some very fast attacking players and ablr to do counter attacks very fast, so having a lower line will help in that regards. There will also be quite a bit of long shots if Villareal defense prove to be tough to crack.


Result prediction:
Villareal 2-1 Valencia CF
I can't see Valencia winning or even getting away with a draw here. Villareal have been amazing at home and in great form so far and I don't expect their form to run out in this match. They will ultimately win 2-1, though we have a chance to earn a draw if we keep the ball as much as possible.

New television deal agreed

New television deal has been agreed. at least generally that will see Barcelona and Real Madrid take 34% of the money, with Valencia and Atletico Madrid taking 11%, while the rest will be spread out based on team position.
Sevilla, Villareal, Atletico Bilbao, Espanyol and few other clubs are against this deal and are probably going to take it to sports courts and associations to get it canceled.

Valencia and Atletico have agreed to the deal, even though it will have them take 2% less than the previous deal, but its said there will be more money taken from the deal as a whole, so they would still probably make more money.

Copa del Rey round 16 draw will see Valencia face Villareal

Valencia got Villareal for the round of 16 in the Copa Del Rey draw and face a very tough road to the finals.

This was possibly the worst draw Valencia could get, as even if they win against Villareal, they will face the winner of Sevilla vs Malaga in the round of 8.
Going to the final would mean Valencia is likely going to face all top Spanish teams and is looking really grim right now.
Unai Emery said Valencia is looking to go far in this competition and possibly win it, but our chances aren't looking too good right now!


The first leg of the matches take place on December 22, with the return match on January 5.
Full draw:
Valencia – Villarreal

Barcelona – Athletic Bilbao

Cordoba – Deportivo la Coruna

Getafe – Real Betis

Almeria – Mallorca

Sevilla – Malaga

Real Madrid – Levante

Atletico Madrid - Espanyol

Valencia players international performances

Ever Banega started the match for Argentina in what was a pretty dull match against Brazil that ended in 1-0 victory for Argentina after a solo Messi run and goal in stoppage time.
Ever Banega played the full match and he had a good performance alongside Mascherano as they seem to form a good defensive line for Argentina, that is really tough to brake. He could have done better in attack, but considering he wasn't getting too much playing time in Valencia he seemed a bit rusty in that regard.

Hedwiges Maduro started the match for Holland in a defensive midfield position and played for about 85 minutes, before being substituted. He played a good match and actually provided the assistance to Huntelar for Hollands only and winning goal. He was a bit unsure in the closing periods when Turkey started attacking and needs to gain some confidence, but considering he is coming from a injury just 10 days ago it was a great performance for Maduro.

Manuel Fernandes came on for Portugal in the 60th minute in what was a really exciting match in which Portugal just trashed Spain like they were playing against school yard kids and not the world champions. Portugal won 4-0 over Spain, as Spain hit a new kind of low. Manuel Fernandes played okay in the time he had, he wasn't very influential and lost few balls in bad situations, but corrected his mistakes and made a few decent runs and passes.

Those were the only called up Valencia players for international duty and Vicente Del Bosque may be kicking himself in the head right now why he didn't call Aduriz and Pablo, especially since Navas is injured and Mata was also injured, so there were at least 2 free spaces in the team.
Admitedly Pablo hasn't been in form for Valencia, but he has been performing good for Spain every time he plays.

Valencia players called on international duty

Valencia has few players that have been called on International duty with their countries.
First one is Manuel Fernandes who has got a recall for Portugal squad after being left out of the squad for their last match. Miguel Brito has previously announced his resignation from the Portugal national team and decided to focus on club level fully.
Hedwiges Maduro has also been called up for Holland and it seems he has become a regular in the squad. He has so far to my knowledge played one full match for Holland as a defensive midfielder.
Getting his call up is also Ever Banega for the Argentine national team who will be facing off against Brazil in what will certainly be the most interesting match tomorrow. Ever comes to the Argentina squad after having missed one friendly match against Japan, in which Argentina lost.
Mata was called to the Spanish national squad, but due to his injury he is not available now and his place could be taken by either Pablo or Aduriz from Valencia.

I'd really like to see Ever Banega play for Argentina, as their match against Brazil is going to be a real challenge and test. Hopefully he gets to start and play a superb.