Sunday's Copa del Rey last-32 clash in Catalonia pitted Gimnastic against former Spanish champions Valencia.
Both sides had a number of opportunities in an open first period, but neither could make the breakthrough after 45 minutes of football.
Chances were at a premium in the second half, however, as the two teams played out a goalless draw in the first leg.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Our Copa del Rey coverage continues from the Nou Estadi de Tarragona as Gimnastic welcome Valencia in the first leg of their fourth-round clash. As mentioned, the home side overcame Burgos in the previous round to book their spot against the La Liga side, who are yet to hit top form after a uninspiring start to the season.
TEAMS:
GIMNASTIC: Tomeu; Juanjo, Campos, Mari, Verdu; Sanchez, Rocha, Luc, Lago; Giner, Marcos
VALENCIA: Alves; Barragan, Costa, Mathieu, Guardado; Parejo, Oriol; Feghouli, Canales, Bernat; Jonas
So there we have it. Plenty of attacking personnel on display for the home side this afternoon with Giner, Marcos and Lago all selected in the XI. Valencia, meanwhile, have the likes of Jonas, Sergio Canales and Juan Bernat in a full-strength side. Andres Guardado, meanwhile, will start at left-back for the La Liga team.
As mentioned, Gimnastic currently ply their trade in Segunda B. They are unbeaten in their last five games in the league, with a total of 23 points from their 17 matches leaving them in 10th position. They have lost just four times, but winning has been a problem with just five victorious. It remains to be seen whether they prioritise the league over the Copa del Rey.
Founded in 1886, Gimnastic are listed as one of the oldest clubs in Spain. They have enjoyed four seasons in La Liga, with three successive campaigns from 1947. They also played in La Liga for one season in 2006-07, but finished bottom of the league. That particular campaign was also the last time they reached this stage of the Copa del Rey.
As mentioned, the two sides last met in February 2007 in this stadium. The La Liga clash ended in a 1-1 draw, but Valencia were 4-0 winners at the Mestalla in the reverse clash in October 2006. However, it would be fair to say that much has changed at both clubs since then. Success for Gimnastic this afternoon would certainly hand them confidence ahead of the second leg.
Valencia, meanwhile, struggled for consistency in the early part of the season. However, they have been impressive in recent weeks with just one defeat from their last six games in all competitions. As it stands, they occupy ninth position in La Liga having collected 20 points from their 15 matches.
It has hardly been disastrous for Valencia, but they are now nine points off the top four. It was always going to be a difficult season after losing Roberto Soldado in the summer, but their key players have just started to find their feet. Defeat over two legs against Gimnastic, however, would put the pressure back on under-fire manager Miroslav Djukic.
Just a reminder of what we have to come in the Copa del Rey this afternoon/early evening. Following this match, we have action from Rael Jaen against Espanyol, with kickoff at 6pm. Our action concludes from Malaga as the La Liga side welcome Osasuna in the 8pm start. Be sure to remain with us throughout the evening and you will not miss a moment.
PREDICTION: Both managers have selected attacking sides this afternoon, which is an indication of how seriously the competition is being taken. The home side have a number of attacking options in the final third, but I am not convinced that they will have enough of the ball to cause serious damage against the La Liga side. My score prediction is 2-0 Valencia.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this afternoon with the second leg to come later in the month. The home side get the opening 45 minutes underway.
It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium, although it is far from a full house. The pitch is also in perfect condition at this stage of the season. Immediate pressure from Feghouli as the Valencia midfielder closes down Juanjo, which could be a sign of things to come in this cup clash.
It's really bright work from Lago as the home side's attacker breaks down the right before delivering a low cross into the box, but Mathieu is on hand to clear. Two corners follow in quick succession, but Barragan and Alves take it in turns to clear the danger. Plenty happening with four minutes on the clock. Both sides have demonstrated their attacking intent.
Opportunity for Valencia as Canales wins a free kick just outside the box. The Spaniard whips his delivery into the box, but Pablo Mari is on hand to clear. The pressure continues as Parejo, Romeu and Jonas engage in a passing sequence outside the area, but the move breaks down when Reina comes out to collect a cross from Bernat.
Just a few signs that Valencia are starting to warm to their task as they take control of the possession in the home side's half. There has been plenty of energy from Gimnastic thus far, but not much end product. You just get the feeling that the home side need to score first if they are to secure a positive result.
It's bright work from Jonas as the Brazilian delivers a dangerous cross towards Feghouli, but the Algerian is penalised for handball inside the Gimnastic box. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about, meanwhile, as Marcos struggles for support in the final third. Still goalless after 11 minutes.
Better from the home side in the last couple of moments as Lago creates some space down the left before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Alves is on hand to collect at the vital moment. Valencia enjoy a period of possession moments later, but the move breaks down when Jonas's effort smashes into Juanjo.
Gimnastic threaten once more as Marcos delivers a dangerous cross into the Valencia box, but Lago cannot make contact under pressure from Mathieu. Still no real opportunities for either side inside 15 minutes, but both are passing and probing in the final third. Engaging Copa del Rey contest in Catalonia thus far.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to take the lead as Lago finds some space inside the Valencia box before attempting to strike one into the bottom corner, but his effort just moves wide of the post. That is the closest that either side has come with 18 minutes on the clock.
Gimnastic want a penalty as Lago goes down inside the box under pressure from Mathieu, but the referee is not interested. It was a good challenge from the Frenchman. Valencia just cannot keep the ball at the moment as the home side continue to force the issue. You feel that they have to score during this positive period.
Good spell for Valencia in the last couple of moments with the likes of Parejo and Romeu enjoying possession of the ball. Barragan forces the issue moments later with a pass towards Jonas, but Verdu is across to clear for a corner, which Tomeu gathers at the vital moment.
CROSSBAR! Opportunity for Gimnastic to take the lead as Rocha curls a free kick from outside the box, but his effort smashes against the crossbar. It is so unlucky for the home side, who have had the better of the chances against the former Spanish champions in this fourth-round Copa del Rey tie.
Valencia will surely improve as the match advances and therefore you just get the feeling that the home side need to score during this positive period. A half-chance arrives for Bernat moments later, but his effort is pushed wide by the Gimnastic stopper. Plenty happening with 27 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Jonas comes close to opening the scoring as the Brazilian forward meets a cross from Bernat, but his header just drops high of the crossbar. Plenty happening in terms of chances, but still we wait for the first goal. Gimnastic do not look out of their depth here there is no question about that.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Lago clips one over the head of Alves, but Mathieu is on the line to clear at the vital moment. How on earth is this still goalless?! Finally some respite for Valencia as Parejo is felled.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Jonas fires one wide of the post for Valencia, before Marcos has an effort blocked for the home side. It has been an enthralling 34 minutes of Copa del Rey football. You could be forgiven for thinking that the La Liga side were in red this evening. They have been terrific.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia as Jonas's header falls to Feghouli inside the box. The Algerian curls one towards the bottom corner, but the home side's stopper is across to make a sensational save. This match would be 3-3 after 36 minutes.
Another opportunity for the away side as Barragan collects a through pass from Parejo before rounding the goalkeeper, but the Spanish stopper manages to make the save. Valencia have just started to open up in the last few minutes, with Gimnastic struggling to match the intensity with little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Lago remains the main threat for Gimnastic with his pace and movement, while Jonas and Feghouli have looked the most likely for Valencia. This first period has just flown past.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Lago as the Gimnastic forward turns and strikes in one movement, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. He has had at least three golden chances in the opening half thus far. Still goalless with 43 minutes on the clock.
The intensity remains in the middle of the park as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. However, the referee has allowed the play to flow in the correct areas. No time to be added at the end of the first period.
HALF TIME: Gimnastic 0-0 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. However, as far as goalless draws go, it has been just about as good as it gets. Both teams have had a number of clear opportunities in an open 45 minutes of Copa del Rey football.
The referee has had a fairly quiet half, but has issued four yellow cards, all to the away side. Parejo, Barragan, Canales and Jonas have all been carded thus far. The home side can still be backed at odds of around 9/1, which is good value based on what we have seen thus far.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Martinez, Perera and Querol. Meanwhile, Valencia have the likes of Banega, Pabon and Paco Alcacer in reserve. It would not be a surprise to see either manager look to their bench in the early stages of the second period.
Here we go then. Both sides join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come later in the month. Can Gimnastic secure a famous win against the former Spanish champions? Be sure to remain with us. Valencia get the second period underway.
You have to wonder whether Gimnastic will tire in the latter stages as Valencia step up the intensity. Surely the La Liga side will be more inventive in the final third in the second half. As expected, the away side have taken control of the possession in the early stages. Although an injury to Parejo stops the play.
Opportunity for Valencia to threaten from a free kick following that injury to Parejo. The resulting set piece is taken by Canales, but his effort is straight at Nadal, who looks for Lago down the other end. Not too much from Gimnastic as an attacking threat in the early stages of the half, but they remain compact in defence after 50 minutes.
Half-chance for Lago as the Gimnastic striker takes possession away from Barragan before advancing into the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. He has been a real spark for the home side this evening. Just a reminder that no changes have been made, but both teams have subs warming up on the sidelines.
Good spell for Gimnastic as they continue to look for the through ball, with Lago a willing runner. Marcus is also causing problems with his power inside the Valencia box. Luc finds Lago inside the area moments later, but Romeu is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Still goalless with 55 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia as Guardado delivers a low cross towards the near post, but Canales cannot make contact under pressure from Juanjo and the danger is cleared. You just get the feeling that one goal could be enough to win this first leg. It is end-to-end in Catalonia.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but both sides continue to commit players in the final third. Surely this match will not end goalless. Chances have been at a premium in the second half, but both had a number of opportunities in the first. Engaging Copa del Rey clash in Catalonia.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the away side as Canales meets a cross from Guardado, but Nadal is on hand to make a fine save. Somehow it is still goalless. Gimnastic make their first change of the match moments later as Javi Martinez replaces Luc.
Mathieu takes matters into his own hands moments later as he strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. Gimnastic break down the other end with Lago moments later, but the pacey striker cannot collect under pressure from Mathieu, before Costa is booked for a wild challenge on Verdu.
Regardless of this result, Valencia will be favourites to advance from the second leg, but a win this evening would hand Gimnastic confidence. Not just in this competition, but for their league campaign. They have played extremely well this evening there is no question about that. However, the finishing touch has not been there thus far.
Half-chance for the home side as Javi Martinez finds Marcos inside the Valencia box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Alves. The pressure continues as Lago strikes one from outside the box, but again it is blocked. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in this Copa del Rey fourth-round fixture.
Valencia make their first change of the match as Pabon replaces Bernat, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. Romeu has a half-chance for the away side moments later as he finds some space in the box, but his effort is wide of the post. Still goalless with 71 minutes on the clock.
Valencia make their second change of the match as Banega replaces Parejo, who has faded after a positive first half. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. It is quite outstanding that this match is still goalless.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Javi Martinez strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Gimnastic make their second change moments later as Querol replaces Lago, who has arguably been the star of the show this evening. Little under 15 minutes of football remaining in Catalonia.
Good pressure from Valencia in the last couple of moments as they dominate possession inside the Gimnastic half, but they just cannot find a way through this stern defence. Guardado takes matters into his own hands moments later as he cuts inside Juanjo, but his powerful strike is blocked. Still goalless.
Another half-chance for the away side as Canales strikes one from the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Valencia make their third and final change moments later as Alcacer replaces Feghouli. Mirsolav Djukic is going for the win here there is no question about that.
The home side follow with their final change as Xavi Molina replaces Sanchez. Both managers have played all their cards with little under 10 minutes of football remaining. Meanwhile, the referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with late challenges arriving from both sides.
Still goalless as we approach the final five minutes of football in this Copa del Rey clash. Javi Martinez is involved for the home side once more as he slides a pass towards Marcus, but the Spaniard cannot collect at the vital moment. Is there to be late drama?
Opportunity for the home side once more as Marcus forces a free kick outside the box. However, the delivery from Rocha is headed clear by Mathieu. Valencia break down the other end with Jonas, but the Brazilian cannot find the run of Pabon, who has struggled to influence proceedings since entering in the second period.
I shouldn't think that there will be too much added time at the end of the 90 minutes with few stoppages in the second period. This will only further increase the pressure on Miroslav Djukic. Gimnastic continue to fire high balls into the Valencia box, but Mathieu and Costa have been aerially dominant this evening.
RED CARD! (VALENCIA - JONAS)
Valencia are reduced to 10 men as Jonas is handed his marching orders for a second bookable offence. Handbags between both sets of players follow, but the referee is on hand to calm proceedings.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. No sign of either team settling here as both continue to commit players in the final third. However, it does appear that we are heading for a goalless draw.
FULL TIME: Gimnastic 0-0 Valencia
So there we have it. Gimnastic hold Valencia to a goalless draw in the first leg of their fourth-round clash in the Copa del Rey. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Real Jaen against Espanyol. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
