The first leg of the last-32 Europa League clash between Dynamo Kiev and Valencia took place in Cyprus this evening.
Chances were few and far between in the first 45 minutes of action, with the two teams entering the interval on level terms.
Valencia dominated long spells of the second half, however, and took the lead after 79 minutes through Eduardo Vargas, before Sofiane Feghouli made it 2-0 late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Europa League last-32 coverage begins this evening as Dynamo Kiev welcome Valencia for the first leg. The match had initially been scheduled to take place in Kiev, but civil arrest in the Ukraine capital forced UEFA to move the tie to Nicosia. There were fears that it would be postponed, but the first leg takes place as planned this evening.
TEAMS:
DYNAMO: Shovkovsky; Dragovic, Vida, Danilo, Makarenko; Veloso, Vukojevic; Gusev, Belhanda, Lens; Ideye
VALENCIA: Alves; Pereira, Costa, Mathieu, Bernat; Michel, Parejo, Keita; Fuego, Jonas; Alcacer
So there we have it. Ideye Brown will lead the Dynamo line this evening, while the 25-year-old will be joined by Dutchman Jeremain Lens. There are also spots for Younes Belhanda and Portuguese international Miguel Veloso in the XI. Valencia, meanwhile, leave Vargas and Fede on the bench, with Jonas, Paco Alcacer, Michel and Seydou Keita all coming into the team.
As mentioned, Dynamo booked their spot in this stage of the competition by finishing second in Group G behind Genk. They won three of their six matches, drawing once and losing twice in the process. It was far from convincing, but two of their wins came on their own patch. That said, they don't exactly have home advantage this evening.
The two sides last met at the same stage of the 2008/09 campaign - with Dynamo advancing on away goals after a 1-1 draw in Kiev was followed by a 2-2 draw in Spain. However, Dynamo's overall record against Spanish opposition is fairly disappointing with just five wins from 25 encounters, losing 11 times in the process.
What's more, Dynamo are without a win in their last 12 matches against Spanish opposition since they beat Real Madrid 2-0 in the 1998/99 quarter-finals. The Ukrainian outfit reached this stage of the competition last season, but lost out to French side Bordeaux. Their last quarter-final appearance came in 2011.
In terms of their domestic league, Dynamo currently sit in third position in the table, level on points with Metalist, but five points behind leaders Shakhtar Donetsk. They also enter the match off the back of three successive wins, while they have lost just one of their last 11 games in all competitions.
Valencia, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a five-match unbeaten run in La Liga. The Spanish outfit booked their spot in this stage of the competition by topping Group A ahead of Premier League side Swansea City, winning four of their six matches, drawing once and losing once. What's more, Valencia are yet to lose to Ukrainian opponents over 90 minutes in their history.
Valencia's last appearance in the Europa League ended in a semi-final defeat in the 2011/12 campaign. In total, their European record against Ukrainian opposition is won one and drawn three. Avoiding defeat this evening could make them favourites ahead of the second leg. The contest might have been moved from Kiev to Cyprus this evening, but the Spanish outfit still have supporters in attendance...
You are AMAZING! @valenciacf fans in Cyprus! AMUNT Valencia! #dinamoVCF pic.twitter.com/bP4nYrlXfz
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) February 20, 2014
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and exchanging of flags, the referee will get the action underway. Just a reminder that the second leg at the Mestalla will take place next month.
Así calientan nuestros jugadores motores en el césped del GSP Stadium pic.twitter.com/LKwQnbAEAI
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf) February 20, 2014
There are a number of Europa League ties taking place this evening. Be sure to stick around the site for all the best action. It is a warm evening in Cyprus, Nicosia. It remains to be seen what effect the conditions have on the match. Dynamo get the first 45 minutes of this Europa League last-32 first leg underway.
Both sets of players had a moment of reflection prior to the match to respect those who have lost their lives in Ukraine as the civil unrest continues. To suggest that there is not much of an atmosphere would be putting it kindly. Three stands are empty, but a small pocket of Valencia supporters are making their voices heard.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking opportunities inside the opening four minutes, but Dynamo are enjoying the majority of the ball. Ideye is the target from a Lens through ball, but the Nigerian had moved into an offside position. Moments later, Valencia enjoy possession in the opposing half.
Not too difficult to see what Dynamo's gameplan is this evening as Ideye again makes a run through the Valencia defence, but Mathieu is across to clear. The referee, meanwhile, has been called into action to deal with a number of niggling challenges thus far. Still goalless in Nicosia.
Plenty of attacking intent from Dynamo as Danilo Silva breaks down the right, but Pereira is across to make a fine challenge just outside the box. The Ukrainian outfit continue to dominate possession of the ball, with Valencia happy to sit in and absorb the danger - something that has worked well in La Liga in recent weeks.
Half-chance for Dynamo as Silva drills a deep cross into the Valencia box, but Lens and then Ideye cannot make contact. Alcacer meets a through pass from Parejo down the other end, but the Valencia forward was ruled offside. Good tempo to the early stages as Veloso strikes one at Alves from outside the box.
Better from Valencia in the last couple of minutes with the likes of Parejo, Fuego and Michel starting to see more of the ball. Their best route appears to be down the right with Pereira always available, but the Portuguese's crossing has been short of the required standard thus far. Still goalless with 13 minutes on the clock in Cyprus.
Opportunity for Dynamo to threaten from a free kick as Costa fells Gusev outside the box. The resulting set piece is delivered by Veloso, but Costa manages to head over his own crossbar. Two corners follow, but Keita and Mathieu take it in turns to clear the danger. Good tempo to this Europa League tie.
Ideye continues to look the most likely for Dynamo as the Nigerian twice rises inside the box, but his first header is wide of the post before the referee whistles for a foul. No real chances for either side thus far, but Dynamo are the team on the front foot.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. A half-chance arrives for Valencia as Jonas wriggles into the Dynamo box, but the danger is scrambled clear at the vital moment. Still goalless with 20 minutes on the clock.
Shooting opportunity for Michel as the Valencia midfielder finds himself with space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Just a few signs that the Spanish outfit are starting to warm to their task, with Ideye isolated in the final third for the Ukrainian outfit.
In truth, a goalless draw would not be the worst result for either of these two sides ahead of the second leg. However, I would be surprised if we didn't see goals this evening. Not too much to report at the moment, with both teams guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third of the pitch.
CHANCE! The first real chance of the match comes for Valencia as Mathieu finds Jonas with a floated pass. The Brazilian takes it in his stride, but Shovkovsky is out to collect at the vital moment. Much better from the visitors.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with Lens and Ideye both delivering dangerous balls into the Valencia box, but Costa and Mathieu continue to clear the danger. The Spanish outfit are certainly becoming more adventurous in the final third, which is leaving space for Dynamo to exploit.
Pereira remains the main outlet for Valencia as the right-back delivers another dangerous cross towards Jonas, but Vida is on hand to clear. The resulting corner from Parejo is deep towards Alcacer, but once more the danger is cleared. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Valencia continue to force the issue with a series of crosses, but Dynamo manage to resist the danger. Gusev has a half-chance for the Ukrainian outfit as the midfielder arrives late inside the box, but his header is blocked by Mathieu.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and still we wait for the first goal. Valencia have another opportunity from a free kick as Veloso fells Keita outside the box. Bernat takes the resulting set piece, but his effort is just deflected wide of the post.
One-way traffic in the last few moments as Valencia continue to dominate possession of the ball in the Dynamo half. Twice Bernat delivers dangerous balls towards Jonas, but Vida and then Silva clear the danger. The intensity is rising with 37 minutes on the clock in Cyprus.
Jonas continues to look the most likely for Valencia as the Brazilian collects a through pass from Keita before advancing into the Dynamo box, but the offside flag had been raised at the final moment. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining of this Europa League last-32 clash.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last few moments with both sides guilty of committing a number of late challenges. Jens has a sight of goal for Dynamo, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining.
HALF-TIME: Dynamo 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. It has been an entertaining first 45 minutes, but clear chances have been few and far between. The lack of an atmosphere is not helping the intensity.
STATISTICS: Valencia have had more of the possession with 56%, but all three of their efforts have been off target. Dynamo, meanwhile, have hit the target with both of their attempts. In truth, neither side has really done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage of proceedings.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Bezus, Haruna and Rybka. Meanwhile, Valencia have the likes of Feghouli, Fede and Vargas in reserve. It would not be a surprise to see changes as the second period gathers pace.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to be played at the Mestalla next week. Right, Valencia get the second 45 minutes underway on this warm evening in Cyprus.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Dynamo as Lens meets a cross from Silva, but the Dutchman fires his effort over the crossbar from close range. That is the closest that either side has come by some distance.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. End-to-end start to the second half with both sides committing numbers in the final third.
Seems to be a problem for Vida as the Dynamo defender hits the deck in the middle of the pitch following a late challenge with Parejo. However, the centre-back returns to his feet following a period of treatment. Still goalless with 52 minutes on the clock.
The stop-start period of the match continues as Shovkovsky calls for treatment as the Dynamo goalkeeper collects a through pass. It appears that the Ukrainian outfit will be forced into at least one change with a number of their players currently struggling.
Indeed Dynamo are forced into a change and it is a change of goalkeeper as Shovkovsky is replaced by Rybra. Play resumes with a drop ball. Valencia continue to threaten as Parejo drives a deep cross into the box, but Silva is on hand to clear under pressure from Jonas.
Valencia are hunting in packs at the moment as the Spanish side continue to put the pressure on Dynamo in the middle of midfield. Another stoppage follows, however, as Costa hits the ground following a challenge with Belhanda.
It has been an extremely frustrating second period due to a number of stoppages and loose passing from both sides. In truth, neither team deserves to be ahead as things stand. A clear back-heel from Lens threatens to find Ideye inside the Valencia box moments later, but Mathieu is on hand to clear at the vital moment.
Valencia make their first change of the match just past the hour with Vargas entering for Alcacer, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. The intensity has risen in the last couple of moments with the match flowing from end-to-end, but still chances remain at a premium in Cyprus.
Little over 25 minutes of normal time remaining and still the score remains level at 0-0. Valencia have had more of the ball in the second period, but are finding it difficult to break through this stern Dynamo defence. Dragovic delivers a dangerous cross into the Valencia box moments later, but Mathieu stands firm to clear the danger.
Half-chance for Dynamo as Lens finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The Dutchman has looked the most likely this evening. Valencia are down the other end moments later, but Vargas is denied by the Dynamo goalkeeper from close range.
Valencia make their second change of the match as Michel is replaced by Feghouli, who will provide some fresh legs in the final third. You just get the feeling that there is a late goal in this match. It would certainly turn the tie ahead of the second leg.
Possession football from Dynamo in the last couple of moments, but Valencia are comfortable in dealing with the danger. Feghouli has a half-chance for Valencia after finding some space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining.
Following this match, I shall be covering Sevilla's trip to Maribor - be sure to remain with me for that. As a site, we have all the results covered. Back to Cyprus, Valencia force two corners in quick succession before Dynamo make their second change with Garmash replacing Belhanda.
CHANCES! Two wonderful chances for Valencia in quick succession. First, Rybka denies Parejo at the near post, before the Ukrainian goalkeeper makes a point-blank save to keep out a bullet header from Keita. Sensational goalkeeping.
Dynamo just cannot keep the ball for any sustained period at the moment as Valencia continue to force the issue in the final third. It is one-way traffic with 79 minutes on the clock. An away goal would hand Valencia a big advantage ahead of the second leg at the Mestalla.
Another half-chance for Valencia as Jonas strikes towards goal following bright work from Parejo, but his effort is high of the crossbar. Not too much from Dynamo in terms of an attacking threat with 79 minutes on the clock. Still goalless in Cyprus.
CHANCE! Oh my word how are Dynamo not ahead?! Silva goes down the right and delivers a sensational cross towards Ideye, but somehow the Nigerian cannot make contact at the near post. It looked a certain goal. Down the other end, Feghouli is denied from close range following a swift Valencia break.
GOAL! Dynamo 0-1 Valencia (Vargas)
Valencia take the lead after 79 minutes as Vargas converts a Parejo corner with a powerful header. It had been coming.
There is no question that Valencia have been the better side in the last 20 minutes or so and they deserve their goal. It brings a response from Dynamo as Lens strikes one from distance, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
POST! Valencia come close to their second as Vargas meets a wicked cross from Pereira, but his header thumps off the foot of the post. Not a lot happened for 70 minutes this evening, but it has been some last 15 minutes or so.
Half-chance for Dynamo as Lens meets a cross from Veloso, but his header is straight into the arms of Alves, who has been a spectator for long spells of the second period. The introduction of Vargas certainly swung this match in the direction of Valencia and they are worth their one-goal lead.
Better from Dynamo in the last couple of minutes as they enjoy possession in the Valencia half, but they are finding it difficult to really force the issue. They dominated the first period and the early stages of the second, but have found it difficult to fashion clear openings. Is there to be late drama in Cyprus?
Valencia make their third and final change as Barragan replaces Jonas, who has been impressive this evening. I suspect that there could be a fair chunk of added this evening.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional six minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Not too much to report in terms of chances, with Valencia prepared to keep hold of the ball in their own half. Can Dynamo respond?
GOAL! Dynamo 0-2 Valencia (Feghouli)
Valencia have their second of the match as Pereira drives down the right before finding Feghouli, whose effort deflects into the back of the net.
It took a little bit of time for Valencia to get going in the second period, but they have been brilliant for the last 20 minutes or so. Dynamo continue to deliver high balls into the Valencia box, but Costa and Mathieu remain dominant in the air.
FULL-TIME: Dynamo 0-2 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close with Valencia winning 2-0. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with me for Maribor against Sevilla. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
