Deportivo La Coruna welcomed Valencia on Saturday knowing that three points would move them off the bottom of the table in Spain's top division.
They made the worst possible start when Jonas handed Valencia the lead inside a minute, but a double from Riki handed the home side a first-half lead.
Valencia were level after 63 minutes, however, when Nelson Valdez found the bottom corner following a sweeping move.
There was time for late drama as Ricardo Costa headed a late winner for the away side, with Deportivo ending the evening with nine men.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our La Liga coverage this evening draws to a close as Deportivo welcome an improving Valencia outfit to La Coruna. The home side remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just 16 points from their 20 matches, but they are just four points away from safety and therefore still harbour strong hopes of turning things around in their remaining 18 matches.
Deportivo’s home form has not been too disastrous with three wins, two draws and four defeats from nine matches. It has been their form on the road that has contributed to their problems with five draws and six defeats from 11 matches. They will see tonight’s match as a perfect opportunity to move out of the bottom three.
Valencia, meanwhile, suffered disappointment in the cup against Real Madrid on Wednesday, but their performance against the Spanish champions was to be admired. They currently occupy ninth spot in the table, just five points off the top four and will see this match as a fine opportunity to progress. That said, they have managed just two wins on the road this season.
TEAMS:
DEPORTIVO: Aranzubia; Ze Castro, Pablo, Aythami, Silvio; Assuncao, Bergantinos, Santos; Riki, Gama, Pizzi
VALENCIA: Alves; Costa, Rami, Pereira, Ruiz; Guardado, Banega, Costa; Valdez, Jonas, Piatti
Here we go then. Just a quick note on the main team news. The home side name an experienced midfield with Paulo Assuncao and Alex Bergantinos in the middle, while Riki, Bruno Gama and Pizzi start in attack. Valencia are without Roberto Soldado once more, but Nelson Valdez does start. The away side get us underway.
GOAL! Deportivo 0-1 Valencia (Jonas)
Wow! Valencia take the lead inside the opening minute as Jonas meets a corner before thumping his header into the back of the net. What a disastrous start for the home side, who are currently bottom of the table. First blood to Valencia. Incredible opening to proceedings.
Explosive start from the away side as they threaten once more with Jonas, the Brazilian midfielder finds Valdez with a tidy pass inside the box, but this time Ze Castro is across to clear the danger at the vital moment. Deportivo just need to ride out this early spell of increasing pressure.
To suggest that Valencia have started this match the better would be the underestimation of the century. Deportivo simply have not had possession of the ball inside the opening five minutes. However, they have some respite for a few moments as Rami receives some treatment following a nasty clash with Silvio. But the Frenchman is deemed fit to continue.
Another half-chance for the away side as Banega whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Ze Castro is across to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by the Argentine midfielder, but his delivery fails to beat the first man. Meanwhile, the home side continue to struggle to gather any sort of possession.
CHANCE! Another fine chance for the away side as Jonas meets a cross in the penalty area, but Silvio just manages to make a fine block at the vital moment. The pressure continues with two corners in quick succession, but eventually some respite is allowed as the referee awards a free kick to Deportivo.
It's good football from the away side once more as Costa finds the run of Piatti, but it is a poor finish from the Argentine as he fires his effort straight at the goalkeeper. That was a wonderful chance to move 2-0 ahead in this match. It is simply all one-way traffic at the moment.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the past few moments with Deportivo just starting to get to grips with the midfield battle. The damage has already been done, but at 1-0 there is always a chance that the home side will score. However, Deportivo need to watch their challenges as they give away another free kick outside the box.
Another half-chance for away side as Tino Costa whips a dangerous free kick into the penalty area, but Ze Castro rises highest to clear the danger. The pressure continues as Jonas finds Costa moments later, but the midfielder just cannot sort out his feet under pressure from Manuel Pablo.
CHANCE! Best opening of the match for the home side as Pizzi advances into the box before striking a powerful effort towards the bottom corner, but Diego Alves is across to make a fine save. That has at least given the home support something to cheer.
Another half-chance for the home side as Bruno Gama collects possession before striking an effort on goal, but once more Alves is across to make a smart save. The pressure continues as Rikki weaves into the box, but Rami clears at the vital moment. This is much better from Deportivo, but they need a goal.
Another opportunity comes to the home side as Rikki meets a cross from the left, but he can only turn his header wide of the post. Valencia attack immediately down the other end with Jonas, but the Brazilian just cannot find Piatti and Aranzubia is out to settle things down.
This time it’s Valencia that come close as Jonas feed Valdez with a fine pass, but the striker can only fire his effort straight at the goalkeeper. It really should be 2-0. Could they be made to regret that as this match draws on? It is a really open affair at the moment with both teams attacking with pace and numbers.
Valencia continue to cause problems behind the home side's defence as Piatti advances on goal once more, but this time he cannot square to Jonas with Aranzubia out to collect. The pressure continues moments later as Jonas forces a corner, but it comes to nothing despite a decent delivery from Banega.
There is just so much room in the Deportivo defence that it isn't even true. Jonas has about four or five seconds to stand and pick out a pass, but fortunately for the home side Piatti's touch is poor and the danger is cleared. Another goal for Valencia at this stage would make it almost impossible for Deportivo to rally, due to their defence.
Slightly better from the home side in the last couple of moments with Pizzi and Gama seeing more of the ball. Riki remains the biggest outlet as he collects and finds Andre Santos with a searching pass, but Victor Ruiz just manages to take possession away from the Portuguese. Little over 15 minutes of the half remaining and Valencia lead.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Jonas dances into the penalty area before finding a low cross to Piatti, but once more the forward cannot sort out his feet and the danger is cleared. It gets worse for Piatti moments later as he receives a booking for a challenge on Santos. That is five yellow cards thus far in this match.
GOAL! Deportivo 1-1 Valencia (Riki)
Deportivo level! It's a wonderful delivery from Andre Santos into the penalty area and Riki rises highest to thump his header into the back of the net. It just had to be him. That is a huge goal in the context of this match. Suddenly the volume has been raised.
The goal has just sparked the home side into life with Riki causing all sorts of problems with his pace and movement in the final third. Valencia remain a threat down the other end with Jonas combining with Valdez, but once more it comes to nothing.
Decent spell for Valencia with the away side enjoying possession of the ball in the Deportivo half. However, their early pace and invention has just deserted them as things stand. Meanwhile, Tino Costa is the latest player to have his name taken. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Neither team looks particularly comfortable in defence at the moment with both attacks finding space to operate. I just cannot see how there will not be more goals in the second period. The reverse fixture at the beginning of the season ended 3-3, I would not back against that score.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the past few moments, but Valencia do appear to have taken control of the possession once more. In fairness to Deportivo it would have been easy to crumble following the early goal, but they have responded impressively. However, their hard work is far from completed.
Decent end to the half for Valencia as they force a couple of corners in quick succession, but neither really threatens to add to their tally. A reminder that three points for the home side would move them out of the relegation zone this evening, but a win for Valencia would move them into touching distance of the top four.
Again Valencia threaten as Piatti drives a low cross into the box towards Jonas, but the Brazilian cannot make proper contact and it moves wide of the post. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of stoppage time.
GOAL! Deportivo 2-1 Valencia (Riki)
Deportivo take the lead moments before the interval as Riki drives to the edge of the box before thumping a low effort into the bottom corner. Stunning from the striker. He was turned things around. How on earth are Valencia losing this match?!
HALF-TIME: Deportivo 2-1 Valencia
Incredible end to the first period as Riki scores his second of the match to move the home side into the lead. Valencia might have been 3-0 ahead inside 15 minutes as they created a host of chances, but simply could not find their shooting boots. It has been some response from the basement club.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Valencia have dominated the possession with 57%, but Deportivo have had six attempts to Valencia's five. It has taken some courage from the home side to turn this match around. As it stands they are moving out of the relegation zone.
Let's take a look at the benches this evening. Deportivo have Valeron and Nelson Oliveira in reserve, while Valencia also have a host of options with Jonathan Viera and Sergio Canales capable of influencing proceedings. However, it is unlikely that either side will make a change at the interval.
Just a quick reminder of what we have to come tomorrow. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are all in action on Sunday, with Sports Mole providing live commentary from four matches in Spain's leading division. Be sure to join us for that. Right, we are just moments away from the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes at the interval for either side which is not too surprising based on the opening half of football. I would be very surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in this match. Deportivo get the half underway.
Excuse me, there was one change at the interval with Jonathan Viera replacing Jonas for the away side. Early indications are that the Brazilian is suffering with illness and therefore unable to compete in the second period. That is a huge blow as they attempt to come to terms with the absence of Soldado once more. However, they have made a bright start to the second half.
Valencia continue to pass and probe in the early stages of the half with Guardado causing problems down the left. The Mexican whips a dangerous cross towards Viera, but Ze Castro is across to head clear. The resulting corner causes problems to Aranzubia, but the referee awards a free kick.
Not too much to get excited about inside the opening seven minutes of this half with both teams just attempting to find their passing rhythm. Valencia were certainly stung by that goal before the interval and they are the team that have to come out and play here.
RED CARD: SILVIO: Deportivo are reduced to 10 men as Silvio dives into a dangerous challenge with Costa. What on earth is he doing? He was shown a second yellow card, but in truth it could have been a straight red. That could cost his team.
The home side are forced into a change with Santos being replaced by Jesus Vazquez. What must Domingos Paciencia be thinking? He has got his side in front in this match, only for his defender to get himself sent off. What is it with red cards and Spanish football in recent weeks?! There has been a glut of them.
Meanwhile, Valencia make a change of their own as Juan Bernat replaces Victor Ruiz. Not too surprising to see the attacking midfielder introduced into proceedings. The minutes are just starting to drift by in this second period and still Deportivo lead. But there is time for plenty to change.
The tempo of the match has just been interrupted once more with a series of fouls. The referee has been called into question on a number of occasions in the opening 13 minutes of this half. A half-chance comes to Valencia as Banega strikes an effort from outside the box, but Aranzubia palms it wide.
Another opportunity comes to the away side as Valdez fires a searching cross towards Bernat, but once more Aranzubia is out to collect. The pressure remains as Guardado dances past two challenges before advancing to the edge of the box, but the Mexican loses control at the vital moment.
Valencia continue to pass and probe outside the Deportivo penalty area, but they just cannot find a way through the defence. Without Soldado, they do not have an obvious target to hit. Valdez has been impressive in recent weeks, but has hardly figured in this match. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining.
It would not be an exaggeration to state that Deportivo have not created one single shooting chance in this second period, in fact they have hardly been in the Valencia half. You just get the feeling that the away side will create chances as the half advances.
GOAL! Deportivo 2-2 Valencia (Valdez)
I just cursed it again. What did I say? Valdez has not figured. Well he has now. It is brilliant from Bernat as the winger drives a low cross into the penalty area and Valdez simply cannot miss as he turns his effort into the back of the net from close range.
Massive 20 or so minutes coming up for both of these teams. If Valencia want to finish inside the top four then they have to be winning these type of matches. On the other hand, Deportivo will see this as a missed opportunity should they fail to secure a result. There are more goals in this match. I am sure of it.
It is all about the Deportivo defence at the moment as they drop deeper and deeper in an attempt to quell the threat from the away side. That is playing into Valencia's hands as they continue to find pockets of space in the final third. Little over 20 minutes of football to play and the score remains 2-2.
The home side make their second change of the evening as Riki is replaced by Nelson Oliveira. Strange decision from Paciencia with the striker giving all sorts of problems to the Valencia defence. However, fresh legs will now be provided by the Portuguese international.
Half-chance for the away side as Bernat drives down the right before whipping a low cross into the box, but it just evades Valdez and moves out for a goal kick. You can just sense the nervousness inside the stadium as we enter the final 15 minutes of football. It would be an incredible blow should they lose this evening.
CHANCE! Deportivo come close to taking the lead as Bergantinos meets a high ball in the penalty area, but his header is just over the crossbar. That is, without question, their best chance of the second period. What an ending we could be in for.
Valencia continue to dominate possession as they pass and probe outside the penalty area. However, without sounding like a broken record, they miss the movement and just pure class of Soldado. Costa attempts to force the issue with a pass into the box, but Manuel Pablo is across to clear the danger once more.
Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change of the evening with Gama being replaced by Javier Camunas. It must be said that the home supporters have been a credit to their team this evening. They have not stopped singing since the early stages.
CHANCE! Another glorious chance comes to the home side as Vasquez whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but it is stunning defending from Pereira as the defender sticks out a foot to divert away from Pizzi. Meanwhile, Guardado appears to have a problem here following a clash of heads.
Manuel Pablo is sporting a quite fashionable headband as he makes his way back onto the pitch following that challenge with Guardado. It was a sickening clash of heads, but I am very pleased to announce that both players are fit to continue. Neither team has shirked any challenges this evening.
Another Valencia attack breaks down as Bernat's pass is just too long for Viera and Vasquez is across to shepherd the ball out of play. That is really good work from the Spaniard. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining and still the score stays at 2-2.
CHANCE! WOW! Incredible chance for the away side as Valdez beats the offside trap before striking a powerful effort at goal, but Aranzubia makes a stunning save. Moments before, Piatti collected a pass from Costa before rounding the goalkeeper, but the offside flag was raised.
The home side make their third and final change as Sergio Canales replacing Banega. It is wonderful to see the former Real Madrid midfielder back in contention following a long ankle injury. He is a wonderful talent and hopefully we will see that in the second part of this season.
Little over one minute of normal time remaining and still Valencia push for the winner. Deportivo remain a threat on the counter, but it appears that they would be more than happy with a point this evening. Is there time for some late drama here? I would not back against it.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for Oliveira as the Deportivo striker drives into the penalty area before striking a low effort on goal, but Alves gets across to make the save. There have been chances for either side to win this match that is for certain.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional six minutes of stoppage time and we are into the second of those. Valencia remain the side on the attack with Bernat and Canales causing problems with crosses into the box, but Deportivo manage to clear.
GOAL! Deportivo 2-3 Valencia (Costa)
Wow. Some end to this match as Ricardo Costa ghosts in at the far post to thump his header into the back of the net. Where on earth was the defending? That is why Deportivo are bottom of the league. But it is a cruel, cruel end.
RED CARD: ASSUNCAO: The home side are reduced to nine men as Assuncao is given a straight red for a challenge on Valdez. Replays have shown that it was the correct decision. Terrible from the Brazilian. What on earth was he doing?
Valencia continue to dominate the possession in the latter stages of this match. Bar a late miracle they will move to within two points of the top four, while Deportivo will remain bottom of the table. It is a familiar tail for the home supporters.
FULL-TIME: Deportivo 2-3 Valencia
Incredible end to this match as Ricardo Costa heads a late winner for Valencia, who move into fifth position. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more La Liga football from 10.30am tomorrow. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
