Valencia welcomed Sevilla to the Mestalla on Sunday having picked up just three points from their first four league games.
The home side had the lead with 33 minutes on the clock when Jonas fired home from close range, with that strike all that separated the two teams at the interval.
Sevilla were level in the early stages of the second period when Kevin Gameiro converted from inside the box, but Jonas moved Valencia ahead with a curling effort 15 minutes from time.
The home side made sure of the points in the latter stages when Victor Ruiz headed into the back of the net from a difficult angle.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final La Liga live commentary of the evening comes from the Mestalla as Valencia welcome Sevilla. It has certainly been a difficult start to the season for the home side, with just three points from their first four games. That said, they have had arguably one of the toughest starts to the season with trips to Real Betis and Espanyol and a home match with Barcelona.
Sevilla, however, will have no sympathy with their opponents. At this stage of the season they are worse off with just two points from their first four games. They opened with a 3-1 home defeat to Atletico Madrid, before taking two points from fixtures against Levante and Malaga. As mentioned, they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona last time out.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Sevilla have won three of the last five, with Valencia claiming two wins in the process. The corresponding match last season ended in a straightforward 2-0 win for Valencia, but Sevilla secured victory on their own patch in June with a 4-3 success on the final weekend of the season.
TEAMS:
VALENCIA XI: Alves; Pereira, Costa, Mathieu, Guardado; Fuego, Banega; Pabon, Jonas, Fede; Postiga
SEVILLA XI: Beto; Coke, Cala, Navarro, Alberto; Mbia, Rakitic; Vitolo, Marin, Jairo; Gameiro
So there we have it. No Pablo Piatti for the home side this evening, but Helder Postiga and Jonas both start in attack. Sevilla, meanwhile, are still without the likes of Federico Fazio, Jose Antonio Reyes and Brazilian right-back Cicinho, but summer signings Kevin Gameiro and Marko Marin are both in the XI. Right, Valencia get the action underway on this warm evening in Valencia.
Early opportunity for the home side as Postiga is felled outside the box by Cala. However, Banega's free kick is delivered straight into the stands. The suggestions are that Dukic could lose his job this evening if Valencia do not pick up all three points. No pressure then?! This is a huge match for so many reasons.
CHANCE! Valencia again threaten inside the opening four minutes as Pabon collects possession just inside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort was just wide of the post. As expected, it has been a fast start from Valencia. An early goal would certainly ease some nerves as Postiga fires just wide moments later.
It must be said that there is an incredible atmosphere inside the stadium this evening, which is to be expected. Valencia were beaten at home by Swansea City in the Europa League last week, while they have taken just three points from four games thus far. A free kick arrives for Sevilla moments later, but Rakitic delivers straight into the arms of Diego Alves.
Another late challenge from Cala presents Valencia with a free kick just outside the box. But the delivery from Banega is short of the required standard as he fires straight into the arms of Beto. Jonas is unhappy moments later as he is caught in a high challenge with the goalkeeper, showing his wound to the referee, who is not interested in taking further action.
Handbags between both sets of players as Jonas arrives late in a challenge with Rakitic, which brings a furious reaction from Marin. Everyone knows just how important this match is this evening. The referee is going to need to be strong as the challenges continue to fly in. Still goalless in what has been an entertaining 10 minutes of football at the Mestalla.
First real attack for Sevilla as Marin shows Mathieu a clean pair of heels before driving a low cross into the box, but Pereira is across to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner is whipped into the box by Pereira, but Alves comes to clear. Jonas has possession down the other end moments later, but he cannot evade the capture of Coke, before Pabon fires high and wide of the crossbar.
CHANCE! Best move of the match from Valencia as Fede evades two challenges before finding Pereira, the right-back finds Jonas on the edge of the box, but the Brazilian can only scoop his effort high and wide of the crossbar. It has been a very positive opening 15 minutes from the home side, who have won just once this season. Sevilla, meanwhile, are without a win at this stage of the campaign.
Sevilla have just settled in the last couple of moments with Rakitic and Marin starting to see more of the ball in the final third. Jairo is involved moments later as he collects possession before finding the run of Gameiro, but Mathieu is across to make the challenge. Incredibly nervous atmosphere inside the stadium with 18 minutes on the clock. The early stages of this one have just flown past.
Hal-chance for the away side as Jairo finds some space inside the box before attempting to find Gameiro, but Costa is across to make the challenge at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered straight under the crossbar, but Fuego manages to clear. Good spell for Sevilla for Moreno's long-distance strike thumps into the back of Pereira. Valencia cannot afford to fall behind this evening.
A poor mistake from Costa allows Jairo the chance to advance into the Valencia box, but he fires his effort straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. The home side continue to look dangerous in attack, but you have to worry about them in defensive areas. Still goalless with 22 minutes on the clock in the Mestalla.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last couple of moments, but the referee is continually involved as he is forced to deal with a number of late challenges from both sides. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - will be crucial in this type of match. For confidence if nothing else.
Sevilla continue to threaten in the final third with Vitolo and Jairo both enjoying plenty of the ball. However, Gameiro has been starved of service thus far. Valencia are down the other end moments later with Fede, who drops his shoulder before delivering a near-post cross, but Beto is on hand to claim under pressure from Pabon.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Sevilla as Jairo finds some space inside the Valencia box, but he chooses the wrong option as he plays it behind Gameiro, who is rightly furious with his teammate. If the away side can just settle in the final third, they will take the lead in this one. Everything about Valencia's performance has been nervy in the last few moments.
CHANCE! Valencia's turn to have a couple of golden chances as Pabon finds some space inside the box before striking towards goal, but Coke manages to block at the vital moment. It falls to Fede just inside the area, but he loses control at the vital moment, allowing Moreno across to clear. Both sides have had opportunities to break the deadlock at the Mestalla.
GOAL! Valencia 1-0 Sevilla (Jonas)
Valencia make the breakthrough with 32 minutes on the clock as Jonas collects a pass from Fede before thumping his effort into the bottom corner. Oh how the home side needed that. The Mestalla has risen to its feet.
Sevilla are not happy with the referee as Cala was out of the match having fallen to the ground in the build-up to the goal, but Valencia did not have to put the ball out of play, especially not in that position. That will further increase the temperature between these two sides. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
It has been a good response from Sevilla with Jairo twice delivering deep crosses into the box, but both have been out of the reach of Gameiro, who has been isolated in the final third thus far. Much to ponder for Sevilla boss Unai Emery, who is just attempting to get some information onto the field. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining with Jonas's goal all that separates the two sides.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Valencia enjoying possession in the middle of the pitch. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening with the way that both sides have defended thus far. Valencia are having serious trouble this season, but Sevilla are still without a win and in desperate need of the points.
Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over his own crossbar by Beto, before Jonas curls an effort wide of the post. The home supporters are in good voice as we approach the final couple of minutes in the first period.
Mbia reacts furiously to a challenge from Banega, but the referee takes no action, much to the frustration of the Sevilla midfielder. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half as Marin fires high and wide of the crossbar.
HALF TIME: Valencia 1-0 Sevilla
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Valencia leading courtesy of a smart finish from Jonas with 32 minutes on the clock. Sevilla have had their moments in the final third, but have too often chosen the wrong pass. It is so delicately poised with another 45 minutes of football to come.
STATISTICS: Valencia have just about shaded the possession with 52%, while they have had nine attempts to Sevilla's one - which was off target. There is no question that the home side deserve to be leading at this stage of proceedings, but you always worry about them defensively. Sevilla will surely improve in the second period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Feghouli, Dani Parejo and Sergio Canales. Meanwhile, Sevilla have the likes of Bacca, Rabello and Trochowski in reserve. I suspect we will 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. As it stands, Valencia will move into ninth position in the table, while Sevilla would remain rooted to the bottom of division. Much to play for in the second period as Sevilla get the action underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, both have attacking options on the bench. Sevilla's last away win in La Liga was some 12 months ago, which makes it 16 matches on the road since they won in the league - incredible. They certainly need to raise the tempo in the second period. The next goal - if there indeed is one - could be crucial.
Handbags between Moreno and Pereira as the two opposing defenders collide in the Valencia half, but the referee does not award a free kick, much to the frustration of the former. Sevilla have certainly started the more positive with Jairo and Vitolo floating outside the Valencia box. They need more from Marin, however, who has arguably been their best player in the early stages of the season.
Half-chance for Sevilla as Vitolo collects a pass from Gameiro before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Alves is across to make a fine save. The resulting corner is delivered deep towards Moreno, but his cross is straight into the arms of Alves. Not too much from Valencia in the second period thus far.
GOAL! Valencia 1-1 Sevilla (Gameiro)
Sevilla have their equaliser after 52 minutes as Gameiro ghosts towards the far post before thumping home from close range. It had been coming. Valencia had been warmed with the way that Sevilla had started the second period. What a 40 minutes of football we have ahead of us.
Valencia almost retake the lead within a minute as Jonas finds some space inside the box before attempting to lift his effort over the goalkeeper, but Coke is across to make the challenge. Jonas has another half-chance from the resulting corner, but he can only head his effort high and wide of the target.
CHANCE! Fede comes close to moving Valencia ahead once more as he dances towards the edge of the box before lifting an effort towards the top corner, but Beto is across to make a stunning save. End-to-end football with little over 30 minutes of football remaining at the Mestalla.
End-to-end football in the last few moments with neither side too interested in defending. A mistake from Costa allows Vitolo to have a strike on goal, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner, which ends in a free kick for the home side. Valencia are down the other end with Postiga moments later, but he loses control at the vital moment.
Valencia are forced into their first change of the match as the injured Costa, who has been struggling for the last couple of minutes, is replaced by Victor Ruiz. Hardly the change that Dukic would have wanted to make at this stage of proceedings. Which manager will move first to introduce an attacking option?
Another half-chance for the home side as Pereira is allowed to travel straight through the heart of the Sevilla defence before striking an effort towards goal, but Mbia manages to deflect his effort over the crossbar. The resulting corner is played short to Banega, but the Argentine is denied by a sliding challenge from Cala.
A draw would not really suit either of these two teams this evening. It is understood that Valencia boss Dukic will be under incredible pressure if the home side do not win, possibly leading to a change in management before their next match. Sevilla make their first change of the match moments later as Gameiro is replaced by Cristoforo.
Gameiro is stunned, and he isn't the only one, at being replaced. He holds his hands out to the bench, asking the question. Unai Emery has decided to take off his main striker for a midfielder with more than 20 minutes remaining. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match.
Half-chance for Valencia as Jonas finds Fede inside the box, but Moreno is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. The pressure continues as Banega whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Beto is on hand to collect. Both managers still have two changes remaining if they should wish to alter proceedings in the latter stages.
Fede continues the look the most likely for the home side as he dances into the box before striking an effort towards goal, but it deflects high and wide of the target. The resulting corner eventually falls to Mathieu outside the box, but he loses possession. Vitolo has an effort on the break down the other end, but he fires high and wide of the crossbar.
Valencia make their second change of the evening with Pabon leaving the field for Juan Bernat. Sevilla follow with a change of their own as Rabello replaces Vitolo. End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes with neither side settling for draw. Surely the next goal would be the winner.
GOAL! Valencia 2-1 Sevilla (Jonas)
Valencia lead in the Mestalla! Jonas has his second of the evening as Pereira finds the Brazilian outside the box. He takes one touch before curling his effort into the bottom corner. What a strike and what a moment to provide that piece of quality.
A lot of responsibility on the shoulders of Jonas this season with Roberto Soldado departing in the summer and he has answered those calls this evening. But is it the last of the scoring? Sevilla certainly have the ability on the counter with the pace of Marin, Jairo & Co.
Sevilla make their third change of the match moments later as Mbia is replaced by Bacca. The decision to remove Gameiro seems stranger with each passing moment. A deep cross from Jairo threatens the home side moments later, but Ruiz manages to clear before Coke fires high and wide from outside the box.
Valencia make their third and final change of the evening as Canales comes on to replace Jonas, who has run himself into the ground this evening. He might have secured his side all three points and kept Dukic's job in the process. Little over 10 minutes for Sevilla to turn this one around in the Mestalla.
GOAL! Valencia 3-1 Sevilla (Ruiz)
Valencia have their third of the evening as Ruiz heads a Banega cross into the back of the net from a difficult angle. Canales had missed a golden chance moments before, but now the home side surely have their second three points of the season.
Sevilla attempt to respond as Jairo collects possession outside the box before delivering a cross towards Bacca, but Alves comes to collect. Stunning atmosphere inside the Mestalla as Valencia move closer to a vital three points. Sevilla, meanwhile, will remain rooted to the bottom of the table. Unai Emery is surely under serious pressure.
Half-chance for Postiga as the Portuguese finds a pocket of space inside the box before attempting to strike an effort on goal, but he cannot make proper contact. Marin is down the other end moments later as he moves past Ruiz, but the offside flag is raised. Little over two minutes of football remaining in this vital La Liga encounter.
Fede continues to cause problems to Sevilla with a series of mazy runs into the box, but he has been unable to find the target despite a couple of decent opportunities. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the end of the match.
It has not been the start to the season that Valencia would have wanted, but they have shown real character this evening. Defeat here could have cost Dukic his job, but now everyone will be feeling a lot better about themselves. For Sevilla - they are still looking for their first win of the season. Little over one minute of stoppage time remaining at the Mestalla.
FULL TIME: Valencia 3-1 Sevilla
So there we have it. Valencia pick up a vital three points courtesy of a brace from Jonas and a second-half header from Ruiz. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us tomorrow from 8.30pm for Espanyol against Athletic Bilbao. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
