Valencia welcomed Sevilla to the Mestalla on Saturday looking to continue their recent turnaround in form in La Liga.
A drab opening period brought few chances for either side, but the deadlock was eventually broken by Roberto Soldado in the early stages of the second half.
Chances remained at a premium in the latter stages of the second period, but Soldado wrapped up the points with a header in the final minute.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute of the live commentary below.
Evening all! Our final La Liga commentary of the evening comes from Valencia as the home side welcome Sevilla to the Mestalla. Both of these sides were tipped for the top four at the start of the season, but each has had their fair share of struggles. Valencia appear to have turned it around in recent weeks, however, and enter the match as the favourites.
Valencia have suffered just one defeat in their last five matches in all competitions, a run of form that has elevated them into the top half of the table. Meanwhile, they booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with victory over Osasuna on Tuesday. Their big players have started firing and therefore they will be confident ahead of the second part of the season.
Sevilla, meanwhile, have endured a torrid season thus far. They sit just five points behind their opponents this evening, but nine behind the top four. They also secured their spot in the next round of the Copa del Rey against Real Mallorca on Wednesday, but they have won just one of their last three matches in the league.
TEAMS:
VALENCIA: Alves; Costa, Rami, Pereira, Albelda; Guardado, Banega, Parejo, Piatti; Jonas, Soldado
SEVILLA: Lopez; Navarro, Spahic, Fazio, Cicinho; Reyes, Rakitic, Medel, Kondogbia, Navas; Negredo
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a quick note on the team news. Valencia have almost a fully-fit squad to choose from and spring no surprises. Meanwhile, Sevilla continue with Alvaro Negredo as their lone striker. He will be flanked by Jesus Navas and Jose Antonio Reyes. The away side get the action underway.
Decent start from the home side with Banega and Dani Parejo seeing plenty of the possession in the midfield area. The latter attempts to find the run of Roberto Soldado down the left, but Fazio comes across to clear the danger. Really good atmosphere inside the stadium this evening.
Neither team has really settled inside the opening moments with both exchanging spells of possession. Valencia create the first half-chance of the match as Albelda works the ball short to Guardado, who fires a cross into the box. However, the danger is collected by Diego Lopez.
Confident football from Sevilla as Negredo comes short before spinning behind the Valencia defence, but the final pass from Navas is just short of the desired target. Valencia take hold of possession before working the ball through midfield, however, Dani Parejo cannot gather and it drifts out for a goal kick.
Sloppy defending from the home side allows Sevilla to mount a slight bit of pressure as Navas and Negredo pass and probe along the edge of the box, but Valencia get numbers back and the away side are forced into a wider position. Still no real chances for either side inside the opening eight minutes.
The first real half-chance of the match comes to Rakitic as the Croatian midfielder strikes a powerful effort from the edge of the box, but Rami throws his body in the way to block the danger. Banega attempts to find the run of Soldado down the other end, but Spahic is across to clear.
It's really bright football from the home side as Jonas slides a pass behind the Sevilla defence towards Piatti, but Fazio just comes across to clear the danger at the vital moment. The resulting corner is taken by Banega, but Diego Costa can only knee his effort over the crossbar.
Half-chance down the other end as Navas collects possession out wide before driving into the penalty area and releasing a low strike towards the near post, but Alves gets down well to gather the danger. There is a really nice tempo to the opening stages of this match. However, we await the first goal with 14 minutes on the clock.
The away supporters are making the noise at the moment as they attempt to drive their side forward. It has been a really tight opening to this match with both teams offering signs of encouragement. Again Sevilla attack down the right with Navas, but once more his cross is collected by Alves.
I should imagine that there are a large number of European scouts inside the ground this evening. According to Sky Sports News, an unnamed Italian club have made a bid for Sevilla defender Cicinho. Meanwhile, a host of English clubs have been linked with both Soldado and Negredo. It will be interesting to see where they are located at the end of the January window.
Half-chance for the home side as Guardado finds some room in the Sevilla penalty area, but the Mexican attempts one pass too many and the danger is forced clear. Sevilla launch a counter attack down the other end, but Negredo is felled by Albelda. Little under 20 minutes of football played at the Mestalla.
Another half-chance for Valencia as Guardado advances down the left before firing a cross into the penalty area, but Fazio just beats Soldado to the header. In keeping with the end-to-end nature of the match, Negredo threatens down the other end, but the Spaniard cannot make contract with a Navas cross.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes with both sides exchanging spells of possession in midfield. We are still waiting for the first real chance of this particular encounter. However, the quality of the football has been impressive thus far as we surpass the midway point in the opening half.
Jonas is again the player involved for Valencia as the Brazilian dances past two defenders before driving into the penalty box, but his final touch is just too heavy and Lopez is out to collect the danger. A high pass is fired towards Negredo down the other end, but he is penalised for a foul on Rami.
Decent spell for Sevilla in the past couple of moments as the away side force two corners in quick succession. However, the first is headed clear by Albelda before a free kick is awarded during the second. Both sets of players were holding in the penalty area. That is the lack of consistency that frustrates managers and players alike.
The referee is not really helping this match as he continues to award free kicks for slight incidents. The tempo of the match will certainly suit Sevilla more than Valencia. Neither team has really taken control of the midfield thus far. The ball has spent more time in the air than on the ground in the last few moments.
Both of these teams have players more than capable of getting on the ball and dictating the possession. However, that has not been the case thus far. Navas remains the bright spark for Sevilla as he attacks down the right, but once more his cross is gathered by Alves. In fairness to the Spaniard he has just one target in the penalty area.
It's bright play from the home side as Parejo combines with Jonas on the edge of the penalty area before the latter is felled by Navarro, but the referee waves play on. Sevilla collect possession, but they have been unable to put together a passing sequence since the very early stages. Meanwhile, Soldado is taking a break here as he receives treatment.
That just about sums up the opening 36 minutes of this match as Jonas attempts to strike an effort on the volley, only to see the ball hit his standing foot and roll out of play. However, Sevilla's lack of ability on the ball allows the home side to gather possession once more. Little under 10 minutes of the half remaining.
Kondogbia continues to mop up the danger as he sits in front of the Sevilla defence. He has marked Jonas out of the match thus far. Meanwhile, it appears that the home side are preparing a change, although it is not yet clear who has the problem. Soldado did appear to be struggling following that earlier challenge.
Half-chance for the home side as Spahic brings down Banega outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Tino Costa - who has just replaced the injured Parejo - but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Valencia are certainly the side in the ascendancy as we enter the latter stages of the half, but neither team has really threatened to open the scoring thus far. It is the type of match where one goal could be enough to secure the points. Both managers parade the touchline in order to gather their thoughts.
Rami attempts to take matters into his own hands as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but Lopez was always comfortable in dealing with the danger. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of time at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Valencia 0-0 Sevilla
So there we have it. The referee blows his whistle to bring the first period to an end. In truth, it has not been a classic with both teams struggling to create clear opportunities. Sevilla will be the happier of the two sides at the interval.
As it stands Valencia would remain in eighth position in the table, but just three points behind the top four. Meanwhile, Sevilla would remain in 12th. I suspect that if you offered the away side a point at this stage then they would be more than happy to take it.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Valencia have shaded the possession with 59%, while they have managed five attempts to Sevilla's one. That said, neither team has registered a single shot on target which tells you everything that you need to know.
In case you missed the earlier results, let me bring you up-to-date with today's Spanish action. Real Valladolid were 3-1 winners in the early kickoff against Real Mallorca, before Espanyol recorded a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo. Real Madrid's struggles also continued as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Osasuna.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. You just get the feeling that the first goal in the match - if there indeed is one - will be vital in terms of the overall result. Valencia get the second half underway.
Early chance for Costa to put a dangerous ball into the Sevilla penalty area as the midfielder stands over a free kick, but his delivery is poor as it drifts straight into the arms of Lopez. The away side's goalkeeper attempts to launch a counter for his side in the shape of Navas, but the winger runs out of pitch down the right.
Valencia continue to dictate the possession in the early stages of the second period as Soldado finds Piatti on the right, but the winger's tame shot is straight at Lopez. The Spanish goalkeeper has not really been tested thus far, but has been very capable with his handling.
GOAL! Valencia 1-0 Sevilla (Soldado)
Valencia finally open the scoring as Rami flicks a near-post corner towards Soldado, who simply cannot miss from close range. It would not have been any other player in that position. Finally the deadlock is broken at the Mestalla.
Sevilla attempt to launch an immediate response as Navas drives down the left before cutting inside, but he is fouled by Rami. The resulting set piece is taken by Rakitic, but the midfielder cannot beat the first man with his free kick and the danger is cleared. Now Sevilla simply have to raise the tempo.
The opening goal certainly has livened proceedings in this match with both teams attacking with intent and purpose. However, neither has been particularly impressive with their final pass thus far. You just get the feeling that Sevilla need to get more bodies in and around Negredo with the Spanish striker struggling to influence proceedings.
Slightly untidy period to the match in the last few moments with both sides guilty of giving away a host of free kicks. It would not surprise me to see a sending off in the latter stages of this match. Half-chance for Sevilla this time as Rakitic fires a low cross into the box, but it would not fall for Navas.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side to extend their lead as they break on Sevilla with Soldado, the Spanish striker finds Costa in the box, but his effort is blocked by Fazio. What a chance to put this match beyond the away side.
Sevilla attempt to respond as Medel slips a low pass behind the Valencia defence, but Navas is just ruled offside. Meanwhile, it appears that there is some movement on the away side's bench. It is coming to that stage in the match. Soldado wants a penalty as he is bundled over in the box by Fazio, but the referee shakes his head.
Decent possession from Sevilla in the past few moments as they pass and probe outside the Valencia penalty area. However, they just cannot find that final pass once more as the danger is cleared. However, they do make a change as Diego Perotti replaces Cicinho.
Extremely unorthodox goalkeeping from Alves as the Valencia stopper comes to clear with a stooping header just outside his own penalty area. Luckily for the Brazilian it fell to a teammate and not a red shirt. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Soldado's effort is the difference.
In fairness to Sevilla they have responded well since falling behind, although Valencia have slightly retreated in an attempt to hold onto their lead. Meanwhile, the match remains fairly untidy as both teams continue to draw attention from the referee. It has not really been a classic this evening.
Half-chance for the home side as Costa strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the target. That is just about as close as they have come since taking the lead. I just cannot see where another goal is coming from in this match.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few minutes, nor in terms of attacking intent. The ball has spent most of its time in the middle of the field since Valencia took the lead. Kondogbia attempts to force a ball through towards Navas, but once more it fails to reach its target.
Just a reminder that three points for the home side would move them into seventh position in the table. It has not been the prettiest of matches this evening, but they will not mind if they pick up another victory. Sevilla attempt to force it once more through Reyes, but Alves comes out to collect possession.
Little under 15 minutes of football remaining and Valencia are about as comfortable as they could ever hope to be. They have taken the sting out of proceedings since taking the lead and Sevilla's petulance is not helping the away side's cause as the referee continues to stop play. It has been such a stop-start second period.
It's good work from Guardado as the Mexican drives down the left before winning a free kick from Medel. The resulting set piece is taken by Costa, but the delivery is poor as the midfielder fails to beat the first man. Sevilla launch a counter attack down the other end, but yet another free kick is awarded.
CHANCE! Best chance of the second period for the away side as Spahic meets a cross from Rakitic, but the defender can only head his effort wide of the post. That was the opportunity to draw level. Meanwhile, Sevilla are forced into a change as the injured Perotti is replaced by Baba Diawara.
It's good defending from Fazio as the Sevilla defender makes a last-ditch challenge in the penalty area to deny Soldado his second. The resulting corner causes problems in the box, but eventually the danger is forced clear. Meanwhile, Valencia make a change as Nelson Valdez replaces Piatti.
Little over five minutes of football remaining and Valencia lead courtesy of the second-half strike from Soldado. Will we have late drama here? Medel has a clear opportunity to strike an effort from the edge of the penalty area, but he fires high and wide of the crossbar. That is in the car park somewhere.
Sevilla make another change as Miroslav Stevanovic replaces Reyes. He has around five minutes to make an impact in this match. However, the away side simply cannot keep possession at the moment as Valencia continue to win free kicks in the opposing half. They are doing a job here.
Valencia continue to pass and probe in the Sevilla half as they play out the final few minutes of this match. There is always a chance of a late strike, but I cannot see where another goal is coming from. Navas threatens down the right once more, but his low cross is cleared by Rami.
CHANCE! Glorious opportunity for the away side as Stevanovic finds himself unmarked in the penalty area, but he fires his effort straight at the goalkeeper. Soldado comes close down the other end as he rounds the goalkeeper, but Medel is on the line to clear the danger.
GOAL! Valencia 2-0 Sevilla (Soldado)
Valencia wrap up the points in the final moments of the match as Soldado meets a corner before thumping his header into the back of the net. Another brace for the Spaniard. Meanwhile, they make their final change as Parejo is replaced by Victor Ruiz.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the end of the match. Sevilla attempt to respond as Medel fires a high cross into the penalty area, but Rami - who has been brilliant this evening - clears the danger.
Not a great deal to get excited about in the final couple of minutes with Valencia comfortably keeping possession in their own half. Just a reminder that this victory will move them into seventh position in the table. They will feel confident ahead of the latter part of the season.
FULL-TIME: Valencia 2-0 Sevilla
So there we have it. Soldado scores twice as Valencia pick up all three points. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. That is just about it from me. Good evening.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
