Valencia CF drew 2-2 with Deportivo Alavés on Matchday 18 of the LALIGA EA Sports season, with Dani Gómez equalizing late to secure the point for the home side. This match showcased both teams fighting for territory but also highlighted the struggles facing Valencia as they push to avoid relegation.
The game began negatively for Valencia when Carlos Martín opened the scoring for Alavés just seven minutes in, hooking up with Kike García to slot home past goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski. Valencia looked to recover, but chances were limited initially as André Almeida’s shot from the edge of the area soared over the crossbar.
Alavés continued to apply pressure, with Stoichkov managing to get close from point-blank range, but Dimitrievski was equal to the challenge, providing excellent goalkeeping to keep the scoreline unchanged. The first half approached its conclusion with managerial adjustments required for Valencia; coach Rúben Baraja substituted Fran Pérez due to injury, bringing on Sergi Canós to try and revitalize the attack.
After the interval, Valencia began to show greater determination. Hugo Duro made strides forward and attempted to beat Alavés goalkeeper Antonio Sivera, who was injured during the clash, leading to the substitution of Jesús Owono. Momentum shifted as Valencia was awarded a penalty after Owono fouled Diego López inside the box. Luis Rioja, with nerves of steel, made no mistake from the spot, equalizing the match at 1-1.
Valencia strove to take the lead, intensified by their goal. They combated well against Alavés but were again booby-trapped when Joan Jordán converted the second penalty for Alavés, handing them the lead at 2-1 after Cristhian Mosquera was penalized. Despite trailing once more, Valencia was not ready to capitulate. They pushed hard, creating several opportunities as the match raced to its thrilling conclusion.
It wasn’t until stoppage time when Dani Gómez leveled the score with relentless grit, slotting home from close range. This late surge reflected Valencia's determination not to succumb to defeat, but at the same time, it signaled the dissatisfaction felt within the squad about merely sharing the points. After the match, Luís Rioja expressed frustration about the outcome; "We deserved more. When we were at our best we conceded, and we have to take the three points at home." His sentiment conveyed the urgency felt within the team amid their struggles.
Captain Dmitri Foulquier added, "A point is not enough, but with pride and heart, we pulled level twice to avoid defeat. It's tough, but this is not over. We will keep fighting." His remarks encapsulated the fight within the Valencia squad as they continue to grapple with positioning outside the relegation zone.
Despite the draw, Valencia’s performance has shown glimpses of improvement, as noted by the ability to claw back from losing positions, returning to the creative styles they’re known for. The team remains focused on accumulating points as they prepare for their next league challenge against Real Madrid at Mestalla on January 3rd, aiming to build on the last-minute equalizer against Alavés as they head toward the new year.
Match Stats: VALENCIA CF: Dimitrievski; Foulquier, Cristhian Mosquera, Yarek Gasiorowski, Luis Rioja, Javi Guerra (Pepelu, 78’), Enzo Barrenechea (Dani Gómez, 78’), Fran Pérez (Sergi Canós, 44’), Diego López, André Almeida, Hugo Duro. DEPORTIVO ALAVES: Sivera (Owono, 53’), Pica (Sedlar, 80’), Abqar, Diarra, Manu Sanchez, Blanco, Joan, Carlos Vicente, Guridi (Stoichkov, 19’), Kike García, Carlos Martín (Conechny, 81’). GOALS: Carlos Martín (7’), Luis Rioja (70’), Joan Jordán (87’).
