Friday, May 18th, 2012
Valencia earned a hard-fought 3 points here as they beat Almería 2-1, who had new coach Jose Luis Oltra in charge of his first game since being appointed. Both of the goals from Los Che were of the highest quality and Unai Emery will be pleased with the attacking link-up.
The attacking confidence they had gained in the midweek 6-1 battering of Bursaspor was quite prevalent, as they attacked straight from the off. Juan Mata, who was in the thick of all his side’s play this evening, made a run down the wing before crossing in for Joaquin who couldn’t get much control on his effort that went over the bar.
Almería came at them soon after though, as Miguel Corona saw his free-kick go narrowly over. The game was becoming end to end, and Ricardo Costa saw his header superbly saved by Diego Alves.
Soon after, it was the hosts who took the lead in a classy manner – Soldado plucked the ball out of the air and got it under control, turned his man then stabbed home superbly. It was a wonderful solo effort, showing great tenacity and technique.
Corona’s set pieced deliveries were always a problem, and Henok Goitom nearly scored from one but saw his header turned over the bar.
Mata was again terrorizing the visitors via the flanks, and his cross was headed by Soldado at goal but tipped over by Alves.
The usually lively Pablo Piatti had the first decent effort of the 2nd half, as he dazzled through the midfield to unleash a long range shot which went slightly wide.
Just after the hour mark however, Piatti’s team were to find themselves further behind. It was a goal of superb team work, as Vicente Guaita’s long goal kick was flicked on by Aduriz who used his back to find Joaquin, the winger then drove on before passing to Aduriz who crossed low for Mata who back heeled the ball into Soldado, and the finish was easy. A truly wonderful goal, which you’d happily watch over and over…
Despite being the two goals down, Almería continued to scrap for every loose ball and got a reward for their endeavour as substitute José Ulloa headed in Hernan Bernardello’s cross in the last minute of the game.
Plenty of sings of encouragement for the Andalucían team so they need not be too downhearted, as Oltra clearly had an effect on the players this week in terms of getting them to battle for every inch.
FT: Valencia 2 (Soldado 26, 63) – Almería 1 (Ulloa 90+)
Tags: Almeria, La Liga, Soldado, Tino Costa, Valencia
