Valencia Struggles Turned to Victory in a Narrow Win
Valencia had not recorded a win since the World Cup break, but the squad managed to beat Real Sociedad this Saturday thanks to a costly own goal by Zubeldia in the 40th minute during its second league match back. Ruben Dam sat on the bench for the hosts.
The match opened with Valencia pressing high. Zubimendi picked up a yellow card just four minutes in for interrupting Almeida on a counterattack, a moment that stirred the home crowd. Remiro was tested on the left side and by Lato, who started because Gayà was out injured. Valencia created the first real threat with a widening cross from Guillamón that unsettled Real Sociedad’s defense, while Rico fired a sharp effort that Mamardashvili saved in two halves. Oyarzabal followed with a effort that was cleared by the Valencia keeper.
Rubén Baraja’s team began to settle into a more mature game as Imanol Alguacil’s players looked to finish quickly on the counter. Valencia gradually started to dominate the ball under the leadership of Almeida, who controlled the tempo in front of a tense Mestalla crowd that directed chants at the major shareholder Peter Lim in the 19th minute.
Five minutes after the timeout, Valencia surged forward again. Yunus fired a powerful shot and Hugo Duro sent a header at Remiro, with Lino timely placing a ball into the danger zone. Zubeldia attempted to clear but inadvertently redirected the ball into his own net, giving Valencia the lead.
The tempo remained intense as Valencia continued pressing. A notable moment came when a cross from Lino found space for a shot that hit the post after a clever combination with Vázquez and Lato. Valencia kept up the pressure seeking a second goal to secure the result.
The game carried a sense of urgency, and the atmosphere in the stadium reflected the stakes. Valencia pressed with purpose, aiming to tighten their grip on the match while Real Sociedad looked for openings on the break. The scoreboard would show the eventual decisive moment and the tension of a side fighting to climb out of the relegation zone, while Real Sociedad sought a reaction through set pieces and quick transitions.
The match continued with real drama as the second half began. Mamardashvili made a brilliant save to deny Le Normand from a corner, and shortly after the referee awarded a penalty for Valencia after a handball in the box. The decision was reviewed by the VAR and the spot kick stood, maintaining the home side’s one goal advantage. Valencia immediately pushed for a second, with Castillejo testing Remiro from range and a follow up corner that Re-aimed pressure from the black and white side in the pursuit of another goal.
The fatigue of a long season began to show in Baraja’s team, yet the press remained relentless. Valencia’s intensity forced bookings for several players as the match wore on, and Baraja rotated his squad to preserve energy for late pushes. Jesús Vázquez introduced himself with presence, forcing a sharp save from Remiro after a tough first touch, and his goal aroma hinted at the endgame. A powerful strike from Vázquez after a repossession helped Valencia sustain the siege as they looked to seal the result late on.
Valencia withstood the late onslaught and eventually saw out the seven extra minutes to confirm victory. The result reflected a hard fought victory for a team desperate to move away from the bottom of the table. The victory added three points and breathed life into Valencia as they navigated a demanding run of fixtures.
Data sheet:
1 – Valencia: Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Paulista, Diakhaby, Lato; Guillamón, Yunus, Almeida, Linen; Castillejo, Hugo Duro. Substitutes used: Generous, Vázquez, Ilaix, Cenk, Thierry.
0 – Real Sociedad: Remiro; Barrenechea, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Rico; Brais Méndez, Zubimendi, Take Kubo, Merino; Oyarzabal. Substitutes used: Sola, Illarra, Carlos Fdez, Aihen, etc.
Aim: 1-0, Zubeldia own goal at 40.
Referee: Hernández Hernández. Cautions: Valencia players Foulquier, Yunus, Castillejo, Lato, Mamardashvili; visitors Zubimendi and Rico. Attendance: 37,465 at Mestalla.
Note of the day: The match was reported by Movistar Plus on social media during the broadcast, capturing the tense atmosphere at Mestalla as Valencia secured a crucial win.