Valencia claimed victory over Girona in a dramatic opening clash, with Carlos Soler converting a late first-half penalty to put the home side in front. The match took a turn early in the second period when Girona were reduced to ten men after a controversial decision reviewed by the video assistant referee. From there, Valencia controlled the tempo and seized the initiative, ultimately securing the 1-0 result through sustained pressure and clinical finishing from the spot.
In the first half, Valencia pressed high and created several meaningful moments around the Girona goal. Although they did not register a clear scoring chance in the opening minutes, Valencia frequently threatened Juan Carlos’s goal as their guests sought to counter on the break. The opening exchanges favored the hosts, who dictated the rhythm while Girona attempted to exploit gaps on the counterattack.
Valencia’s new recruit Samuel Lino showed flashes on the left flank, delivering dangerous deliveries and probing the Girona defense. Samu Castillejo linked well in attack and orchestrated a composed buildup that culminated in a promising sequence for Jesús Vázquez. A low strike from Castillejo was blocked by a cautious Girona rear-guard and ultimately stopped by Juan Carlos, who gathered the ball with little fuss.
A vivid atmosphere surrounded Mestalla as Valencia probed for the breakthrough, with Soler and Yunus sweeping into advanced positions to threaten the Girona goal. Valencia’s approach paid off just before halftime when Soler earned a penalty via a skillful run and a contact from Valery. The resulting spot kick was dispatched decisively, giving Valencia a deserved lead as the interval approached.
The second half opened with a pivotal moment as Cömert was shown a red card following a review in video arbitration. The decision altered the match dynamics, with Valencia reshaping to a compact 5-3-1 shape to absorb Girona’s pressure. Castillejo remained a central figure, supported by defenders including Foulquier, Mosquera, and Diakhaby as Valencia shifted to a more defensive structure while maintaining counter-attacking potential.
Girona instantly looked to capitalize on the extra man, adjusting their approach to push more players forward. They sought an equalizer through sustained pressure and intelligent movement, though the final ball often evaded their forwards. Aleix García tested Mamardashvili with a powerful effort in the 71st minute after a well-worked build-up, signaling Girona’s intent to level the scores even as Valencia remained dangerous on the break.
With the game opening up, Valencia added freshness through substitutions, notably Nico González entering the fray to inject pace and width on the wings. Girona continued to press, trying to find the necessary breakthrough as the clock ticked down. Yet Valencia remained organized, defending resolutely and countering effectively to frustrate the visitors. The match eventually settled on a 1-0 scoreline as the home side clung to their lead through the closing minutes and into stoppage time.
The Catalan side dominated possession in the later stages, seeking an equalizer with crosses and patient buildup, but their forwards could not convert the opportunities created. Girona’s urgency was clear as they searched for a late, decisive moment that would change the outcome, but Valencia held firm, sealing the result amid a tense finish.
Data sheet:
Valencia: Mamardashvili, Thierry Correia, Generous, Diakhaby, Jesús Vázquez (Lato, m.73), Hugo Guillamón, Musah, Carlos Soler (Foulquier, m.62), Samu Castillejo (Maxi Gómez, m.73), Hugo Duro (Cami, m.73), Samuel Lino (Nico, m.73).
Girona: Juan Carlos, Yan Couto (Arnau, m.82), Bueno, David López (Stuani, m.62), Juampe, Valery (Gutiérrez, m.62), Aleix García, Terrats (Yangel Herrera, m.74), Sanu Saiz (Ureña, m.62), Castellanos, Riquelme.
Aim: 1-0, m.45: Carlos Soler from the penalty spot.
Judge: Figueroa Vázquez (Andalusian committee). The official cautioned Thierry (art. 56) and Jesús Vázquez for Valencia, and Yan Couto (art. 14), Samu Sáiz (art. 44) and Valery (art. 45) for Girona. Yerli Cömert received a red card (art. 51) following a direct review.
Attendance: 39,359 spectators witnessed the encounter, which featured a notable moment when Valencia captain José Luis Gayà applauded after a penalty handball dispute from the previous campaign, drawing a standing ovation in the 14th minute.