UEFA Europa League

Lille 1 - Valencia 1

Lille: Butelle; Beria, Rami, Chedjou, Emerson; Dumont; Hazard, Balmont (Mavuba 75'), Obraniak, Aubameyang (Frau 63'); Vittek (Gervinho 68'). 4-1-4-1.
Valencia: César; Bruno, David Navarro, Maduro, Mathieu; Joaquín, Albelda, Míchel, Jordi Alba (Mata 76'); Miku (Banega 66'), Zigic (David Villa 82'). 4-4-2.

Goals:
0-1. 78. Mata. Steered angled shot past Butelle after good run by Joaquín.
1-1. 85. Gervinho. Ran on to shoot under César after Bruno pass intercepted.

Valencia held Lille to a 1-1 draw in the opening game of the new Europa League, a good start in what is a particularly strong group. An on-form Joaquín hit the bar early on, but César had to be on his toes to keep out Vittek and Hazard a few minutes later.

The new goal judges were in evidence for the first time, and Dumont had a strike disallowed for offside, albeit that it was the referee who ruled it out rather than the man behind the goal.

Joaquín hit the side netting on another attack after the restart, and with twelve minutes to go the ex Betis winger produced a good run which ended with a through ball for Mata to open the scoring. Seven minutes later though Bruno's pass was charged down by Mavuba, and Gervinho ran on to equalise.