Valencia 0 - Sevilla 2

Valencia: Cañizares; Caneira (Kluivert 56'), Ayala, Marchena, Fabio Aurelio; Albelda, Baraja (Hugo Viana 81'); Angulo, Aimar, Vicente; David Villa. 4-2-3-1.
Sevilla: Palop; Daniel Alves, Javi Navarro, Aitor Ocio, David; Fernando Sales, Martí, Maresca, Adriano (Antonio Puerta 73'); Luis Fabiano (Kepa 63'), Saviola (Jordi 83'). 4-4-2.

Team changes: Valencia: Fabio Aurelio for Moretti / Sevilla: Fernando Sales, Martí for Jesús Navas, Renato.

Goals:
0-1. 19. Luis Fabiano. Got on the end of Adriano cross to back-heel into net.
0-2. 47. Ayala (own goal). Turned ball in to own net trying to clear Alves cross.

Valencia started their game against Sevilla with the possibility of moving to the top of the table, but in the end they dropped below their opponents to ninth after a disappointing 0-2 defeat. After the controversy over Barcelona's declarations of "the Catalan speaking countries", the Chés decided to make their own protest, turning out in their second strip in the colours of their local community as a statement that they are in fact "Valenciana" and not Catalan. Some say though that the shirts are unlucky, and despite a dozen or so shots at goal they were unable to beat an excellent Andrés Palop, who was applauded by the local fans on his return to the Mestalla stadium.

With a victory against Real Madrid under their belts Quique Flores's side came in to the game with confidence, but they were unable to get going and fell behind when Luis Fabiano scored with Sevilla's first encroachment into their opponents' half. Inspired by Aimar, Valencia finally started to put some moves together, but Fabio Aurelio shot wide and Aimar himself headed another chance over the top.

Just two minutes after the restart though Sevilla went two up after Ayala headed a Daniel Alves past his own keeper trying to clear. Quique Flores threw on Kluivert who tested Palop soon afterwards, but the keeper was on great form and even David Villa (who has a reputation for scoring against Sevilla) could not beat him. With the table wide open, Valencia are still only one point away from third placed Barcelona, but they must be ruing a lost opportunity to open a gap on their nearest rivals. Sevilla meanwhile continue their centenary celebrations, and they still have not lost since their 100th anniversary.