Valencia: César; Miguel (Dealbert 13'),
Maduro, Alexis, Jordi Alba; Baraja (Manuel Fernandes 84'), Banega;
Joaquín, David Silva, Mata (Pablo Hernández 76'); David Villa.
4-2-3-1.
Málaga: Munúa; Manolo Gaspar,
Orozco, Iván González, Manu Torres; Juanito, Xavi Torres
(Apoño 46'); Valdo, Baha, Javi López (Fernando 52'); Obinna
(Caicedo 34'). 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
1-0. 13. David Villa. Fired shot wide of Munúa
after Mata laid ball across.
Yellow cards: Valdo 18', Baraja 20', Maduro 44', Manu 56', Apoño 72', Obinna 81', Alba 86', Caicedo 88'.
Although the top two are already way out of reach, Valencia are now strong favourites for the third Champions League spot after a 1-0 win over Málaga on Wednesday. David Villa got what was to prove the only goal with just under a quarter of an hour on the clock, turning the ball past Munúa after Mata crossed in from the left. Baraja headed wide soon afterwards, but Baha went close a couple of times at the other end before the break. Munúa was called upon though to keep out Jordi Alba and Baraja either side of half time, and Silva could have added to the lead after the restart, a first strike sailing just past the post and a second ruled out for a previous foul by Banega.