Valencia: Guaita; Bruno, David Navarro (Banega
53'), Dealbert, Mathieu (Jordi Alba 77'); Joaquín, Mehmet Topal, Tino
Costa, Mata; Jonas (Aduríz 74'), Soldado. 4-4-2.
Sevilla:
Javi Varas; Alexis, Fazio, Escudé, Dabo; Jesús Navas,
Medel (Zokora 78'), Rakitic, Perotti (Diego Capel 94'); Kanouté, Negredo
(Renato 92'). 4-4-2.
Goals:
0-1. 70. Rakitic. Beat Guaita with angled shot after
Negredo shot blocked.
Yellow cards: Alexis 20', Bruno 48', Joaquín 89'.
Valencia drop to fourth in the table, behind Villarreal on goal difference, after the Chés were beaten 0-1 by Sevilla on Sunday evening. Despite the scoreline it was an entertaining game, with the two keepers the busiest men on the field. In the opening minutes Guaita pushed a wide Navas cross on to the bar, and Javi Varas did well to keep out Soldado. Negredo fired a shot against the post and Jonas failed to find the net when free on goal, and after the restart Varas pushed an effort from Mata on to the bar and then made first class saves from Soldado, Jonas and Tino Costa. The only goal though when Rakitic beat Guaita after Negredo's previous shot was blocked, and only another good save from the local keeper prevented Negredo from making it two late on. The win takes the Andalusians up to seventh, level with Athletic in the table.