Villarreal Game Will Be Special - David Albelda

Valencia against Villarreal this weekend is arguably the biggest match of the weekend, and for David Albelda, it takes on extra significance, as he has played with both clubs.

The midfielder was on loan at El Submarino Amarillo for two seasons before establishing himself at Valencia and today, he declared the match 'special', before discussing the importance of it.

"We take it as a game more, with the intention to win and to move seven points clear of them. That would be a crucial gap with a team also competing for the Champions League places," he mused.

"Villarreal are a Champions League team though, and they have a good foundation. They are doing very well and their progress is noted, I believe it will be a very difficult match."

Valencia will certainly be favourites for the match though, even more so when one takes into account that Marcos Senna is suspended.

Albelda praised the Spaniard today, describing him as "important and giving a lot to the Villarreal midfield", but said that even without them they are a "great team and will be just as tough".

Miguel Misery

Naturally, Albelda was also questioned about the Copa Del Rey clash with Racing Santander last night, which saw both Vicente and Miguel sent off towards the end.

The experienced midfielder could not comment on the first dismissal, but was clear in his thoughts regarding Miguel's dismissal.

"The sending off of Vicente I cannot talk about because I was on the bench, but the referee must have seen it clearly," he declared.

"As for Miguel, his attitude afterwards cannot be justified, but it come after two refereeing errors; neither were fouls and certainly not cards.

"Miguel was annoyed that he was sent off without doing anything. Everyone in football knows these things happen and will continue to happen."

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com

Emery Relishes Valencia's Win Over Atletico Madrid

Unai Emery is optimistic about the future of Valencia, after praising their team dynamic following the 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid.

Speaking after the match, Emery said, "After our training during the week, I knew that we would have enough intensity to push for the win, and that is what we did."

Continuing, Emery added, "Atletico were not able to play because of our intensity, and the result is more a reflection of our merits than their mistakes. In the last two games we have given a good impression, as we always have except for the losses to Barcelona and Real Madrid. We played well at home and there was good chemistry with the fans."

Emery then praised his team's fitness levels, stating that the defensive work and man marking of the players was exemplary. He singled out David Silva, Miguel and Hedwiges Maduro for particular praise.

Finally, Emery spoke of Valencia's chances of winning the title: "All we can do is keep playing, and hope Barcelona slip up. On current form, I don't know if that will happen."

Arjun Miglani

Pertahankan posisi puncakmu El Che !!!

Senin, 27/10/2008 | 02:11 WIB

Main Seri, Valencia Kembali ke Puncak

MADRID, MINGGU - Valencia kembali ke puncak klasemen Liga BBVA Spanyol setelah bermain imbang lawan tuan rumah Recreativo Huelva, Minggu (26/10). Striker David Villa kembali menjadi pahlawan bagi Los Che karena golnya menyamakan skor 1-1 di babak kedua.

Setelah bermain tanpa gol di babak pertama, Javier Camunas membawa Recreativo unggul pada menit ke-47. Tendangannya membelah pertahanan Valencia dan melesat ke gawang Renan.

Villa menyamakannya 15 menit kemudian. Tandukan Juan Mata ditepis kiper Asier Risego, tapi Villa menyambar bola dan menyelamatkan timnya dari kekalahan.

Dengan hasil ini, Valencia untuk sementara menjadi tim yang belum terkalahkan hingga pekan ke-8. Sevilla yang sebelumnya tidak pernah kalah justru menyerah di tangan tamunya Malaga. Gol Malaga diciptakan oleh Adriano Lopez pada menit ke-18. Adriano sebetulnya diusir wasit pada menit ke-66, tapi Sevilla gagal menyamakan skor.

Hingga berita ini diturunkan Villarreal yang juga belum kalah masih menjamu Atletico Madrid. Villarreal sementara unggul 3-2 setelah tertinggal 0-2 dari Atletico yang bermain dengan sepuluh pemain.

Susunan pemain:
Recreativo: 13-Asier Riesgo; 20-Poli, 4-César Arzo, 2-Nasief Morris, 5-Iago Bouzon; 24-Javi Fuego, 10-Antonio Jesus Vazquez, 21-Aitor Tornavaca, 8-Javier Camunas; 18-Marco Rubén, 23-Javi Guerrero
Valencia: 13-Renan; 20-Alexis, 4-Raul Albiol, 24-Emiliano Moretti, 23-Miguel; 18-Manuel Fernandes, 6-David Albelda, 16-Mata, 17-Joaquín; 7-David Villa, 10-Miguel Ángel Angulo (14-Vicente 56)