Last-Minute Llorente Penalty Sinks Valencia

Last-Minute Llorente Penalty Sinks Valencia

Athletic Bilbao 3-2 Valencia

Valencia travelled to San Mames tonight to face in-form Athletic Bilbao hoping to keep in touch with Sevilla and Real Madrid in the race for second place.

Realistically, with Barcelona’s fantastic form, second place is the best Los Che could hope for but it would be an incredible turnaround from the disaster of last season. Coach Unai Emery opted for Fernando Morientes to partner David Villa upfront.

Meanwhile, Bilbao are unbeaten in eight matches and coach Joaquin Caparros has been waxing lyrical, saying the rest of the league are running scared from his Basque side. Fernando Llorente one again started up front, looking to continue his excellent scoring run.

But it was the visitors that made all the early running and Valencia took the lead within two minutes, thanks once again to David Villa. The prolific forward ran onto a through pass from Mata and coolly slotted past Iraizoz to give his side a dream start.

However Bilbao’s current form has given them a belief that was missing at the start of the season, and they quickly drew level. David Lopez did brilliantly to get to the by-line and float a teasing cross into the area that was met by Gabilondo who confidently nodded home.

It was end to end stuff in the first half, and Valencia responded to going behind superbly, quickly regaining the lead. Once again David Villa was involved, sliding the ball across the goal to Fernando Morientes who had the simple task of tapping home. 2-1 to the away side.

But Bilbao just don’t accept defeat at the moment, and they once again levelled things up. Just before half-time, David Lopez swung in a dangerous delivery and this time Javi Martinez headed home, right on half-time.

After the thrilling first half, the second period was always going to have less incident, and despite the best efforts of both sides a winning appeared unlikely to come.

But in the last minute, Javier Martinez was brought down by Manuel Fernandes and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Fernandes was sent off, collecting his second yellow for the foul, and it had to be Fernando Llorente to step up and calmly score past Renan to give Bilbao yet another fantastic victory.

No defeat in nine now for the Basque side – from bottom in October to potential European challengers – its been quite a turnaround for Caparros’ side.

Goals:
Athletic Bilbao:
Gabilondo (17’), Javi Martinez (42’), Llorente (90’)

Valencia:
Villa (2’), Morientes (30’)

Teams:
Athletic: Iraizoz, Ocio, Del Campo, Iraola, Martinez,Orbaiz, Lopez, Ustaritz, Gabilondo, Velez, Llorente

Valencia: Renan, Maduro, Marchena, Moretti, Angulo, Albelda, Fernandes, Mata, Joaquin, Villa, Morientes

Valencia And Villarreal Share Six Goal Thriller

Valencia and Villarreal provided a tremendous spectacle on Saturday night, but neither side could claim the three points.

Unai Emery decided to use David Albelda as a makeshift right-back, following the suspension of Miguel. Otherwise, Los Che lined up as expected.

Villarreal, meanwhile, kept Robert Pires on the bench, granting Ariel Ibagaza a start. Guiseppe Rossi and Joseba Llorente were paired together up front.

First Half

These derbies are never short of incident, and it only took two minutes for this one to ignite. With the first attack of the game, Joaquín's cross from the left found Rubén Baraja, who headed home with ease to give Valencia a dream start. By contrast, it was the last thing a struggling Villarreal side needed.

They were down but not out though, as Ibagaza almost equalized instantly. His chip nearly caught Renan out, but the keeper managed to tip over the bar. A melee ensued from the resulting corner, but Valencia somehow managed to clear off the line.

Villarreal were coming back into the game, but all such plans were abruptly halted on ten minutes, when Valencia got their second. Albelda played David Villa in on the right, and El Guaje faked before shooting in at the near post, thus compounding the Yellow Submarines' misery.

Despite the scoreline, Villarreal continued to look lively, albeit without any end product. After a brief lull in play, the game exploded again on 37 minutes. First, Llorente headed down Joan Capdevila's cross, but it was cleared off the line after Renan missed. Valencia then went immediately up the other end and nearly scored, but David Silva's shot from ten yards out flied over after hitting the bar.

On the stroke of half-time, Valencia thought they had a third, only to see the ball come back agonizingly off the post, as Juan Mata flicked on from Villa's cross. That was not the end of the action, however, as Villarreal mounted one final attack, and scored.

With mere seconds remaining on the clock, the visitors earned a corner, which found its way to Fabricio Fuentes, who had only come on for the injured Gonzalo, and he duly headed in from six yards, to set up an intriguing second half.

Second Half

Manuel Pellegrini made an immediate change, bringing Edmilson on for Sebastian Eguren, presumably to prevent his side from going a man down. On 52 minutes, Santi Cazorla had a brilliant chance to equalize, but he could only volley Capdevila's cross well wide, with only the keeper to beat from about six yards out.

While there was certainly no shortage of intent in the second half, both sides were finding it harder to create genuine opportunities. The frustration began to show, as a host of rash challenges began to fly in. With about half an hour remaining, Manuel Pellegrini made his last sub, withdrawing Bruno for Pires.

On 66 minutes, Valencia came close when a long throw found it's way to Mata, whose bicycle kick flew just over. Five minutes later, Villa should have sealed the game, but he somehow contrived to tap Siva's cross over the bar.

At the other end, Santi Cazorla wasted another golden opportunity to equalize, although this time Renan rushed out and made a smart save from the attempted chip. It was not to matter though, as the visitors equalized moments later.

Cazorla released Llorente down the left, but while his initial shot was blocked by Renan, he pounced on the rebound from an even tighter angle, smashing the ball into the roof of the net. Their joy, however, was to be short-lived.

Valencia won a corner and played it short to Mata, who crossed for Edu to rise superbly and head into the top corner. One of the game's unluckiest players had come on and scored the vital goal, and the Mestalla erupted.

Incredibly, he nearly doubled his tally with an almost identical effort from a free-kick, but this time Lopéz saved brilliantly to his right. Meanwhile, Godín saw a header of his own flash just wide of the far post at the other end. Suddenly, the match had exploded back into life.

The drama, however, had only just begun. With eight minutes left, Capdevila won one of the softest penalties ever to have been awarded. Going down under a feather of a touch from Joaquin at the edge of the box, he looked as surprised as anyone when the ref pointed to the spot. Rossi duly stepped up sent the keeper the wrong way, making the scores level yet again.

With five minutes to go, the Italian came close again, but his shot from the left was well saved by Renan. David Villa then broke into the box and had a deflected shot which almost looped over Lopéz. Mass confusion ensued from the resulting corner, but somehow the ball stayed out.

Valencia had one final opportunity from a free-kick, but Mata's header flew over. That was to be the last action of a frantic derby, a both sides earned a point that may prove vital in the weeks to come.

Valencia 3-3 Villarreal
Baraja 2 Fuentes 45
Villa 9 Llorente 76
Edu 79 Rossi 84

Valencia: Renan - Albelda, Marchena, Albiol (Edu 73), Moretti (Del Horno 61) - David Silva, Manuel Fernandes (Maduro 55), Baraja, Joaquín - Mata, Villa

Villarreal: Diego López - Ángel, Gonzalo (Fuentes 22), Godín, Capdevila - Cazorla, Bruno (Pires 64), Eguren (Edmilson 45), Ibagaza - Rossi, Llorente

Yellow Cards: Eguren 21, Bruno 48, Fuentes 59

Arjun Miglani, Goal.com

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

I Haven't Found My Form At Valencia - Maduro

Hedwiges Maduro is one of the last remaining legacies of the Ronald Koeman era at Valencia, and has been used sparingly my new coach Unai Emery this season.

However the 23-year put in an excellent display in his sides convincing 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Primera Division last night.

Maduro is a midfielder by trade, but he has been employed in central defence in recent weeks by Emery as the injuries and suspension have mounted up.

He admitted he has been struggling for confidence, but is slowly finding his level at the club he joined from Ajax last January.

He told journalists, "Since the beginning of the season I knew it was going to be difficult, but had to work to try and help the team. Now I am getting minutes and I believe the coach trusts me. My only thought is Valencia."

He continued, "It was important to win at home versus such a difficult opponent and a direct rival. Our midfield played very well and we showed alot of confidence."

Utility Man?

But is Maduro concerned about having to play out of position? It appears not judging by his positive performance and reaction.

He explained, "There is no problem playing centre. Playing at the wings is slightly awkward for me, but I will play here to help the team."

Maduro made only his second start of the season, but if he continues to show such assurance he will be assured of more action in the future.

Paul Macdonald

David Silva Double Helps Valencia Defeat Atlético Madrid

Coming into Saturday night's encounter, Valencia and Atlético Madrid could not be separated in the table, but ninety minutes later, Valencia had secured an important win and second place on the Primera Division.

The big news for Valencia was the return of David Silva to the starting line-up, after he'd made a few appearances as a substitute at the end of last year.

Atletico, meanwhile, lined up as expected, with the exception of Luis Garcia taking the place of the injured Maxi Rodriguez.

First Half

Much was expected from this fixture, and it only took a minute for it to come to life. David Villa went past Johnny Heitinga and slotted past Leo Franco, but the referee ruled that El Guaje had fouled the Dutchman. It was a borderline call, which could have gone either way. Seconds later, Franco was forced into another save, as Villa's shot from distance deflected towards goal.

Soon Valencia had another goal ruled out, and there were only four minutes on the clock! The ball smashed against the crossbar, leaving David Silva with an easy tap in, but the referee ruled that Juan Mata was offside. Whether he was interfering in the play was, as ever, a matter of interpretation, but the referee had no doubts.

There was no doubt as to which side was on top, with Valencia attacking with force at every opportunity. On 17 minutes, Joaquín's cross along the floor found Silva inches out, but his flick trickled agonizingly wide of the far post.

On the half hour, there was yet another moment of contention, as Villa appealed for a penalty, having been dragged down by Luis Perea in the box. Again, the referee waved play on, but on this occasion he looked to have made the wrong decision. That would become a recurring theme, as minutes later, Atleti suffered from an absolutely shocking decision.

The ball was crossed in to the box and Ruben Baraja quite literally threw himself to the floor, while the referee inexplicably blew for a non-existent penalty. Atletico were incensed, and understandably so. David Villa, however, was not bothered, and he coolly slotted home to give Valencia the lead.

The goal had clearly rattled Atletico, and with five minutes left, they were made to pay as Valencia launched an incisive attack. Miguel broke free on the right and set up David Silva, who controlled well into the box and slotted it past Leo Franco with his right foot. There were no doubts about this one, and Valencia looked on course for a comfortable win.

All that changed, however, with a minute to go. Ruben Baraja was adjudged to have fouled Kun Agũero in the box, and Diego Forlán duly stepped up and slotted into the bottom right hand corner. It was a strange incident, given that none of the Atléti players seemed intent on even appealing for the penalty, but they were not complaining, as they went into the break having reduced the deficit.

Second Half

The second half started as the first had finished, with the ball flowing from end to end, without any clear cut chances being created. Both Simão and Joaquín were getting forward at will, but they were being denied sufficient space to make a significant impact.

On the hour, Forlán had the first real chance of the half, but his shot from distance flew just wide of the far post. There was certainly no love lost between the two sids, with plenty of tasty challenges flying in and words being exchanged. Sensing the need for a change, Javier Aguirre sent on Florent Sinama-Pongolle for Luis García, who had endured a fairly disappointing game.

Unai Emery responded by removing Ruben Baraja and throwing on Manuel Fernandes, in an effort to inject some creativity into a game that was starting to get caught up in too many fouls and not enough chances. It did not take long for that to change, as David Silva marked his return to the starting line-up with another goal, this one right out of the top drawer. Receiving the ball from Joaquín, Silva strode forward and let fly from outside the box, and his shot swerved past Leo Franco and in at the near post.

It was a spectacular strike from Silva, who had been a class above everyone on the pitch, and had shown just how much Valencia had missed him. The momentum was with Los Che, and suddenly they looked like the only side capable of scoring. With 15 minutes to go, Atléti had a great chance to pull one back, but Mariano Pernia's free-kick went straight against the wall.

With about ten minutes to go, Emery withdrew a tiring Juan Mata and replaced him with Vicente, ensuring that there would be no respite for the visitors. Sinama soon had a half-chance, but his shot flew wide after jinking past four players on the edge of the box. Emery then made his final switch, taking off the hero of the night David Silva, and replacing him with Edu.

With time running out, Villa almost added a fourth when he went on a mazy run, but Perea finally got across to block his left footed shot. Rául García then played a neat one-two with Forlan, before being brought down just outside the box. Pernia rifled in the free-kick, but Renan pulled off a brilliant save low down to his right, thus seemingly extinguishing all hopes of an Atléti comeback. Agũero had not given up though, but his shot from distance was also well saved.

There was still time, however, for Simao and Edu to throw all sorts of insults at each other, but that was the last major incident of the match, as Valencia claimed all three points, moving up to second place in the process.

Valencia 3-1 Atlético Madrid
Villa 34 Forlán 45
Silva 39, 67

Valencia: Renan - Miguel, Maduro, Albiol, Moretti - Joaquín, Albelda, Baraja (Manuel Fernandes 67), David Silva - Mata (Vicente 81), Villa

Atletico Madrid: Leo Franco - Perea, Ujfalusi, Heitinga, Pernía - Simão, Assuncao, Rául García, Luis García (Sinama-Pongolle 63) - Forlán, Agũero

Yellow Cards: Rául García 32, Baraja 44, Albelda 71, Perea 74, Heitinga 77

--Arjun Miglani, Goal.com

Valencia Categorically Deny Villa Will Leave

The 'will he? wont he?' David Villa transfer saga has been one of the longest-running stories in Spanish football in recent years. It was Real Madrid who circled in the summer to secure his services, and now in January it is big-spending Manchester City who want to land the Spanish international.

The player himself has vehemently denied that he would be moving to pastures new, and now the club have deemed it necessary to release a statement to re-assure supporters of Los Che that their prize asset will not be sold.

Speculation has been abound that Valencia's far from stable financial situation would lead to key players being sold to balance the books, but this morning the club first of all denied that both parties had reached an agreement to allow the player to leave, and secondly that they would allow any other club to enter into negotiations regarding a possible transfer.

Simply Not True

Valencia's vice president Fernando Gomez stated in a communication to the Spanish press that the club had already demonstrated in the summer that they have no intention to sell Villa, saying the player is 'valuable' and 'one whose performance can only increase.'

He continued by saying, "It is flatly untrue that the club has agreed anything with the player or his agent.

"David is happy at Valencia and we are extremely satisfied with his involvement and performance. It is irresponsible that this information would be released on the day of such an important game (against Atletico Madrid)"

Villa opened the scoring from the penalty spot in his sides 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid, a victory that moved Los Che into second position, albeit temporarily, in the Primera Division table.

Paul Macdonald

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

Player Ratings: Valencia 3-1 Atlético Madrid

VALENCIA

Renan 6.5 - Looked slightly dodgy on a few occasions as he dropped routine crosses but did make a couple of great saves towards the end, especially from Pernía's free-kick.

Miguel 6.0 - Got into some good positions inside the box but a shame his finishing was not better, otherwise he could have had a couple of goals. Did get caught out at the back on a few occasions by Simao and other Atlético forwards though.

Maduro 6.5 - Missed a great chance to put his side further ahead when he headed over from a few yards out but at the back he was solid and the coach will be pleased with his contribution.

Albiol 6.5 - Like his defensive partner he was solid throughout and dealt with the threats of Atlético well.

Moretti 6.5 - Didn't get forward as much as Miguel but did defend better, and also put some good balls into the box when he did venture down the wing.

Albelda 6.5 - Battled hard in midfield, sometimes too hard, but overall it was a tough, combative display and he will be pleased with his work.

Baraja 3.5 - May have won the penalty for Valencia but did so by throwing himself to the floor when there appeared to be no contact at all. Then up the other end he pushed Agüero for the Atlético penalty, aside from those incidents he didn't do too much remarkable in the midfield.

Joaquín 7.0 - A constant menace down the right flank where he tormented Pernía and put in some good crossed. Only disappointment was that he didn't provide an assist for a goal, but he created opportunities that perhaps his team-mates should have done better with.

Silva 8.0 - Wasn't a certainty to start the match this evening but how Unai Emery will be glad he decided to put him in the XI. The Spaniard showed just why he was such a loss to Valencia, darting at the Atlético backline and creating havoc with his runs. Finished the move with a lovely poke for his first goal and hit a sublime strike for his second from distance, deserved his standing ovation.

Mata 7.0 - Like Joaquín he was a menace down the flank and he delivered some outstanding crosses for his team-mates, a decent display from the Spaniard.

Villa 6.5 - Scored the penalty that gave Valencia the lead but for much of the match he was isolated and didn't really get into it that much, a surprise considering the quality of service around him.

Subs:

Fernandes 6 - Didn't really have time to alter the game much but was solid enough.

Vicente 6.5 - Made some great runs in the short time he was on and only a good block prevented him from seriously testing Leo Franco.

Edu 6 - Not enough time to change anything.

ATLÉTICO MADRID

Leo Franco 5.5 - Can't really be blamed for any of the goals but he didn't look comfortable at times, and he certainly didn't have an air of confidence.

Perea 5.5 - Not a bad performance from the right-back going forward but at the back he was caught out too many times, and needs to learn to defend better. Was also very lucky not to give away a penalty for fouling Villa in the first half.

Ujfalusi 6.5 - Undoubtedly the best of the back four, not that that is saying much, as he shackled Villa well and used his strength to deny the Valencia forwards.

Heitinga 4.5 - Always seems to struggle against the big teams and tonight was no exception as he constantly got turned inside out. Very fortunate to get away with gifting Villa an early chance on goal but never got to grips with the match.

Pernía 5.0 - Like Perea he was alright going forward but at the back he got beaten far too many times by Joaquín and only didn't pay for it more because the Spaniard won fouls each time.

Luis García 4.5 - Totally anonymous during his time on the pitch and his performance illustrated why Atlético desperately need to bring in some cover for the right wing this winter.

Assuncao 5.5 - Battled hard in midfield but at the end of the day was outdone by the wily Albelda, not a bad performance though, just not great.

Raúl García 5 - Like Assuncao he tried hard but his distribution was not great at all and there is no doubt Atlético missed Maniche.

Simao 7 - Yet again he was the best player on the pitch for Atlético as he burst down the left flank time and time again. Was involved in the move that won the penalty and put in some good crosses, another good performance from the Portugeuse international.

Agüero 6.5 - Worked hard up front but didn't get the ball enough and had to drop too deep to pick it up. Showed glimpses of his talent but he never really got into the match and his main contribution was to win the penalty.

Forlán 6.5 - Like Agüero he did try hard and the times he did get the ball he used it well, on most occasions. However, aside from the penalty, he never really tested Renan and desperately missed the service of Maxi Rodríguez and Maniche.

Subs:

Sinama-Pongolle 6.0 - Looked lively after coming on but didn't really create much except for a few runs.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com

Amunt Valencia !!! Kejar Barca, El Che !!!

Senin, 01/12/2008 03:40 WIB

Ketat, Valencia Taklukkan Betis

Arya Perdhana - detiksport


Valencia - Unggul dua gol, lalu disamakan jadi 2-2 dan akhirnya menang 3-2. Itulah cerita kemenangan yang dipetik Valencia saat menjamu Real Betis dalam laga lanjutan Liga Spanyol.

Mengatasi Betis yang menghuni peringkat delapan di Mestalla, Senin (1/12/2008) dinihari WIB, bukanlah perkara enteng bagi Valencia, yang posisinya di klasemen empat tingkat di atas.

Di 20 menit pertama, Valencia tampak akan mudah menang kala David Villa dan Juan Mata bergantian menjebol jala Betis. Namun Betis mengejar berkat dua gol Juanma dan penalti Achille Emana. Persoalan kian rumit karena Carlos Marchena dikartumerah.

Hingga akhirnya pertolongan diberikan oleh Ruben Baraja. Gol dari pemain berposisi gelandang itu di menit 73 akhirnya memastikan Los Ches keluar dari Mestalla dengan tiga poin.

Di menit ke-10, Villa menjebol gawang Betis yang dijaga Espinosa Casto dengan sebuah tendangan jarak dekat menyambar umpan silang Edu dari sayap kiri yang gagal disapu bek-bek tim tamu.

Mata menggandakan keunggulan tim asuhan Unai Emery itu di menit ke-20. Dengan sebuah aksi individu ciamik, penyerang muda Valencia itu menggiring bola ke depan kotak penalti Betis dan dengan sepakan kaki kiri terarah membawa Los Ches memimpin 2-0.

Babak kedua adalah neraka bagi Valencia. Menit 56, Juanma sukses menyambar umpan crossing Mehmet Aurelio dengan kepalanya dan menaklukkan Renan Brito yang berdiri di bawah mistar gawang Valencia.

Betis akhirnya menyamakan kedudukan pada menit 64 melalui penalti Emana. Penalti diberikan setelah Marchena menjatuhkan Sergio Garcia di kotak penalti dalam sebuah kemelut. Marchena pun dikartumerah dan Los Ches harus bermain dengan 10 orang.

Namun publik di Mestalla akhirnya bersorak gembira ketika Baraja sukses mencetak gol ketiga Valencia di menit 73. Baraja menanduk bola menjebol gawang Los Verdiblancos, menyambut tembakan bebas Manuel Fernandes.

Kemenangan ini mengantar Valencia melonjak ke peringkat tiga klasemen sementara La Liga dengan nilai 27. Los Ches melewati Real Madrid tetapi masih berada di belakang Barcelona dan Villarreal.

Susunan pemain
Valencia: Renan; Miguel, Marchena, Alexis (Albiol 49), Moretti; Edu (Fernandes 40), Baraja, Albelda; Joaquin (Maduro 78), Villa, Mata

Betis: Casto; Nelson (Segura 85), Juanito, Arzu, Monzon; Capi (Pavone 83), Aurelio; Emana; Damia, Sergio Garcia, Juanma


( arp / krs )

Valencia kalah, posisi puncak hilang. Mengecewakan !!!

Minggu, 02/11/2008 06:02 WIB

Geser Valencia, Barca Puncaki Klasemen

Rossi Finza Noor - detiksport

Reuters/Jon Nazca

Malaga - Barcelona akhirnya merebut tampuk pimpinan klasemen sementara dari tangan Valencia usai menundukkan Malaga 4-1. Los Ches sendiri harus takluk di tangan Racing Santander 2-4.

Pada pertandingan yang berjalan di Estadio La Rosaleda, Minggu (2/11/2008) dinihari WIB, Barcelona tampil relatif lebih dominan ketimbang Malaga. Statistik pertandingan mencatat bahwa Barcelona memenangi penguasaan bola dengan 56:44.

Barcelona membuka kemenangan atas Malaga pada menit kelima ketika tendangan bebas Xavi hernandez menghujam gawang Malaga yang dikawal Francesc Arnau. Namun, tuan rumah tak tinggal diam menerima gol tersebut. Mereka langsung membalsanya lewat gol Duda di menit 13. Skor berubah menjadi 1-1.

Lionel Messi membuat El Barca kembali meraih keunggulan pada menit 19. Sepakan kaki kiri pemain asal Argentina ini menghujam sisi pojok kiri gawang Malaga. Ini merupakan gol keenam Messi di La Liga musim ini.

Masuknya Thierry Henry emakin menambah daya gedor pasukan Josep Guardiola. Hasilnya Barca memperbesar keunggulan mereka menjadi 3-1 pada menit 52 setelah sundulan Henry diteruskan dengan sepakan oleh Xavi dan sukses menjebol gawang Malaga.

Barca akhirnya menutup pertandingan dengan skor 4-1 setelah pada menit 81 pemain Malaga, Robson, melakukan gol bunuh diri.

Ini merupakan kemenangan keenam Barca dalam enam pertandingan terakhir. Los Blaugranas mencetak torehan fantastis dalam enam laga tersebut, yakni total mencetak 18 gol dan hanya kebobolan tiga gol.

Hasil ini menempatkan Barca di puncak klasemen sementara dengan total nilai 22, menggeser Valencia yang pada hari yang sama dikalahkan Racing Santander 2-4.

Valencia Kandas di Kandang

Dalam pertandingan yang berlangsung di Stadion Mestalla, Valencia tertinggal lebih dulu di menit 23 ketika sepakan kaki kanan Mohammed Tchite tak mampu diantisipasi dengan baik oleh kiper Renan Brito.

Lima menit berselang Villa akhirnya menyamakan kedudukan menjadi 1-1 setelah eksekusi tendangan penaltinya tak mampu dihadang oleh kiper Tono. Babak pertama pun berakhir dengan skor 1-1.

Tchite kembali membuat pendukung Santander bersorak di menit 49 ketika tednangan kaki kanannya lagi-lagi tak mampu dihalau oleh Renan. Santander unggul 2-1.

Joaquin Sanchez sempat menyamakan kedudukan menjadi 2-2 pada menit 70. Gol tersebut diawali sebuah sepak pojok yang kemudian disontek oleh Joaquin dengan kaki kiri ke arah tiang dekat.

Tetapi 10 menit kemudian Tchite kembali membuat Santander unggul. Umpan crossing Pedro Munitis sukses disundulnya ke arah gawang dan jala Valencia kembali bobol.

Bukannya menyamakan kedudukan kembali, Los Ches malah harus kebobolan di menit 84 setelah David Albelda mencetak gol bunuh diri. Alhasil Valencia pun harus puas gagal memetik angka penuh dalam laga ini. Mereka takluk 2-4.

Hasil ini membuat posisi mereka turun ke urutan tiga klasemen sementara dengan nilai 20. Posisi mereka juga dilewati oleh Villareal yang pada saat bersamaan sukses menekuk Athletic Bilbao 4-1.

Susunan Pemain:

Malaga: Arnau, Robson, Helder Rosario, Calleja, Gamez, Angel, Apono (Fernando 68), Adrian (Nacho 61), Nabil Baha, Eliseu, Duda (Luque 76).

Barcelona: Valdes, Marquez, Pique, Puyol, Dani Alves, Toure, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta (Henry 50), Eto'o (Bojan 85), Messi (Sanchez 79).

Valencia: Renan, Alexis (Marchena 68), Raul Albiol, Moretti (Morientes 62), Miguel, Fernandes (Baraja 62), Albelda, Vicente, Joaquin, Villa, Mata.

Racing Santander: Tono, Marcano, Cesar, Sepsi, Pinillos, Racen, Colsa, Serrano, Munitis, Jonathan, Tchite.


( roz / din )

Minggu yang kelabu, tim favorit kalah semua !!!

Minggu ini benar-benar minggu yang kelabu. Tidak ada satupun tim favorit aku yang menuai kemenangan. Semuanya kalah !!!

Stoke 2-1 Arsenal

Valencia 2-4 Racing Santander

Juventus 2-0 AS Roma

Arsenal : Serangan-serangan forwards dan midfielders tidak ada yang menghasilkan gol, koordinasi defenders yang rapuh menghadapi serangan dari set piece. Adebayor dan Walcott cedera parah, Robin Van Persie kena kartu merah. Menyedihkan dan mengecewakan !!!

Valencia : Serangan-serangan para delanteros dan centrocampistas bagus tapi pertahanannya parah. Para defensas tidak menjalankan fungsinya dengan benar dan Albelda membuat kesalahan fatal di pertandingan ini dengan gol bunuh dirinya. Antisipasi Renan sebagai portero di bawah standar. Mengecewakan !!!

AS Roma : Serangan-serangan attacanti dan centrocampisti tidak ada yang menghasilkan gol, koordinasi difensori yang rapuh mengantisipasi serangan lawan. Doni sebagai portiere kurang antisipasi menghalau tendangan bebas Del Piero. Mengecewakan !!!

Satu kata yang dapat melukiskan suasana hati aku minggu ini, KECEWA !!!

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)