Match Report: Carlos Soler marks 100 games with late winner as VCF extend unbeaten home run (1-0)

Valencia CF returned to LaLaLiga action on Saturday night at 9 pm at Mestalla to welcome Celta Vigo on Matchday 22 of LaLiga Santander looking to stretch their unbeaten run at Mestalla.

Valencia CF had a strong start to the game on the front foot Daniel Wass forced Rubén Blanco into a save following a delightful piece of skill by Ferran who found Daniel Wass but the Danish’ effort was turned behind for a corner kick.

Valencia CF managed to find a foothold in the game in possession bringing menace. Carlos Soler tried his luck from outside the area over the quarter-hour mark but it fizzed wide following a Daniel Wass ball.

Valencia CF’s brand new signing Alessandro Florenzi showcased his ability by taking great touches of the ball in key areas a and bringing another goal-saving stop out of Rubén Blanco halfway through the first half.

Celta Vigo grew into the game in the closing minutes and Albert Celades was forced into a substitution at the back as Mouctar Diakhaby replaced Ezequiel Garay on 42 minutes. The first half finished scoreless with nothing to separate the sides and all to play for in the second half. 

Valencia CF were quick off the blocks with Ferran Torres getting his shot off with a cross-strike across the face of goal in the opening minute of the second half. Minutes later, Alessandro Floerenzi made way for Rodrigo and Dani Parejo raced back to goal to make an impressive last-ditch clearance to deny Celta Vigo the opening goal.

Valencia CF had three chances with little over twenty minutes to go through José Luís Gayà who headed it over the crossbar and then  Rodrigo Moreno dragged his effort wide of the mark and then Maxi Gómez had a downwards header following a Ferran Torres cross.

Persistence paid dividends on 77 minutes when Carlos Soler drilled it home past Rubén Blanco following a Brillant Rodrigo Moreno flick-on into Carlos Soler stride who latched onto it to mark his 100LaLiga games in style.

Rodrigo Moreno came close to doubling Valencia CF’s lead after another Daniel Wass ball into Rodrigo but Rubén Blanco was equal to it. Valencia CF  managed to hold on to a precious  1-0 lead to ensure all three points and pick up a valuable home win that sees them extend their unbeaten run at Mestalla.

Valencia CF will make a trip down south to visit Granada CF on Tuesday night for their Copa del Rey quarter-finals knockout tie at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes at 9 pm to keep their Copa del Rey run going as current holders. 

Match Details:

1. Valencia CF: Jaume Domènech, Florenzi (Rodrigo, 52 ’), Garay (Diakhaby, 42’), Gabriel Paulista, Gayà, Coquelin, Parejo, Wass, Soler, Ferran Torres and Maxi Gómez (Gameiro, 85 ’).

0. RC Celta Vigo: Rubén Blanco, Aidoo, Murillo, Néstor Araújo (Pione Sisto, 73 '), Rafinha, Ok, Fran Beltrán (Santi Mina, 82'), Vázquez, Lucas Olaza, Gabriel Fernández (Smolov, 78 ' ) and Iago Aspas.

Goals: 1-0 Carlos Soler m. 78)

Referee: González Fuertes. He booked Gabriel Paulista, Wass, Florenzi, Maxi Gómez, Coquelin, Jaume Domènech or Valencia CF  and Kevin, Rafinha and Sisto for RC Celta.

Observations: Matchday 22 of LaLiga Santander played at Mestalla before 39,637 spectators in attendance.