Match Report: Gómez goal earns VCF opening away win

Valencia CF took with their opening away win of the season amidst last-gasp VAR drama on Tuesday night, with Maxi Gómez’s third successive strike in as many matchdays. They met Real Sociedad on the road at the Reale Arena on Matchday 4 of the LaLiga season.  

The team had a tentative start to the game, with some defending to do in the early going. Gómez had the first Valencia CF chance, but his long-range drive went off target as the intensity and pace picked up.  

Valencia CF were looking to find their feet in a cagey spell of the game, halfway through the first half. Moments later, Daniel Wass forced Remiro into a diving save with a powerful shot from distance.      

Kang In had his effort blocked by a Real Sociedad defender on 37 minutes, following good link-up play. A frenetic first half finished goalless.

The second half resumed the high tempo at both ends, but Valencia CF were resolute and steely at the back in the opening minutes.

Jaume pulled off a smart save from a Januzaj free-kick on the hour mark, before a series of substitutions were made: Kang In went off for Kevin Gameiro, and Toni Lato replaced Álex Blanco.  

Valencia CF broke the deadlock late on with a finely-worked move. Wass sent the ball out wide to José Luis Gayà, who picked out Gómez with a cross. The Uruguayan prodded it home on the stretch to score.    

The team held out and withstood a wave of late attacks, including a late goal for Real Sociedad that was ruled out for handball in the buildup. The 0-1 win was Valencia CF’s first triumph away from home this season.