MATCH REPORT | Trofeo Naranja defeat against Aston Villa (1-2)

Valencia CF fell to defeat against Aston Villa in the Trofeo Naranja at Mestalla, losing 1-2 in the friendly game at Mestalla. The team ended the preseason with just one defeat to their name, and now enter the final week of preparations for their LaLiga opener against Sevilla FC.

The first dangerous move of the game came after the first quarter of an hour of play, from a solo move by Fran Pérez. The VCF Academy graduate tricked his marker with a change of pace and cut inside, his left-footed shot going only slightly over the crossbar.

However, it would be the Premier League team who would get the opener shortly after. Unai Emery’s side recovered the ball and set up a fast counterattack. Watkins, from the edge of the area, sent a shot past Mamardashvili to make it 0-1.

After the break, Valencia CF looked for the equaliser through another great move by Fran Pérez. The winger, in another display of impudence and daring, fired a shot from outside the area in search of the top corner that almost surprised goalkeeper Emi Martínez.

Changes for both teams were made on the hour. Coutinho came on for Aston Villa and immediately put together a counterattack that helped Buendía to score the second goal of the night.

On 87 minutes, Valencia CF closed the gap through a corner by Pepelu, which was tipped in by an opposition defender.

However, there would be no further change in the scoreline and Aston Villa would win the coveted preseason trophy.

MATCH STATS

VALENCIA CF 1 VS. 2 ASTON VILLA

VALENCIA CF: Mamardashvili, Thierry R. (Foulquier, 78’), Gabriel Paulista (Hugo Guillamón, 87’), Diakhaby (Gurendal, 87’) Gayà (Jesús Vázquez, 78’), Pepelu, Javi Guerra (Pablo Gozálbez, 64’), André Almeida (Cenk, 78’), Fran Pérez, Diego López (Martín Tejón, 78’) and Hugo Duro (Hugo González, 64’).

ASTON VILLA: ‘Dibu’ Martínez, Matty Cash (Chambers, 78’), Pau Torres (Digne, 46’), Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Doulgas Ruiz, Mcginn (Coutinho, 64’), Watkins (Archer, 78’), M. Diaby (Philogene, 64’), Bailey (Buendía, 46’) and Kamara (Tielemans, 64’).

GOALS: 0-1 Watkins, 22’; 0-2 Buendía, 65’; 1-2 Chambers (OG), 88’.

REFEREE: Cuadra Fernández (C. Balear).