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ValenciaCF center-back ranks fifth with 75.6% success rate
Valencia CF took a 1-0 victory against UD Las Palmas on Matchday 2 of the LaLiga EA Sports season, with a second half penalty converted by Pepelu. The win makes it 6 points from a possible 6 for Rubén Baraja's side, following their opening day win over Sevilla the previous week.
The team were protagonists in an initial rush in which they almost took the lead, thanks to two attacking actions and deliveries from Gayà, in which Diego López put the opposition goalkeeper Vallés' reflexes to the test.
Hugo Duro had two chances in the first half, first off a good clearance that led to a one-on-one -saved by the goalkeeper with his feet- and then another burst into the box that saw a penalty appeal waved away.
On the 40th minute, Thierry Correia had a great opportunity as he played a one-two on the edge of the box, broke through and struck low, Vallés saving again with his feet.
After the break, Baraja brought on Javi Guerra early in the second half, and with the 20-year-old's first intervention he almost created the opening goal. He made a run through the middle and slipped the ball to Diego López, but once again the goalkeeper put himself in the way.
On the hour, UD Las Palmas pressed on a counterattack, but Mamardashvili appeared with a great stretch for the ball. On 72 minutes, a rabona cross by Thierry from the right surprised everyone in the box and ended with a penalty for handball.
Pepelu stepped up to take, and converted down the middle for his first goal for Valencia CF.
It proved to be enough to earn victory for the home side, and give them a perfect record after two games. Next Sunday they return to Mestalla for Matchday 3, against CA Osasuna.
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