Match Report: Valencia CF held to home draw by UD Almería (2-2)

Valencia CF welcomed UD Almería on Monday, January 23rd at 9 pm kick-off time at Mestalla on Matchday 18 of La Liga. 

Valencia CF were quick off the blocks with a triple attempt on goal that was snuffed out by the UD Almería backline and then Justin Kluivert had a one-on-one with the keeper after winning the ball back in a commanding stint in the first minutes of the opening period. 

 Edinson Cavani came mighty close to breaking the deadlock after a José Luis Gayà delivery, but the Uruguayan could not quite sort his feet out. A minute later, Edinson Cavani had a penalty call waved away by the referee. 

Valencia CF kept on stamping their authority in the game on the midway point so much so, that Edinson Cavani had another meaningful effort on the turn which forced the UD Almería into a stop, but he was flagged up for offside. 

Valencia CF kept on probing down the wings and from set-piece situations whilst dominating in terms of possession and chances over the half-hour mark with no goals to show for it. 

Things seemingly took a turn for the worse when Paulista got on the wrong end of a hapless and harsh spot-kick which was awarded to UD Almeria amidst a VAR review.  However, justice was restored as Ramazani was denied by the post.  

The first half finished scoreless with all to play for in the second half. 

Valencia CF had a brilliant start to the second half as Justin Kluivert got on the end of a deft André Almeida delivery and nodded it home with a bullet of a header just three minutes into the second half. 

Alas, joy was short-lived when Chumi made one apiece shortly after. Valencia CF had a penalty call overturned after an on-field review under the hour mark.  

Samuel Lino thought to have scored the go-ahead goal with another thumping header, but his goal was disallowed for a fractional offside in the build-up against the Brazilian. 

 José Luis Gayà re-established Valencia CF’s lead after showing alertness to the clearance to sweep the ball home from close range.  

Portillo made it 2-2 to UD Almería in the 75th minute after a Valencia CF let-off at the back. Cenk Ozcakar came close to getting reprieved after a wicked delivery and a scramble that brought a save from the UD Almería goalkeeper. 

Valencia CF kept on pushing for the winning goal but the scoreline remained unchanged and Valencia CF were held to an eventful yet frustrating home draw by UD Almería as it finished points shared at Mestalla. 

Valencia CF will host Athletic Club on Thursday in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals at 9 pm kick-off at Mestalla to complete the doubleheader.   

MATCH DETAILS:

VALENCIA CF: Mamardashvili, Foulquier, Cenk, Gabriel Paulista, Gayà, André Almeida (Ilaix Moriba, 77'), Yunus Musah, Toni Lato (Hugo Duro, 77'), Samuel Lino, Justin Kluivert (Samu Castillejo, 88') and Cavani (Marcos André, 88').

2. UD ALMERÍA: Fernando, Mendes (Portillo, 66'), Ely, Chumi, Akieme, Samu, Robertone, Melero, Baptistao (Suárez, 76'), Ramazani (Pozo, 67') and El Bilal (Embarba 76').

GOALS: 1-0 Justin Kluivert, 48'; 1-1 Chumi, 54'; 2-1 Gayà, 64'; 2-2 Portillo, 74'.

REFEREE: Gil Manzano (C. Extremadura). Yellow cards for Cavani, Melero and André Almeida.

VAR: Estada Fernández (Catalan C.).

OBSERVATIONS: Matchday 18th of LaLiga held at Mestalla, A minute's silence was observed before kick-off in memory of José Tarrazona Estruch, a Valencia CF fan who died after suffering a heart attack inside the stadium during the match against Cádiz CF.