MATCH REPORT | Valencia CF draw 1-1 in the third preseason friendly

Valencia CF drew 1-1 in the third fixture of their 2025/26 preseason, against Olympique de Marseille at the Nou Estadi Costa Daurada in Tarragona. Dani Raba's goal in the closing minutes of the first half put the team ahead, whilst Rowe levelled for the French side in the 51st minute.

Carlos Corberán's men continued to finetune things for their upcoming LaLiga season, and in the 18th minute, a pass behind the opposition defence was run onto by Diego López to beat goalkeeper Rulli, but the goal was ruled out due to offside. Moments later, the forward found the net again, with the same result.

On the half-hour, Valencia CF enjoyed another clear-cut situation. José Luís Gayà set up Diego López with a great pass, and the Asturian tapped the ball across to Hugo Duro on the penalty spot. However, he failed to score after the Olympique de Marseille defence blocked the shot from the striker.

In the closing stages of the first stanza, Marseille's Rabiot aimed for the top right corner, with his effort flying just wide. It was practically the only chance for the French team in the first 45 minutes.

In the 42nd minute, Dani Raba made it 1-0, reacting quickest after Luis Rioja's cross hit the post. The striker made his unofficial scoring debut for his new club, having joined in the summer.

After the break, Marseille played higher up the pitch. Valencia CF goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala made a superb save to deny Mason Greenwood, and César Tárrega made a superb block, but eventually Rowe leveled the score in the 51st minute, with a shot from mid-range that went out of the reach of Agirrezabala.

Hugo Duro later had a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but put his striker went wide. In the closing stages, a flurry of substitutions took place for both sides, and Valencia CF and Olympique de Marseille both chased a winning goal, but the score remained 1-1.

1. VALENCIA CF: Julen Agirrezabala, Foulquier, César Tárrega, Cömert, Gayà, Pepelu, Javi Guerra, Raba, Luis Rioja, Diego López y Hugo Duro. También jugaron: Fran Pérez, Jesús Vázquez, Diakhaby, André Almeida, Otorbi, Cristian Rivero, Rubo, Pablo López, Panach, Lucas Núñez and Gurendal.

1. OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE: Rulli, Murillo, Balerdi, Medina, Egan Riley, Gomes, Hojbjerg, Rabiot, Rowe, Greenwood y Gouiri. También jugaron: De Lange, Pol Lirola, Kondogbia, García, Harit and Maupay.

GOALS: 1-0 Dani Raba, 42’; 1-1 Rowe, 51’.

REFEREE: Alonso de Ena.

 Nou Estadi Costa Daurada, Tarragona.