MATCH REPORT | Valencia CF draw on the road with Rayo Vallecano

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Valencia CF took home a point from their LaLiga EA SPORTS Matchday 14 fixture against Rayo Vallecano on Monday night, as Diego López scored the equaliser in the second half

The match began with Valencia CF pressing high and aiming to control the game. As a result, they put together a great team move down the right flank with Thierry Correia, who passed to Javi Guerra in the box. The midfielder let the ball run, allowing Hugo Duro to turn and shoot quickly, but the striker couldn't connect cleanly with his effort.

A few moments later, Rayo Vallecano forced Julen Agirrezabala into action from a shot by former Valencia CF player Fran Pérez from outside the box.

In the tenth minute, Valencia CF continued their high press and, after intercepting the ball, came close to scoring with a great shot from Luis Rioja that goalkeeper Batalla saved.

Both teams battled for control of the game at a high tempo, on a fast pitch that led to some inaccuracies and slips. Twenty-five minutes in, Rayo had a double chance in the penalty area, first saved by Agirrezabala and then with Copete clearing off the line.

However, after a corner kick, Rayo Vallecano took the lead with a powerful shot from Mendy to make it 1-0. Agirrezabala touched the ball, but could not keep it out.

In the final play of the first half, Valencia CF almost levelled when Mendy and Batalla failed to communicate effectively to clear a cross from Rioja. Diego López struck the ball, but Álvaro García made the intervention to deflect it away.

SECOND HALF

After the break, Valencia CF came out with renewed energy, determined to turn the game around. However, the first real chance of the second half fell to Rayo Vallecano, with Álvaro García firing a shot from outside the box. Shortly after, Carlos Corberán brought on Arnaut Danjuma.

Minutes later, Agirrezabala was called into action again, this time to stop Gumbau's powerful shot from inside the area.

Valencia CF began to dominate possession and push forward, and after a well-worked passing move, Diego López equalised with a shot from inside the penalty area that deflected off Mendy, deceiving Batalla, making it 1-1.

Ugrinic and Lucas Beltrán entered the game in further substitutions.

Thierry passed to Diego López, who was unmarked at the near post, but his shot was blocked by Mendy. A frantic finale saw no change in the scoreline.

Next up, Valencia CF visit FC Cartagena at the Estadio Cartagonova on Thursday night, in the Copa del Rey.

MATCH STATS

1. RAYO VALLECANO: A. Batalla, Andrei, Pep Chavarría, Gumbau, Unai López (Alemao, 69’), Álvaro (Camello, 92’), De Frutos (Luiz Felipe, 83’), Fran Pérez (Pacha, 69’), Óscar V. ©, Lejeune and N. Mendy (Balliu, 83’).

1. VALENCIA CF: Agirrezabala, Thierry R., Tárrega, Copete, Gayà ©, Pepelu (Santamaría, 92’), Javi Guerra (Danjuma, 57’), Diego López (Raba, 92’), L. Rioja (Ugrinic, 73’), A. Almeida and Hugo Duro (Lucas Beltrán, 73’).

GOALS: N. Mendy, 37’ (1-0); Diego López, 65’ (1-1).

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