MATCH REPORT: Valencia CF lose 1-0 to Elche CF

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Valencia CF's LaLiga EA SPORTS Matchday 31 derby against Elche CF ended with a 1-0 defeat for the team, who conceded in the second half and left the Martínez Valero empty handed.

The game began with both teams vying for possession. The first dangerous attack came from Elche CF, with former Valencia CF player Germán Valera firing wide of Stole Dimitrievski's goal after a counterattack.

Valencia CF came close to taking the lead with three consecutive chances: the first a header from Umar Sadiq off a corner, the second by Eray Cömert, with a long range chip, taking advantage of a mistake in the Elche CF build-up, and the third a great play by Luis Rioja and pass to Lucas Beltrán at the near post -which the Argentine failed to turn into the net.

However, in the following minutes, Elche threatened a first goal in a move finished by Rafa Mir, from inside the penalty area, although his shot went wide. In the 35th minute, Ugrinic had a go with an acrobatic a volley that went slightly wide of Dituro's goal.

SECOND HALF

The first chance of the second half fell to Valencia CF, with Gayà making a run down the left flank and sending in a cross that was cleared by the Elche defence.

Shortly after, Valencia CF threatened again after a great cross from Rioja found Sadiq, but his header was off target.

In the 57th minute, Dimitrievski had to make a great save with his foot to deny Rafa Mir. From the next move, Ramazani gave Elche CF a scare with a strike from outside the box that Dituro cleared in unorthodox fashion.

Carlos Corberán made a double substitution in response, as Hugo Duro and Diego López came onto the pitch.

Beltrán couldn't take advantage of a good pass from Diego López, and a second chance went to Ramazani, whose shot was parried by Dituro.

In the 73rd minute, substitute Cepeda scored for Elche CF after a well-worked team move, which came whilst Cömert was on the ground injured.

Following the goal, another double substitution was made: Pepelu and Jesús Vázquez came on, with Cömert having to be withdrawn.

Moments later, Ramazani had a clear chance to equalise after a great individual effort, but smashed the ball into the goalkeeper's body.

In the 78th minute, Diego López had a powerful shot from outside the box that Dituro kept out.

Arnaut Danjuma then entered the game, and immediately played a dangerous cross for Hugo Duro. Germán Valera made a last-ditch clearance for the home side to deny a goal.

A few minutes later, Hugo Duro almost levelled with a header, but failed to connect cleanly with the ball.

Valencia CF were unable to take anything from the game, and will now regroup to take on RCD Mallorca on Matchday 34.

MATCH STATS

1. ELCHE CF: Dituro, Buba (John, 64’), Affengruber, Petrot, G. Valera (V. Chust, 83’), T. Morente ©, G. Villar (Cepeda, 72’), Febas, M. Neto (Pedrosa, 72’), André Da Silva (Álvaro, 64’) and Rafa Mir.

0. VALENCIA CF: Dimitrievski, Thierry R., Tárrega, Cömert (Pepelu, 75’), Gayà © (J. Vázquez, 75’), G. Rodríguez, Ugrinic, Beltrán (Danjuma, 81’), L. Rioja (Diego López, 60’), Ramazani and Sadiq (Hugo Duro, 60’).

GOALS: Cepeda, 73’ (1-0).

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