MATCH REPORT: Top Guerra gives Valencia CF victory

Valencia CF took a 1-0 victory against Sevilla FC on LALIGA EA Sports Matchday 31, as Javi Guerra scored the winning goal just before halftime. The team enjoyed a great collective performance in front of more than 45,000 fans, claiming animportant three points.

The match began with a Sevilla FC attack before the five minute mark, which required a great save from Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Valencia CF had a cross from the left that could not be finished off, and in a first half filled with chances, the referee initially awarded a penalty to Sevilla FC against José Luis Gayà. A review showed that he had clearly snatched the ball away from the Sevilla FC forward, and the decision was overruled.

In the 28th minute, VAR would intervene again, this time to disallow a goal from Sevilla, and minutes later Valencia CF almost scored off a move on the right, in which Diego López put a ball to the far post that hit a defender and crashed onto the crossbar..

After this move, Valencia CF's persistence finally found its reward in the 48th minute. Javi Guerra made it 1-0 with a stunning goal. The midfielder received the ball behind the defence and turned, slipping in the process but having the presence of mind to strike from the ground to beat Nyland with a ball inside the far post.

After the break, Valencia CF and Sevilla FC continued to go back and forth, and another great save from Mamardashvili from Sambi's shot kept the score at 1-0.

Umar Sadiq made way for Hugo Duro in the second half, and on the hour mark, the striker hit the post after a great cross from Javi Guerra. He then popped up with a superb header that Nyland met with an extraordinary save.

Valencia CF held on for three crucial points. They will face a new challenge next Saturday against Rayo Vallecano on Matchday 32.

1. VALENCIA CF: Mamardashvili, Foulquier, Cristhian Mosquera, César Tárrega, Gayà, Javi Guerra (Fran Pérez, 86’), Enzo Pérez, Luis Rioja (Diakhaby, 86’), Diego López (Rafa Mir, 72’), André Almeida (Pepelu, 72’) and Sadiq (Hugo Duro, 60’).

0. SEVILLA FC: Nyland, Carmona (Sánchez, 79’), Kike Salas, Gudelj (Pedrosa, 79’), Badé, Agoumé, Sow, Sambi (Saúl Ñíguez, 66’), Lukébakio, Peque (Idumbo, 66’) and Isaac (Ejuke, 66’).

GOALS: 1-0 Javi Guerra, 45+3’.