Everything but the goal
Atletico tried everything but couldn't get the goal. Gregorio Manzano threw on the subs and threw everything at Valencia but the goals just would not come. A lone strike from Soldado in the 52nd minute markedthe difference between the two sides and gave Valencia the three points in the Mestalla.
Atletico started well. Manzano managed to neutralize the threat of Valencia during the first ten until the pair Piatti & Soldier began to push Atletico back. The number nine of Valencia had two chance in 10 minutes, but niether found the target.
From the 20th minute, Manzano's team came back in to the game with Adrian coming close after a great pass from Tiago, but Guaita was hard to beat, as remained the case throughout the game.
From there Atletico grew in confidence, especially in the second half. A header from Adrian was stopped Guaita and Falcao couldn't put away the rebound. The deadlock was broken soon after with a first class header from Soldado to put Valencia 1-0 up. From that moment on Atletico went on the attack in search of an equaliser.
Turan, Juanfran and Diego came on as the hunt for aa goal intensified. The Brazilian came on and wasstraight in to the action looking like he'd played for the club for years,and in the last 10 minutes he had 2 chances on goal.
Turan also enjoyed his time onthe pitch and took center stage, looking dangerous on both wings, the Turk went close on the 83rd minute with a low shot to the near post that Guaita miraculously stopped. The ball just would not go in.
Atletico came away from Valencia with out and points but had them on the ropes for long periods. Some very promising signs as the team continues to take shape and it's only a matter of time before the goals come. TEAMS
VALENCIA CF: Guaita, Miguel, Rami, V. Ruiz, Mathieu, Pablo Hernández, Albelda (c), Tino Costa, Piatti, Jonas & Soldado.
ATLÉTICO DE MADRID: Courtois, Silvio, Miranda, Domínguez, Filipe, Tiago, Mario, Gabi, Adrián, Falcao & Reyes.
SUBS:
Min. 58 Arda for Adrián.
Min. 61. Jordi Alba for Piatti.
Min. 64. Diego for Tiago.
Min 67. Topal for Tino Costa.
Min. 70. Canales for Jonas.
Min. 78. Juanfran for Mario Suárez.
CARDS:
Min. 39. Mario.
Min. 54. Soldado.
Min. 60. Tiago.
Turan also enjoyed his time onthe pitch and took center stage, looking dangerous on both wings, the Turk went close on the 83rd minute with a low shot to the near post that Guaita miraculously stopped. The ball just would not go in.
Atletico came away from Valencia with out and points but had them on the ropes for long periods. Some very promising signs as the team continues to take shape and it's only a matter of time before the goals come. TEAMS
VALENCIA CF: Guaita, Miguel, Rami, V. Ruiz, Mathieu, Pablo Hernández, Albelda (c), Tino Costa, Piatti, Jonas & Soldado.
ATLÉTICO DE MADRID: Courtois, Silvio, Miranda, Domínguez, Filipe, Tiago, Mario, Gabi, Adrián, Falcao & Reyes.
SUBS:
Min. 58 Arda for Adrián.
Min. 61. Jordi Alba for Piatti.
Min. 64. Diego for Tiago.
Min 67. Topal for Tino Costa.
Min. 70. Canales for Jonas.
Min. 78. Juanfran for Mario Suárez.
CARDS:
Min. 39. Mario.
Min. 54. Soldado.
Min. 60. Tiago.
