Valencia edge Maritimo

Claud · Sep 19, 2008

Maritimo 0 - 1 Valencia

El Moro showed the doubters he's still got it with an excellent early strike in Madeira, and it proved enough to secure victory and an advantage for the return at the Mestalla.

In torrid conditions, the hosts went close to equalising on a few occasions, while both Miguel Angulo and David Villa could have put the tie virtually beyond doubt in the last quarter of the match.

The 32 year old striker evaded numerous challenges from the Maritimo defence after just 12 minutes to fire home. Morientes was part of a physically imposing forward line on the night, paired with Serbian Nikola Zigic. Angulo and Pablo supplied the bullets from the flanks, while Brazilian midfielder Edu got his first start of the season, alongside Albelda.

Maritimo will feel aggrieved with the result, as they enjoyed significant amounts of possession, had the Valencia defence creaking throughout, and hit the woodwork twice. The hosts went close through a Cardozo header and had a penalty shout turned down before the break.

In the second half Marcinho rattled Renan's goal frame (though the young goalkeeper had a sound night between the sticks after his mistake in Almeria last weekend), and Briguel was on hand for the follow up but headed just wide. Soon after Angulo missed a great chance when his tame effort was blocked at close range, while Maritimo's Fogaca smacked the post for the second time with a header.

David Villa was introduced only in the last 10 minutes, but made an impact. After an immediate booking, the striker went so close to getting Valencia's second, before curling a long range shot just past the post.

A fortunate victory for Los Che, but Emery will be delighted with the result given the weakened team, which also included Del Horno and Helguera in defence.
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Valencia edge Maritimo

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Valencia edge Maritimo

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