Valencia win in Mendizorroza to end their poor run (0-1)

Valencia picked up a crucial win at Mendizorroza and snapped a tough league start. Two days after Carlos Corberán and Ron Gourlay were dismissed, the visitors beat Alavés 0-1, restoring confidence in the dressing room. The difference came from Luis Rioja, who scored in the 78th minute to record his first LaLiga victory of the season.

Ending the run

As Mundo Deportivo reported, Óscar Sánchez said before kick-off that things were “easy” because the squad had been well prepared by Corberán, but on the pitch it looked like a different team. The Valencia side played with more intensity and purpose, and the coach made up to five changes, including the debut of 18-year-old midfielder Mayol and bringing Hugo Duro on from the bench.

Valencia started controlling the match, though early chances didn’t translate into a goal. The first big warnings included efforts that were either called back for an offside or saved by the goalkeeper. Before half-time, the home side found their strongest period, with Ángel Pérez causing danger whenever he got on the ball near the box, but the break arrived with the game still level.

Rioja seals it

After the break, the tempo dropped and clear chances dried up. Mundo Deportivo notes that Óscar Sánchez tried to add spark by introducing Luis Rioja and Otorbi, while Quique answered with his own changes. When it mattered, Javi Guerra provided the quality: he threaded the pass to Luis Rioja, who struck with a deft chip to score—an “ex” moment that, according to the report, ended with Rioja getting injured again and leaving the field in tears.

With the 0-1 final score, Valencia takes a big three points and enters the next fixture—Mundo Deportivo says they will be boosted for their meeting with Real Sociedad—on a different footing.