Valencia takes first leg against Sevilla in Copa
Source: Agencies |
January 7, 2012, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
JONAS gave Valencia a slim advantage over Sevilla by scoring in the first half to secure a 1-0 win on Thursday in the opening leg of a round-of-16 matchup in the Copa del Rey.
Valencia had 75 percent of possession in the first half but only created two shots on goal as Sevilla held firm and looked to counterattack.
Spain striker Alvaro Negredo almost opened the scoring with a volley that bounced wide in Sevilla's first threat in the 10th.
But Valencia took the initiative at Mestalla stadium with winger Jordi Alba coming close before Jonas put the hosts ahead for good in the 33rd. The Brazil forward received a pass, cut back to his right foot, and curled a shot around goalkeeper Andres Palop.
Valencia appeared close to a second goal after halftime, but after Palop made a good save to smother Alba's header in the 55th, Sevilla went looking for the equalizer.
Winger Jesus Navas arrived down the right flank and Manu del Moral sent his cross off the woodwork with a header in the 63rd.
Sevilla failed to convert its chances, showing why it had agreed to bring back forward Jose Antonio Reyes from Atletico Madrid earlier on Thursday.
"It's a pity we are leaving without having scored because in the second half we played very well," Sevilla coach Marcelino Garcia said.
Earlier Thursday, 10-man Espanyol became the latest topflight team to lose to a lower-division opponent when second-tier Cordoba scored two late goals to win 2-1.
Valencia had 75 percent of possession in the first half but only created two shots on goal as Sevilla held firm and looked to counterattack.
Spain striker Alvaro Negredo almost opened the scoring with a volley that bounced wide in Sevilla's first threat in the 10th.
But Valencia took the initiative at Mestalla stadium with winger Jordi Alba coming close before Jonas put the hosts ahead for good in the 33rd. The Brazil forward received a pass, cut back to his right foot, and curled a shot around goalkeeper Andres Palop.
Valencia appeared close to a second goal after halftime, but after Palop made a good save to smother Alba's header in the 55th, Sevilla went looking for the equalizer.
Winger Jesus Navas arrived down the right flank and Manu del Moral sent his cross off the woodwork with a header in the 63rd.
Sevilla failed to convert its chances, showing why it had agreed to bring back forward Jose Antonio Reyes from Atletico Madrid earlier on Thursday.
"It's a pity we are leaving without having scored because in the second half we played very well," Sevilla coach Marcelino Garcia said.
Earlier Thursday, 10-man Espanyol became the latest topflight team to lose to a lower-division opponent when second-tier Cordoba scored two late goals to win 2-1.
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