MADRID, 6 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Valencia CF lost (1-2) this Saturday in their Trofeu Taronja against Aston Villa in Mestalla, closing the ‘che’ preseason before the start of LaLiga EA Sports next week.
Rubén Baraja’s team competed but did not have the punch of the English, led by an old acquaintance of the Mestalla fans as Unai Emery. One more year, Valencia seems to be short of troops in a summer without major reinforcements, but ‘Pipo’ will look for a connection with his public and make the most of what he has, a lot of academy, to try not to suffer at least by saving the category.
After the festive preview, the youth player Fran Pérez had the first chance, which went just over the crossbar. However, in a good counterattack, Watkins made it 0-1 for the visitors in the 22nd minute. Baraja’s men lacked prominence up front and once again it was Fran Pérez who was closest to the goal after the restart.
Emery’s men responded with another well-shot counter that Buendía finished off. Pepelu, formerly of Levante, closed the gap already at 87′, in a corner kick that was ‘poisoned’ by touching an English player. Valencia thus lost the 51st Trofeu Taronja, their first defeat of the preseason after four victories, and will start the league season next Friday against Sevilla.