Lino looms large to floor Franjiverdes
Aiming to avoid a first demotion in almost four decades, Valencia were in no mood for sympathy, and launched an early offensive that almost saw them net inside seven minutes through Nico Gonzalez’s header, which crashed off the crossbar. Yet, despite the stifling heat, Los Che maintained their threat through lightning counter attacks and took the lead just over 10 minutes later.
It was roles reversed for famed finisher Edinson Cavani, as he played a delightful ball over the Elche backline which Samuel Lino tucked away with aplomb.
Despite seeing plenty of the ball, Elche struggled for the style like that of new manager Sebastian Beccacece’s flowing locks, and found themselves two behind after another zippy Valencia move resulted in Gonzalo Verdu turning into his own net. It was the perfect moment to double the lead, and confidence duly appeared to be reverberating in the visitors as the whistle blew for the second half, with the one-way traffic continuing uninterrupted.
The stifling conditions were largely culpable for a slow-paced second half, during which Valencia dropped back in order to preserve their lead in the face of incredible stakes. That meant Elche maintained their grip on the ball, but the resilience of Valencia’s backline meant it was another difficult day for the league’s basement boys, who huffed and puffed without causing their visitors any real problems.
Ultimately, the battle-weary home faithful were resigned to witnessing another home defeat, with the LaLiga strugglers still stuck on just one win at the Manuel Martinez Valero this season. Meanwhile, Valencia were full value for the victory, and looked nothing like a side that had taken fewer points than any LaLiga side this calendar year prior to kick-off. Now level on points with 17th-placed Almeria, Los Che’s hopes of safety remain in the balance.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Samuel Lino (Valencia)
