La Liga
Valencia Held By Real Betis
Valencia are still searching for their first La Liga win of the season after being held by Real Betis at the Mestalla.
Real Betis were the better side in the first half and came the closest to scoring.
A great through ball by Ryad Boudebouz sent Takashi Inui in on goal. The Japanese international rounded the goalkeeper but his shot was cleared off the line by Valencia defender Cristiano Piccini.
Valencia’s best chance of the half fell to Kevin Gameiro. Denis Cheryshev picked out the Frenchman inside the penalty area.
But his shot went straight at Pau Lopez in the Real Betis goal.
Los Che were better in the second half and came closest to breaking the deadlock.
A brilliant flicked pass from Rodrigo found it’s way to Dani Parejo. The Spaniard then smashed a shot from close range, which rattled the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten.
Betis could have snatched all three points with just ten minutes remaining.
A great driving run by Junior Firpo opened up the Valencia defence. He picked out Sergio Leon who’s shot was well parried by Jaume Domenech in the Valencia goal.
Both sides pushed for a winner but neither were able to break the stalemate.
No Morale Boosting Win For Valencia
Valencia could of done with a morale boosting win ahead of their Champions League clash against Juventus.
Three draws and a defeat in four La Liga games will be a cause for concern for manager Marcelino.
They were better in the second half and came the closest to scoring but it is clear that they are lacking that creative edge to their game.
Newly signed midfielder Goncalo Guedes came on in the second half and it is clear that if Valencia are to have success this season, they will have to rely on him for attacking inspiration.
Despite being at home Valencia were very tenative and were happy to sit off Real Betis.
That is something that the fans will have to get used to when Juventus come calling on Wednesday night.
In the second half they pressed Real Betis higher up the pitch and got some reward. But they were unable to create clear cut chances.
That will be something that they will have to improve upon both at home and in Europe.
Betis Build On Derby Win
It has been a good couple of weeks for Real Betis. Having won against Sevilla in the derby they backed up that display here at the Mestalla.
They were particularly impressive in the first half and dominated the ball. At one point they had 80% of possession.
Real Betis manager Quique Setien will be left ruining Takashi Inui first half miss. If he got more power on his shot having rounded the goalkeeper, he would have put Betis in front.
Setien likes his teams to play out from the back. At times in the second half they could have been caught out as Valencia pressed higher up the pitch.
It is a high risk strategy but it is a tactic that made them one of the most exciting teams to watch in La Liga last season.
With the addition of Giovani Lo Celso on loan from PSG, it will make them even more a threat going forward.
Not A Classic
Last season Valencia and Real Betis played out one of the best games in La Liga.
Valencia came out on top winning 6-3 at the Estadio Benito Villamarin in a pulsating game.
That one will live long in the memory. However, this one won’t. Neither side were able to create enough clear cut chances and the game lacked any type of flow.
Real Betis will be the happier of the two sides and next face Olympiakos in Greece in the Europa League.
Meanwhile, Valencia face a stern test against Serie A champions Juventus at the Mestalla in the Champions League.
Photo credit to favoritnr1smm via Flickr
