Valencia opened their La Liga campaign with a goalless draw away at Rayo Vallecano this evening.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side were on the front foot in the early stages and they created the first chance when Rodrigo de Paul released Santi Mina with a clever through ball, but Tono reacted impressively to make a fine save.
Despite a decent start from the hosts, Valencia looked the more threatening of the two sides in the first half and only another excellent stop from Tono kept out Alvaro Negredo after the former Manchester City striker had connected with an inviting cross.
Rayo struggled to relieve the pressure as the first half progressed, but they were let off the hook once again when Pablo Piatti somehow managed poke the ball wide from Mina's delivery.
Chances were few and far between after the break, but former Manchester United striker Manucho came closest to finding the net for the hosts, only for his effort to be cleared away by Shkodran Mustafi.
Valencia had an opportunity to finally take the lead from a free kick on 83 minutes, but Joao Cancelo's effort curled over the bar.
As the game looked to be heading towards a goalless conclusion Negredo was presented with an opportunity to take the three points before the final whistle, but his close-range effort forced another important save from Tono to ensure that the evening's spoils were shared.
Callum Mulvihill
