Valencia secured a 1-0 victory at Lille this evening, ensuring that their opponents finished bottom of group G in the Champions League.
Valencia won a penalty in the 35th minute after Oliveira Jonas was brought down in the box by Rio Mavuba, who was booked for the foul. Jonas stepped up to the spot, slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner.
Lille looked threatening at the start of the second half, Gianni Bruno enjoying an opportunity in the opening few minutes.
Bruno and substitute Marvin Martin continued to push for an equaliser for the home side, but both of their efforts were off target.
The action was end-to-end for much of the second 45 as Valencia looked to seal the win and Lille tried to get back in the match.
Lille had plenty of chances for the equaliser in the final five minutes.
Salomon Kalou saw a powerful shot saved, before Dimitri Payet rocked the crossbar three minutes later.
Nolan Roux also had an effort saved, and Marko Baso headed wide and saw a second attempt drift left in the final minutes.
Despite their late assault on the Valencia goal, Lille were unable to find the back of net and miss out on a Europa League spot.
Sian Cowper
