Valencia welcomed Getafe to the Mestalla on Friday knowing that three points would move them into the top half of the table ahead of the winter break.
They made the best possible start after just one minute when Roberto Soldado put them ahead, while it was quickly 2-0 moments later through Jonas.
Getafe had one back in an incredible opening to the match, but Valencia's two-goal lead was restored when Ricardo Costa headed home from inside the box.
The early stages of the second period were fairly scrappy, but Getafe cut the deficit to 3-2 just before the hour mark when Alexis thumped his header into the back of the net.
Both teams had chances in the latter stages of the match, and Nelson Valdez made it 4-2 late on with Valencia leapfrogging Getafe in the table.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live coverage of the action below.
Evening all! Our La Liga coverage gets underway as Valencia welcome an improving Getafe outfit to the Mestalla in the final round of fixtures before the winter break. Ernesto Valverde’s side were beaten at home by Rayo Vallecano last week as the newly-appointed boss suffered his first defeat at the helm of the club.
In their way this evening is a Getafe outfit that have lost just one of their previous five matches in all competitions. They ended last weekend in seventh position, but have since dropped to ninth following Rayo Vallecano and Real Sociedad’s victories on Thursday. However, they would move level on points with sixth-placed Levante with all three points this evening.
Teams:
Valencia: Alves; Rami, Pereira, Costa, Albelda; Feghouli, Guardado, Costa; Jonas, Soldado, Piatti
Getafe: Moya; Alexis, Mane, Torres, Lopo; Castro, Lafita, Abdel, Michel, Torres; Alvaro
Valencia have certainly enjoyed the better of the recent meetings between the two sides. As mentioned, Getafe picked up the points last time out in March. However, Valencia have won four of the past five meetings in the league. But it would be fair to state that much has changed at both clubs over the last couple of seasons.
Valencia replaced Mauricio Pellegrino with Ernesto Valverde at the beginning of December and he has guided the team to three successive away wins in the Copa del Rey, La Liga and the Champions League before losing last time out to Rayo. You just get the feeling that this match takes on added importance as their last match of 2012.
Quite remarkably, Valencia have not managed to win successive La Liga matches this season. It would be fair to state that they have targeted fourth spot this season, but they will need to improve on their attacking threat having tightened up defensively in recent weeks. Valverde told EPSN: "For whatever reason, Valencia had conceded a lot of goals and it was something that we had to address. We had to start from the bottom, work closer together and not give away so many chances. We have been better in that respect and I am pleased that we are good, but we cannot rest on our laurels."
Getafe, meanwhile, needed a late Diego Castro penalty to secure a 1-1 draw with Osasuna last weekend. They have won three and lost three of their matches on their travels this season which points to inconsistency away from home. But they have conceded just two goals in their last three league matches and are a side difficult to break down.
Taking a look at both sides’ statistics this season, they have a remarkably similar record. Valencia have scored 19 goals and conceded 24, leaving them with a goal difference of minus two. Meanwhile, Getafe have also scored 19, but conceded three less than their opponents this evening.
Roberto Soldado, who has scored eight league goals this season, will certainly be given the task of providing the attacking threat for Valencia this evening. Meanwhile, Getafe will look to Diego Castro as their main force in the final third. Pedro Leon is also enjoying an impressive season and has four assists to his name thus far.
Here we go then. Both sets of players have joined us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes and flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Valencia have been on a poor run of form in recent weeks, but I think they will have enough to secure all the points this evening. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety of the action.
Just a quick recap of the teams this evening. Valencia pair Soldado and Piatti in attack, with Jonas operating just behind. Meanwhile, Albelda also returns to the team. Getafe name just the one striker with Alvaro leading the line. Victory for Valencia would move them into the top half of the table, while Getafe could move as high as sixth with all three points. The away side get the action underway.
GOAL! Valencia 1-0 Getafe (Soldado)
What an incredible start to this match. Valencia lead with their first attack as Feghouli fires a high cross into the penalty area and Soldado rises highest to head his effort into the back of the net. Incredible opening to proceedings.
Mane appears to have a problem here. The defender seemingly kicked the leg of Feghouli in the build up to the opening goal and it does not look likely that he will be able to continue. What an incredible start to this match. Valencia are playing with confidence as they continue to pass and probe in the Getafe half.
The home supporters are in good voice this evening. It is so important that the team started well in this match, because they have been known to turn in recent weeks. But this place is buzzing in the opening five minutes. Another goal may well take the roof off. Getafe have just not settled in this match thus far.
Mane did attempt to continue on the field of play following that early knock, but the defender will now be replaced by Rafa. Hardly the start Luis Garcia would have wanted in this match. First real sign of Getafe as Alvaro picks up possession in the final third, but he is quickly challenged by Ricardo Costa and the danger is cleared.
GOAL! Valencia 2-0 Getafe (Jonas)
OH MY WORD! What has happened in the opening seven minutes here? Valencia extend their lead further as Soldado finds Jonas in the box and the Brazilian gathers possession before curling his effort beyond Miguel Moya. Valencia lead 2-0 inside seven minutes.
Valencia continue to force the issue with Soldado, Pablo Piatti and Jonas all involved in the final third, but the latest attack is cleared by Alexis. It is incredible how quickly the home side have started this match. Another half-chance arrives as Jonas whips a cross into the box, but the danger is cleared.
Luis Garcia continues to wander the touchline as he ponders what to do next. He has already been forced into an early change and will not want to make another in the early stages. However, his side just cannot gain any sort of control in this match. Little under 11 minutes on the clock and Valencia are in complete control.
Better from the away side in the last couple of moments as Alvaro picks up possession before driving into the Valencia box, but Adil Rami comes back to clear the danger. However, the pressure continues as Diego Castro collects the ball in midfield. Much more of an even contest.
GOAL! Valencia 2-1 Getafe (Alvaro)
Getafe are back in this match with their first real attack of the match. It's good work from Castro as the midfielder spots the run of Alvaro and the striker collects the pass before chipping over the onrushing Alves. Game on in Valencia.
Hardly time to take a breath here as Valencia attempt to regain their two-goal lead as Joao Pereira drives into the Getafe penalty area, but the danger is cleared for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Tino Costa, but Alexis rises highest to thump clear.
Much more of an even contest at the moment with both sides exchanging periods of possession in midfield. A half-chance comes to the home side as Guardado finds Jonas in the box, but his header is straight at the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Alvaro comes close with a long-range effort down the other end.
Again it's good work from Guardado - who is playing left-back this evening - as he combines with Soldado before whipping a searching ball into the box, but Alexis clears the danger. It falls to Costa on the edge of the area, but his effort is straight at Moya and Getafe launch an attack of their own.
Another half-chance for Valencia as Costa finds Jonas on the edge of the penalty area, but he can only slice his effort wide of the target. It is incredible how far the home side's full-backs are playing in the early stages. They have obviously been told to go and attack this evening. Meanwhile, there is an incredible atmosphere inside the ground.
Alvaro attempts to ruin the party once more as he collects a pass from Lafita before driving into the Valencia box, but his effort is straight at Alves when he perhaps should have done better. Guardado forces a free kick down the other end, but the set piece from Costa is poor and straight into the wall.
Better from the away side in the past couple of minutes with Michel and Abel starting to dictate possession in midfield. They come within a whisker of levelling the scores as Diego Castro pounces on a loose ball inside the box, but he can only blaze over the crossbar. Real end-to-end period of the match as we approach the 30-minute mark.
Slightly untidy period to the match at the moment with both sides giving away a host of fouls in and around the centre circle. The home supporters remain in good voice, but there are just signs that Getafe are starting to get to grips with this match. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match could decide the outcome.
Another half-chance for the home side as Rami meets a corner from Costa, but his header is over the crossbar and Moya restarts with a goal kick. The pressure continues from Valencia as they whip a series of crosses into the penalty area, but the danger is cleared on each occasion.
Half-chance for Getafe this time as Lafita strikes an effort from outside the penalty area. However, it was never really troubling Alves who collected the danger with ease. He attempts to launch a counter attack with a long throw, but the danger is forced for a corner by Miguel Torres.
GOAL! Valencia 3-1 Getafe (Ricardo Costa)
Valencia have their third of the evening as Ricardo Costa meets a corner from Tino Costa to thump his header into the back of the net. The Getafe defenders were incredibly static and the defender just had to make decent contact with the ball.
That goal really is such a blow for Getafe, who had just started to stamp their influence on the match. You have to go back to that chance that Castro fired over the crossbar from close range. It is so important that they do not go behind further before the interval.
The pressure from Valencia continues as they drive forward with numbers, but Piatti's pass to Soldado is too long for the striker and it drifts out of play for a throw in. A mix-up in the Getafe defence allows the home side a corner, but this time the danger is cleared.
Another half-chance for Ricardo Costa as the defender finds himself unmarked in the penalty area, but this time he cannot make decent contact and the danger is cleared. Little under 10 minutes of the half remaining and the home side lead 3-1.
Another half-chance for the home side as Guardado whips a dangerous cross into the Getafe penalty area, but Soldado just cannot make contract and play is restarted with a goal kick. The away side simply cannot keep hold of possession at the moment despite the fact they are playing a five-man midfield.
Just as I say that Getafe force their best chance since their opening goal as Alberto Lopo ghosts in at the far post, but his header is just wide of the target. You cannot say that the away side have not had opportunities. Neither side is defending particularly well and that points to goals in the second period.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side to make it four as Guardado fires a low cross into the penalty area towards Jonas, but somehow the Brazilian fires wide from close range. How on earth has he missed? Replays have shown that Feghouli may have just put his teammate off in the act of shooting.
Half-chance for Getafe in the latter stages of the half as Lafita picks up possession before striking an effort from outside the box, but Alves moves across to make the save. The resulting corner is taken by Michel, but Rami gets up highest to head clear.
Another sighter for the away side as Michel meets a loose ball on the edge of the box, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner, which is also cleared. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of action at the end of the half.
Valencia 3-1 Getafe
So there we have it. An incredible opening half of football is brought to an end with Valencia leading Getafe 3-1. The home side were 2-0 ahead inside seven minutes, before Alvaro cut the score to 2-1. However, Ricardo Costa added their third on 30 minutes.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Valencia have shaded the possession with 54%, while they have managed eight attempts. That said, Getafe have also had seven attempts, hitting the target on three occasions.
As it stands Valencia would move into ninth spot in the table, while Getafe would drop one place to 10th. More importantly, it would leave the home side just four points outside of the Champions League places as they enter the winter break. That is about as good as they could have hoped for following a poor start.
Just a reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from the Spanish capital as Atletico Madrid welcome Celta Vigo. Meanwhile, be sure to join us tomorrow as we bring you three back-to-back live commentaries in La Liga. Barcelona and Real Madrid are both in action on the final matchday of 2012.
Here we go then. Valencia get us underway in the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. Valencia have the likes of Nelson Valdez and Jonathan Viera on the bench this evening. Meanwhile, Getafe could look to Hugo and Jaime Gavilan should they remain behind as the evening advances.
Valencia attempt to start the second period in the same way they began the first as Feghouli drives into the Getafe box, but the danger is cleared by Alexis. Piatti regains possession just outside the penalty area, but his pass towards Soldado is just wide of the desired destination.
The pressure continues from the home side as Guardado wins a free kick just outside the penalty area, but the resulting set piece from Costa takes a deflection before moving behind for a corner. The delivery is whipped into the box by Costa, but Michel is on hand to clear the danger. All Valencia in the early stages of this half.
CHANCE! Getafe come close to scoring their second of the evening as Michel finds Alvaro in the penalty area, but the striker's effort is straight at Alves and the goalkeeper is able to palm the danger clear. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Soldado collects possession before feeding the run of Jonas, but Torres comes across to clear the danger. The ball finds its way to Piatti, whose pace takes him beyond Lopo, but his final pass is poor and the danger is cleared.
POST! Valencia come within a whisker of extending their lead as Soldado finds Jonas in the penalty area, but the Brazilian can only roll his effort straight against the post. He was already off celebrating. Could that be a turning point in this match? The next goal will have a huge say on the final result.
Another half-chance for the home side as Jonas forces a free kick in a wide position. The resulting set piece from Costa is met by the head of Rami, but his effort is straight at Moya and the goalkeeper launches possession straight down field. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
It just isn't quite happening for Getafe at the moment. They continue to force the ball into advanced areas, but cannot find that elusive final pass and the danger is cleared once more. You have to wonder whether they should freshen things up as another corner is headed clear by Valencia.
GOAL! Valencia 3-2 Getafe (Alexis)
Suddenly we have a match on our hands as Alexis rises highest in the penalty area to thump his effort past Alves. The goalkeeper was in no mans land as he came to claim the ball and his team have paid the ultimate price.
Half-chance for the home side to regain their two-goal lead as Feghouli whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Alexis clears the danger. What a couple of moments it has been for him. Lafita collects possession down the other end, but he can only dribble straight out of play.
Real end-to-end football at the moment as both sides go in search of the decisive next goal in the match. However, there have just been a few signs that the crowd are starting to turn on Valencia, quite incredible with their team in the lead. Meanwhile, the first change is being readied.
The first change of the evening is indeed made as Feghouli is replaced by Ever Banega. Just a sign that Valverde is keen to tighten up his team. Just a side note on Feghouli, he will be off to the African Cup of Nations in January and will therefore not put on the Valencia shirt until February.
Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Valencia lead 3-2 in the Mestalla. You worry what it would do to their confidence should they not pick up all three points this evening. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match. Neither side is defending particularly well.
Valencia have the ball in the back of the net once more as Soldado collects a pass from Jonas before thumping his effort into the top corner, but the linesman raised his flag. Replays have shown that although it was tight, the correct decision was indeed made by the official.
Another half-chance for the home side as Soldado and Piatti combine in the box before the latter finds Guardado, but the Mexican just cannot sort out his feet and the danger is cleared. It's all Valencia at the moment, but Getafe have already scored twice against the run of play in this match.
Valencia attempt to break once more as Piatti searches out the run of Soldado, but Alexis comes across to clear the danger. Meanwhile, Getafe make their first change of the evening as Michel is replaced by Gavilan. Little over 15 minutes of action remaining in this one.
Valencia attempt to break once more as Piatti searches out the run of Soldado, but Alexis comes across to clear the danger. Meanwhile, Getafe make their first change of the evening as Michel is replaced by Gavilan. Little over 15 minutes of action remaining in this one.
The whistles continue from the home crowd as Valencia pass up possession once more. However, Getafe cannot find that elusive pass in the final third and the danger is cleared by Rami. Is there another sting in the tail in this match? Another change for Valencia as Viera replaces Jonas.
Getafe respond with a change of their own as Abdel is replaced by Pablo Sarabia. The pressure continues to come from the home side as they desperately attempt to put the result beyond doubt, but Getafe are always a threat on the counter with Alvaro. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Not a great deal to report in terms of clear chances in the past few moments. It is slightly untidy with both teams giving away a host of fouls in and around the centre circle. Meanwhile, the changes have interrupted the flow of the match. Not that the home side will mind in the final 10 minutes.
Half-chance for Valencia to surely put the game beyond doubt as Banega collects possession outside the penalty area before firing an effort towards the top corner, but his strike is just wide of the post. It is so important that the supporters stay with their team in the remaining minutes.
Another Valencia attack threatens to force their fourth of the evening as Guardado finds Costa in the final third, but the experienced midfielder instead keeps possession. Piatti comes close with a chance moments later as Torres loses control in the box, but somehow he spoons it wide.
Half-chance for Valencia to extend their lead once more as they break forward with four players, but Banega is chopped down in his prime by Miguel Torres. Meanwhile, slight handbags between both teams as Alvaro hits the deck in the middle of the park. Not entirely sure what has just happened there!
The referee goes across to speak to his assistant with both teams crowding the official. Albelda attempts to put maximum pressure on the officials, but the referee awards a yellow card to both Soldado and Alvaro. The latter appears to have a slight cut underneath his eye.
Valencia again come close as Costa strikes a free kick from outside the box, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the home side make their third change of the match as Piatti is replaced by Valdez. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional five minutes of action.
Valencia continue to dominate the football in the latter stages of the evening with Getafe struggling to keep hold of possession. Nothing much to report in stoppage time thus far with the home side keeping possession in their own half. Little over two minutes remaining.
Still Getafe huff and puff with possession, but they simply cannot find their forward players in any kind of space in the final third. Little over one minute of action remaining and the score remains 3-2. Should they hold on then it will be such an important result for Valencia.
GOAL! Valencia 4-2 Getafe (Valdez)
Valencia wrap up the points in style in the final moments as Banega finds Valdez in the box and the striker cannot miss as he taps home from close range. He has scored again from the bench. This match is over. Little over 20 seconds remaining.
Valencia 4-2 Getafe
So there we have it. Valencia score four times as they move into ninth spot in the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for action from Madrid. Until then!
