Nicolás Otamendi, Dani Parejo and Paco Alcácer the scorers

Valencia CF defeated 3-1 SD Eibar in an extremely comfortable game at Mestalla, maintaining their impressive run of results in home games and establishing a three-point gap over Sevilla in the race for fourth place. In addition, Nuno’s side got a big morale boost heading into the big game next weekend at the Santiago Bernabeu.



After a draw for Atletico Madrid against Athletic Club and a loss for Sevilla at home to Real Madrid, Valencia CF’s Matchday 35 fixture was a chance to move closer to sealing fourth –and possibly sneak third place come the season’s end.

If the team perform as they did against Eibar on Sunday night, then they have reason to believe. Goals from Nicolás Otamendi Dani Parejo and Paco Alcácer sealed the victory in a great collective showing.



On four minutes



With Valencia CF running the game, Nuno’s side finally went ahead on the scoreline after a series of shots following a corner. The ball came to José Luis Gayà, who found the Nicolas Otamendi with a superb cross. The Argentine defender left Irureta with no chance as he beat him with an excellent header. The goal came 24 minutes into the game, and was Otamendi’s fourth in La Liga.



Trailing the game, SD Eibar did not vary their style and



In the opening moments of the second half, Eibar suddenly had a spell of possession and chances. However, restoring normal service were De Paul and On four minutes Rodrigo de Paul , one of the novelties in the starting lineup, tried his luck from distance and forced a save from Irureta -who reacted very well and pushed the ball out for a corner. Valencia CF exhibited total control, whilst Eibar dedicated their efforts merely to defending in an ordered manner. VCF’s second chance came from a quick steal by Sofiane Feghouli , 17 minutes in; the ball fell to the feet of Alcácer and the striker shot only slightly off target.With Valencia CF running the game, Nuno’s side finally went ahead on the scoreline after a series of shots following a corner. The ball came to José Luis Gayà, who found the Nicolas Otamendi with a superb cross. The Argentine defender left Irureta with no chance as he beat him with an excellent header. The goal came 24 minutes into the game, and was Otamendi’s fourth in La Liga.Trailing the game, SD Eibar did not vary their style and Rodrigo de Paul almost doubled the advantage; only a miraculous save from Irureta denied him one of the goals of the matchday. That took the contest into half time with only a 1-0 lead for VCF.In the opening moments of the second half, Eibar suddenly had a spell of possession and chances. However, restoring normal service were De Paul and Dani Parejo ; the former hit an effort against the crossbar, whilst the latter smashed in his twelfth goal of the campaign. Parejo’s shot from outside the area deflected off a defender on its way towards goal.



The match had not reached the hour mark and Valencia CF had already virtually sealed the victory, but there was also bad news in the form of a muscle injury for Gayá. Rested as a precutionary measure, the full back was replaced by



Referee Estrada Fernandez annulled a legal goal for The match had not reached the hour mark and Valencia CF had already virtually sealed the victory, but there was also bad news in the form of a muscle injury for Gayá. Rested as a precutionary measure, the full back was replaced by Lucas Orban Referee Estrada Fernandez annulled a legal goal for Paco Alcácer on 64 minutes, when the striker -after controlling the ball with his right foot, fired off a belting shot with his left.



Alcácer would get his name on the scoresheet, however, with goal number three; Parejo masterfully launched a free kick towards goal, clipping the ball against the crossbar. The rebound came to the predator from Torrent, who did not hesitate in grabbing his ninth La Liga goal this season.



The fearsome duo formed of Alcácer and Alcácer would get his name on the scoresheet, however, with goal number three; Parejo masterfully launched a free kick towards goal, clipping the ball against the crossbar. The rebound came to the predator from Torrent, who did not hesitate in grabbing his ninth La Liga goal this season.The fearsome duo formed of Alcácer and Álvaro Negredo were united on the field of play in the final minutes. Surpringly, then, it was Arruabarrena for Eibar who was able to round off the scoring in the match. The visiting side’s veteran player beat Diego Alves with a low shot, ending the Brazilian’s clean sheet record at Mestalla.

Whilst it was a shame to end the run without conceding at home, the 3-1 result is a huge boost to the side’s hopes of playing Champions League football next season.





Spanish Primera División

Matchday 35





Mestalla, Valencia





Valencia CF 3 vs. 1 SD Eibar









SD Eibar: Irureta, Bóveda, Añibarro, Borja F.F., Dídac, Boateng, Dani García (Errasti, m. 78), Capa, Saúl Berjón, Manu del Moral (Ángel, m. 67) and Piovaccari (Arruabarrena, m. 46).





Referee: Estrada Fernández. Yellow cards for Piatti and André Gomes (Valencia CF) and Dani García (SD Eibar).