Valencia win Cominutat de Valencia Derby

A wonderful strike from Tino Costa gave Valencia a 2-0 win over Levante in the Cominutat de Valencia Derby this past weekend.  The match had all the fireworks one would expect from a local derby match.  The match started quickly, with Levante getting their first chance of the match just minutes into the game.  Jose Barkero’s shot was stopped by the skillful Vicente Guaita with a lovely kick save.  Levante’s continuous bombardment of shots failed to hit the target.

The high intensity of the match took its toll quite early on Valencia, becoming obvious in the 15^th minute when right back Bruno Saltor received a hefty challenge from Juanfran Garcia, taking him out of the match.  This injury made way for Antonio Barragan to see his third appearance of the season for Valencia.  Barragan took advantage of the rare playing opportunity, launching Valencia’s first shot of the game after a beautiful set up from Sofiane Feghouli.  He skied his shot, however, and the pressure on Levante was eased.



Valencia made a breakthrough in the 32^nd minute after a magical pass from Tino Costa to Jordi Alba.  Costa’s wonderful ball found its way through the Levante defensive line, right into the path of Jordi Alba, who had a rare start in midfield this game.  Alba drove past his markers for a one on one with keeper, Gustavo Munua.  While it appeared as though Alba scored with an excellent finish, a closer look would reveal an own goal from the foot of defender Javi Venta who got the final touch to the ball, sliding on Alba from behind, to put Valencia up 1-0.  The first half ended without any more major fireworks, but Valencia looked assured and confidant going into the break.

The second half started like the first ended, with Valencia controlling the ball and creating chances.  The second goal of the match came minutes after the restart from a set piece from Valencia’s set piece master and this game’s man of the match, Tino Costa.  Costa lined up the shot from the left side of the pitch perfectly with his left foot swinging in a wonderful free kick that curled around the wall. Levante players and fans alike would find themselves quite frustrated with keeper Munua’s questionable positioning on the free kick, which lead to the goal.

Later in the match, Tino Costa was almost the hero again, but his excellent cross was well cleared by the Levante defense at the last second.  Feghouli almost got the third goal of the match on the 70^th minute, but he was a bit too selfish and didn’t release the ball in time to capitalize on the gifted chance. 

Toward the end of the match, Valencia’s dominance faded and Levante came on strong in the last 20 minutes of the match.  Aruna Kone’s shot hit the crossbar just yards from the goal and Carlos Aranda had an excellent shot from outside the area moments later, but Valencia keeper, Vincente Guaita got down in time to make the save.  Levante pushed all their players forward, but Valencia defended very well and managed to keep the clean sheet.

This win puts Valencia in 3^rd place in La Liga, only 1 point behind second place Barcelona and 4 points behind league leaders, Real Madrid.  If Valencia can continue this good form, they will find themselves in second and maybe even first place in La Liga.  Tino Costa will hope to have secured his starting spot after this excellent performance, and if he keeps it up he may well replace Sergio Canales or even Ever Banega.

By:David Wall
Edited: Matt Sinacore