Finally!

By: Cesar | February 4th, 2008

villa.jpgIn the euphoria of watching my first African Cup of Nations match (Ghana-Nigeria was one of the best football matches I’ve seen in some time) and the New York Giants winning the Super Bowl (WOW!), I didn’t get to watch our beloved Valencia.

But great to see they won 2-0 over Real Valladolid, goals by David Villa (finally!) and Juan Mata. This should take some of the pressure off coach Ronald Koeman, who looked to be headed for the exit a week ago.

From what I read, we played counter attack and hit them for the two goals in the second half. Not easy against a Valladolid side who hadn’t been beaten at home since early October.

The win leaves us four points from a UEFA Cup spot, in 9th place on 30 points. We’re 9 behind Villarreal for the 4th-place spot and a Champions League invite.

In other quick shots, Morientes is back after almost 2 months away and David Silva was knocked around in practice with the national team. Good news and bad news.

In the last bit of happy news, David Albelda’s back. With the national team, not with our beloved.

“It means a lot to me to get the chance to enjoy playing again,” he told Marca.

“Yes, it is strange to not be playing with your club and that is apparent for me. However, I have already gone over a month without it and I am starting accept the fact that I won’t play.”

At least he’s back. And at least he’s smiling again. Good to see the captain playing again …






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Comments  

  • Isaiah |  February 4th, 2008 at 12:12 pm

    cornercorner

    This bodes well for the Copa del Rey matchup. It’s looking more exciting by the moment…Valencia back at top form are going to be hard to stop.

    Posted from United States United States

    cornercorner
  • Daniel |  February 4th, 2008 at 5:49 pm

    cornercorner

    I was following this game on Soccernet’s gamecast and I was pissed as I saw Valladolid rack up shot after shot in the first half while we barely registered any.. then when we scored in the 2nd half it reminded me of how we used to be years ago in the Benitez era… for almost the whole game we would soak up pressure, restricting the other team to hopeful efforts from distance, then we would hit them on the counter and score one or two.

    I’d be more comfortable with this approach if a certain Ivan Helguera wasn’t on our roster, let alone starting in our back 4. But if these guys are actually starting to defend well, I think we could easily climb back into 4th.

    Posted from United States

    cornercorner
  • javier de roque |  February 7th, 2008 at 12:30 pm

    cornercorner

    I think we can win the betis game since we have had good luck against them.. Joaquin seems to like scoring on his former masters.

    So lets let him rack another couple. I feel the team are begining to click. But i worry about the barcelona matchup.. we need to beat them at home without letting them score.. and then keep them at bay in catalunya

    Posted from Canada Canada

    cornercorner

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