Jorge Cuenca’s goal in the derby means the region is Yellow
Villarreal won the derby at La Cerámica (1-0). The Yellows overcame their opponents in a hard-fought and thrilling match that went in the home side’s favour thanks to a goal from Jorge Cuenca and a great atmosphere from the fans, who carried Marcelino’s team from start to finish.
The Estadio de la Cerámica offered a fantastic setting. Decked out with 20,000 yellow flags, the fans roared from the first minute in the Valencian derby. Villarreal started the game better, creating the early goal-scoring opportunities. The first one was stopped by Mamardashvili, who produced an excellent save from Traoré’s shot inside the area before the first quarter of an hour of the match.
The remarkable start did not prevent Valencia from getting into their stride at La Cerámica. Just five minutes later, Hugo Duro replied with a one-on-one with Jorgensen that went over. The Valencia striker tried to finish with a lob that did not find the target.
As the minutes passed, the Submarine lost their spark and fluency in the game and Valencia took advantage of this to gain presence in the rival area. Sergi Canós could have made it 0-1 after a Gayá foray down the left flank. Jorgensen prevented it with a superb save.
In the 35th minute, Figueroa Vázquez, the match referee, awarded Villarreal a penalty. Bertrand Traoré was brought down inside the area as he was heading towards the Valencianista goal. Baena’s shot was saved by Mamardashvili. A fantastic missed chance for the Yellows. With the score at 0-0, the game went to the break.
The second half started with a lot of excitement. First Valencia tried with a hard shot from Peter Federico that Filip Jorgensen saved with a fantastic save. Then Villarreal replied with a double clear chance from Santi Comesaña and Sorloth that Mamardashvili brilliantly turned behind for a corner.
From that same corner and with the fans cheering on the team, Cuenca used his to make it 1-0. The Estadio de la Cerámica celebrated in style. He sent the ball into the net after a great pass from Sorloth, also with his head.
Despite the yellow advantage, Valencia did not give up and insisted in search of an equaliser. Cenk had a chance from a corner. The ball fell to his foot and tested the brilliant reflexes of Jorgensen, who was once again proving to be outstanding.
With the introduction of Gerard Moreno, Villarreal again had clear chances to extend the lead. Valencia’s Georgian goalkeeper was once again the star of the show with a fantastic intervention against the Yellows No.7.
The Submarine were able to manage their minimal advantage well and thus obtain three golden points in the derby against Valencia.
