Valencia: Alves, Gaya, Otamendi, Mustafi, Barragan, Fuego, Parejo, Piatti (Orban 63'), Gomes (Augusto 71'), Rodrigo, Alcacer (Feghouli 75')
Atlético Madrid: Moya, Siqueira, Miranda, Godin, Juanfran, Gabi, Tiago (Garcia 72'), Koke, Griezmann (Cerci 66'), Turan (Jimenez 69'), Mandzukic
Valencia have announced their arrival in La Liga with a resounding 3-1 win over defending champions Atletico Madrid. The result was a shock to many but Valencia’s opening 15 minutes did Atletico in.
Valencia scored three goals in 13 minutes as Atletico’s defense looked a pale shadow of themselves. Valencia opened their scoring in 6th minute via an own goal from Miranda. The Brazilian mainstay of the Atletico defense was completely oblivious to his surroundings as he somehow snuck the ball back into his own net by staling it from Moya’s hands.
The second goal was a brilliant effort from Los Che midfielder Gomes as he danced his way past Atletico’s backline and thumped the ball into the net past Moya. The third goal was also another shoddy piece of defending as the visitors coudn’t defend a set piece which was converted by Otamendi, who was smallest man in the box.
Atletico struck back through Mario Mandzukic in 29th minute but it was way beyond their reach by then. Los Rojiblancos tried to imose themselves on their opponents but were not as effective as they usually are.
In second half it was if that Valencia were content to play on the break and let Atletico do all the hardwork. The game could have beem split wide open had Atletico’s Siqueira converted a penalty that was awarded to them in the second half.
Valencia have now moved on to second place now, 3 points ahead of Atletico and 2 points behind the high flying Barca.