Aarón Mayol made his official first-team debut for Valencia Club de Fútbol in the 0-1 away win at Alavés. The 18-year-old midfielder, born in Valencia in 2008, started and played the full 90 minutes under interim head coach Óscar Sánchez.
The manager, who previously coached Mayol in the Juvenil A and reserve teams, pointed to the player's performance as the reason for his selection. "His performance is what leads me to pick him. His abilities. I know him well," Sánchez said after the match. "I told him: 'You know what I want, go in, enjoy, compete, your teammates will help you'."
Mayol showed composure on his first La Liga appearance. He completed 86% of his passes, with 19 out of 22 accurate in the opponent's half and 5 out of 6 long balls successful. He also made 6 ball recoveries and completed 1 dribble. His debut helped Valencia end a poor run and secure three key points that move them to 17th in the table, with 4 points from six games. Luis Rioja's 78th-minute goal, assisted by Javi Guerra, sealed the victory.
The player, who spent over a decade in Levante's youth setup before joining Valencia's academy in 2025, extended his contract in May until 2029. His release clause is set at 15 million euros. While former coach Carlos Corberán included him in some squad call-ups last season, it was Sánchez who handed him his debut.
The team now prepares for their next fixture at home to Real Sociedad, who sit 12th. Mayol's continued involvement will depend on his performances in the coming games, as Valencia seek stability after a tough start to the season with just two goals scored and ten conceded.
More detail at Mundo Deportivo
Valencia returned to training this Thursday with four confirmed absences, according to the club. Luis Rioja, scorer of the goal in the 0-1 win over Alavés, will miss Sunday's match against Real Sociedad. Guido Rodríguez, José Luis Gayà, and Arnaut Danjuma were also absent. Sporting director Braulio Vázquez observed the session as the search for a new manager continues.
