Valencia Club de Fútbol suffer defeat in first pre-season friendly
Valencia Club de Fútbol kicked off their 26-27 pre-season with a 1-3 loss. The side, based at the Royalverd Training Center in La Garrotxa (Girona), fell to Petro de Luanda in a pre-season friendly on 18 July 2026. Sadiq scored the only goal for the Ches.
The training-camp session served as the finale to the first stage of pre-season work. The Ches return to Paterna today to continue preparations ahead of the LALIGA opener. Two more friendlies await before the league curtain-raiser: against CD Eldense and CD Castellón.
What happened in the Petro de Luanda friendly?
The match, played in Girona, ended in a negative balance for Valencia CF. The Angolan champions, fresh from winning the Primeira Divisão de Angola, dominated with a physical, direct style. The lone goal came in the 22nd minute, scored by Sadiq after a defensive error.
Rubén Baraja’s side showed clear signs of rust. The defeat highlights defensive frailties and the need to tighten up before the domestic campaign. Late changes failed to overturn the deficit.
Valencia CF’s line-up vs Petro de Luanda
Baraja fielded a starting XI packed with new faces and young talent. In goal, Vicent Abril started. The back four comprised Mayol, Iker Córdoba, Tárrega and Gayà. The midfield, led by Pepelu, featured Ugrinic, Otorbi and Rioja as the main playmakers.
Up front, Javi Guerra and Hugo Duro shared striking duties with Rubo and De Haas. Youngster Sadiq, who had already shone in the youth ranks, completed the XI. The bench saw minutes for Wanjala, Jesús Vázquez, Dieng, Guido, Raba, Gamón and Almeida.
Next steps: two friendlies before LALIGA
Valencia CF now face two intense weeks at Paterna. The Ches have scheduled friendlies on 22 July against CD Eldense and 25 July vs CD Castellón. Both games will help Baraja fine-tune tactics and blood new signings.
The manager aims to restore team confidence after the defeat. The target is to arrive fully prepared for the LALIGA opener, which could pit Valencia CF against Real Madrid in matchday one. The Che faithful are hoping to see clear improvements in a squad featuring several high-profile arrivals.
