Valencia Club de Fútbol endured a painful 3-2 home defeat to Real Sociedad at Mestalla on Saturday. A late own goal from Luken Beitia and a stoppage-time strike from Ander Barrenetxea decided a match that seemed destined for a draw.
This result leaves Óscar Sánchez's side in 19th place in La Liga, with just four points from seven matches. The loss extends a poor run of form that now includes four defeats in their last five games.
How the match unfolded
Real Sociedad took the lead in the 26th minute through a finish from Luka Sučić, assisted by Job Ochieng. Valencia, who had shown little attacking threat in the first half, responded after the break. Aaron Mayol, one of the starting central midfielders, leveled the score in the 57th after a good pass from Hugo Duro.
The parity was short-lived. Carlos Soler, from the penalty spot, put the visitors back in front in the 75th minute. Valencia's reply came in the cruelest fashion, with an unfortunate deflection from Real Sociedad defender Luken Beitia that ended up in his own net nine minutes later. Just when a draw seemed certain, substitute Ander Barrenetxea finished a Soler cross in added time to secure all three points for La Real.
Manager Óscar Sánchez set his team up in a 4-4-2 formation with Dimitrievski in goal and a back four of Maffeo, Pepelu, Gayà, and De Haas. In midfield, Ugrinic, Mayol, Rodríguez, and Danjuma started, with changes like the introduction of David Otorbi in the second half.
What it means for the season
This defeat leaves Valencia with a record of one win, one draw, and five losses so far in the league. The team has conceded ten goals while scoring only two, resulting in a -8 goal difference. They sit 17 points behind leaders Barcelona.
The next fixture is an away trip to face Racing Santander on October 11th. Their opponents currently occupy 14th place, offering another chance to try and halt the poor run and pick up points away from home.
