Everton FC 0-1 Valencia CF Match Report

Valencia finish off their ICC Guinness Championship by a deserved victory against Everton to clinch the fifth place in the championship. As was expected, Djukic fielded a line-up that featured 10 changes from the great match against Inter with the exception being Viera, who started the game in Ever Banega's position. The game also featured Mestalla B players Ibanez and Salva Ruiz both of whom put a lot of effort to prove their worth to Djukic. Despite all the changes, the game plan was the same, keeping possession. What caught my attention is that Valencia were fighting for every ball up relentlessly all through the game. It was like they were playing a Champions League match. Seriously, I haven't seen this much drive in the players in a long time despite this being a match for fifth place.

The first half started with alternating chances for both teams and an early booking for Barragan. When Valencia settled though, they dominated the possession and Viera was outstanding in controlling the pace of the game. He played with such confidence and flair, linking up with everyone all around the field. One couldn't even tell he played 90 minutes against Inter, only 2 days before.

With the first half ending in a 0-0 deadlock, Djukic gave Viera a rest and brought in Michel. The impact of the substitution showed as early as the 53rd minute. Jonas's run cleared space outside the box for Cissokho to cross the ball to Michel who controlled and volleyed it past the stunned Everton keeper. There were dangerous opportunities for Everton and Valencia but none could capitalize, and this could have very well been a 2-3 or 3-4 scoreline. Highlights are at the bottom.

* means substituted in/out

Everton FC (0): Robles, Stones, Distin, Jagielka, Oviedo, Deulofeu*, Gibson*, Naismith*, Barkley, Fellaini, Anichebe*
Substitutes: Howard, Osman*, Hibbert, Heitinga, Pienaar, Baines*, Jelavic*, Kone, Gueye, Coleman, Vellios, Duffy, Alcarez, Mirallas*

Valencia CF (1): Guaita, Barragan, V.Ruiz, Mathieu, Cissokho, S.Ruiz*, Parejo, Viera*, Romeu, Ibanez, Jonas*
Substitutes: Diego Alves, Periera, Rami, Costa, Bernat*, Michel*, Banega*, Fuego, Feghouli, Alcacer