Hugo Duro salvaged a crucial draw for Valencia with a 93rd-minute goal against Sevilla at Mestalla. The home side, anxious about their league standing, overturned an own goal by César Tárrega. Both teams, desperate for points to avoid relegation, delivered a tense and physical match.
Valencia and Sevilla arrived at Mestalla desperate for points to distance themselves from the relegation zone in LaLiga. The match, played on a late afternoon, started with high tension and little creative play. In the first half, both teams displayed more caution than flair, with Sevilla taking a more patient approach and probing the opponent's area.
Luis Rioja stood out for Valencia with three noteworthy actions that his teammates failed to capitalize on. Sevilla issued an early warning with a header from Peque, saved by goalkeeper Agirrezabala. Players like Mendy and Agoumé brought physicality to Matías Almeyda's side, which persistently targeted Akor Adams, the Nigerian who most troubled Valencia's defense during that spell.
After halftime, Carlos Corberán urged his team to push forward with greater intensity, but they lacked cohesion in midfield. Djibril Sow effectively shut down Javi Guerra, disrupting Valencia's build-up play. This led to the opening goal: Sow passed to Oso, who set up Adams, and César Tárrega, unsteady this season, scored an own goal, making it 0-1 and quieting the home crowd.
Valencia, often struggling to come back from deficits, responded with substitutions. Corberán removed Guerra and paired Lucas Beltrán with Hugo Duro up front, injecting energy into the attack. Sevilla, led by Almeida, resorted to rough tactics, time-wasting, and yellow cards to protect their lead, treating the game like a must-win.
In stoppage time, as fans feared another setback, Valencia persisted, and Hugo Duro, their reliable rescuer, leveled the score at 1-1. This point prevents a heavier blow against a direct competitor and keeps hope alive in a challenging season.