Madrid, Jan 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) Valencia kicked off 2024 in style with a convincing 3-1 victory at home against Villarreal in their La Liga derby on Tuesday night.
Valencia took an early lead as Roman Yaremchuk found the net in the fourth minute, capitalizing on Jose Gaya’s cross from the left.
Pepelu extended Valencia’s lead by converting a penalty in the 25th minute, capitalizing on Roman Terrats’ challenge on Hugo Duro, as reported by Xinhua.
Maintaining control, Valencia continued to dominate the game, with Duro hitting the post early in the second half. Pepelu secured his second goal from the penalty spot, capitalizing on a handball in the Villarreal area.
Although Gerard Moreno managed to pull one back for Villarreal with 18 minutes remaining, they struggled to mount a comeback.
In another match, sixth-placed Real Sociedad faced a challenging Basque derby at home against Alaves. Real Sociedad played with 10 men after goalkeeper Alex Remiro handled the ball outside his area in the 36th minute to prevent Luis Rioja from scoring.
Alaves took the lead in the 76th minute with a penalty converted by Rioja after Remiro’s replacement, Unai Marrero, was sent the wrong way.
Real Sociedad fought back, and Martin Zubimendi salvaged a point with a goal in injury time after the ball fell favorably for him in the area.
Rayo Vallecano began the New Year with a 2-0 victory over Getafe, a match relocated to Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium due to Getafe’s unserved stadium ban.
Getafe faced multiple setbacks as Juanmi Latasa received two yellow cards in the 42nd minute, Sergio Camello scored for Rayo in first-half injury time, and Camello doubled their lead early in the second half.
Getafe’s troubles deepened as Mason Greenwood was sent off for alleged verbal abuse at the referee, and Damien Suarez also received a red card shortly after being substituted.
