Valencia beat Real Betis 2-1

Valencia:

Valencia got off to a winning start under their new coach Antonio Lopez, coming from a goal behind to beat Real Betis 2-1 at home on Sunday, moving up to fourth place in the La Liga table. Real Betis were the visitors to Valencia's Mestalla Stadium, two days after Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri had been dismissed. Lopez was off to a bad start, as Brazilian midfielder Marcos Assuncao gave Real Betis the lead with a free-kick. Valencia could have hit back within three minutes, when Betis midfielder Juan Jose Canas handled in the area.

Harsh decision It looked like a harsh penalty decision, but it didn't matter because Fabio Aurelio's penalty was saved by keeper Toni Doblas. Aurelio made amends in the 29th minute, with some great skill down the left wing setting up Ruben Baraja to head the equaliser. Assuncao could have given the visitors the lead again in first half injury time. His free-kick once again beat goalkeeper Santiago Canizares, but this time hit the crossbar. Pressure tactics Valencia applied the pressure in the second half, twice hitting the woodwork. They then scored the winning goal they deserved in the 72nd minute, with an excellent passing move. Pablo Aimar set up Mista for the goal that moves Valencia up to fourth place, level on points with Betis, in the La Liga table. Assuncao was sent off for protesting that the goal was offside. (AP)