Home side Rayo Vallecano scripted a flying start to their La Liga 2023-24 campaign with a dominating 2-0 win over Almeria while Valencia edged Europa League champions Sevilla 2-1.
Valencia, who avoided being relegated by a mere two points in the previous La Liga season, started their campaign on a high against momentum-filled Sevilla and soon got their reward at the hour mark when thanks to Mouctar Diakhaby.
Guinea international defender Diakhaby produced an exceptional finish after good work by Portuguese teammate Andre Almeida.
Valencia’s lead however shortlived as Sevilla pulled one back nine minutes later, courtesy of Morocco’s forward Youssef En-Nesyri, who headed in at the far post from a well-calculated cross by Suso.
Valencia’s Javi Guerra then left the home crowd stunned when he fired an 88-minute match-winner, pounding on the brilliant opportunity set up by Hugo Duro.
Notably, home side Sevilla was a man down for the last 10 minutes of their fixture against Valencia after Frenchman Loic Bade was given a red card for shirt pulling.
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In the La Liga 2023-24 curtain raiser, hosts Rayo Vallecano handed a 2-0 thrashing to Almeria.
Randy Nteka starred in scripting a perfect start to Rayo Vallecano’s campaign as he scored one goal and helped produce another.
Midfielder Isi Palazon opened the scoring for Rayo Vallecano in the 20th minute after Almeria defender Edgar González fouled Nteka in the area when the two were squabbling over a ball.
Nteka, who spent the second part of the previous La Liga season on loan at Elche, converted his second penalty kick eight minutes later after Almeria’s Sergio Akieme used his arm to stop a cross from him in the penalty area.
It is worth mentioning here that defending champions Barcelona will kick off their campaign against Getafe on Sunday while former champions Real Madrid will take on Athletic Club on Saturday.
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