Justin Kluivert was of great value to Valencia on Saturday. The two-time Oranje-international scored the only goal of the match in Mestalla (1-0) against Osasuna, as a result of which his club did excellent business in the fight against relegation.
The 23-year-old Kluivert had a basic place at Valencia, which has been playing at the highest level since 1987. The attacker scored nicely in the 74th minute (1-0).
Because Valencia striker Hugo Duro missed a penalty in extra time, Kluivert became the match winner. It was the fourth goal this season in La Liga from the former Ajax player, who played his last international match in 2018. Kluivert was not included in the 37-man provisional Orange squad of national coach Ronald Koeman this month.
Valencia rose by the three points against Osauna from nineteenth to sixteenth place. The team of trainer Rubén Baraja thus has a view of enforcement, although many other relegation candidates still have to take action this weekend.
Stand onder in La Liga
- 14. Espanyol 25-27 (-8)
- 15. Cádiz 25-27 (-17)
- 16. Valencia 25-26 (0)
- 17. Getafe 25-26 (-9)
- 18. Sevilla 24-25 (-12)
- 19. Almería 24-25 (-14)
- 20. Elche 25-13 (-30)
Real Madrid beat Espanyol
At the top of La Liga, Real Madrid easily beat Espanyol at home earlier in the day. Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s team came back from behind to win 3-1.
Real Madrid fell behind against Espanyol after eight minutes. After a well-executed counter by the visitors, club top scorer Joselu tapped in Ruben Sánchez’s cross. Ten minutes later Real equalized through Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian attacker passed three defenders, after which he hit with a great shot.
Just before the break, Éder Militão put ‘De Koninklijke’ on a 2-1 lead. After a beautiful cross from Aurélien Tchouaméni, the Brazilian defender’s header sailed unstoppably through the bottom of the crossbar. In extra time, Marco Asensio determined the final score: 3-1.
Benzema was missing at Real Madrid
Real Madrid coach Ancelotti could not rely on star player Karim Benzema, who is again struggling with an ankle injury. Rodrygo played in his place. Benzema missed his fourteenth game of the season due to the injury.
Toni Kroos had a special afternoon at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. The midfielder played his 400th game for Real Madrid.
With the victory over Espanyol, Real Madrid reduces the gap to leader FC Barcelona to six points. The Catalans will take on Athletic Bilbao on Sunday evening at 9 p.m. Real Madrid will defend a 5-2 lead against Liverpool on Wednesday in the Champions League return.
Stand boven in La Liga
- 1. FC Barcelona 24-62 (+38)
- 2. Real Madrid 25-56 (+31)
- 3. Atlético Madrid 24-45 (+19)
- 4. Real Sociedad 24-44 (+9)
- 5. Real Betis 24-41 (+7)
