Almeria travelled to Valencia on Wednesday looking to record their first three points of the season on their return to La Liga.
The home side took a one-goal lead into the interval courtesy of a penalty from their Brazilian forward Jonas after 33 minutes.
However, Almeria were level just past the hour mark when Marco Torsiglieri headed home from close range, before Aleix Vidal made it 2-1 after 70 minutes.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our first of two back-to-back live commentaries from La Liga comes from the Mestalla as Valencia welcome Almeria. Both teams enter the match off the back of disappointing results at the weekend, with the home side suffering a 4-1 defeat to Villarreal, before Almeria were thumped 3-0 at Real Sociedad.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Almeria - Valencia have won each of the last five. As mentioned, the last time the two sides met in this stadium was in November 2010, when Valencia were 2-1 winners. The two sides last met in Almeria in April 2011, with the away side winning 3-0.
TEAMS:
VALENCIA: Alves; Pereira, R. Costa, Mathieu, Guardado; Fuego, Parejo, Feghouli; Jonas, Fede, Postiga
ALMERIA: Esteban; Nelson, Trujillo, Pellerano, Torsiglieri, Dubarbier; Verza, Azeez, Suso, Barbosa; Rodri
So there we have it. Ever Banega is suspended for the home side, but Dani Parejo does come into the team. There is also a place in attack for highly-rated youngster Fede, who will gain support from Jonas and Helder Postiga. Almeria, meanwhile, hand a start to Portuguese Helder Barbosa. On-loan Liverpool attacker Suso also starts, but there is no spot in the first XI for experienced midfielder Soriano.
It was always going to be a tough season for Valencia after losing their star player Roberto Soldado in the summer, but they have managed to overcome a difficult start, where the pressure was believed to be on boss Miroslav Djukic. However, they enter the match off the back of a poor performance in their 4-1 defeat at Villarreal on Sunday.
As it stands, they currently sit in 11th position in the table having taken 13 points from their 10 matches thus far. Three of their four wins have been on their own patch, but they have also lost twice in the Mestalla. In truth, anything less than three points this evening and major questions will be asked of the home side.
Goals have been a slight concern this season, meanwhile, with just 13 in their 10 matches thus far. Almeria, however, have managed just 11 in the same number of matches. Down the other end, Valencia have conceded 17 – which is the third-worst record in the league. Almeria, however, have the second-worst having conceded 23 times.
To suggest that Almeria have found it difficult on their return to La Liga would be putting it kindly. They remain the only team in the top flight yet to win a league match this season. They have collected three points, but they came in three draws. As it stands, they are bottom of the table, six points from safety.
The newly-promoted outfit have not been particularly poor on the road this season, however, with some of their better performances coming on their travels. They have lost four of their five games away, but you just get the feeling that they are due a result. In Rodri, meanwhile, they have a striker that has scored five league goals this season.
PREDICTION: Almeria are due a result, there is no question about that. They will not go through the whole season without picking up a single win, but you just get the feeling that it will come on their own patch. Valencia have named an attacking lineup this evening and therefore I expect them to take the match to their opponents. I am not convinced that Almeria have enough about them to repel the threat - I am backing a 3-0 home win.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Full house inside the Mestalla this evening and there is a wonderful atmosphere. Let's hope for an entertaining fixture. The away side get the action underway in the Mestalla.
Almeria line up in their blue strip this evening, while Valencia are in white and black. Bright start to proceedings from the away side as Suso attacks down the right before winning a throw, but Rodri's cross into the box is cleared by Mathieu. You just get the feeling that the opening 10 minutes could be crucial in this type of match.
Five-man defence for Almeria this evening, which is an indication of their stance. Wonderful noise inside the stadium in the opening four minutes, but neither side has really settled thus far. Postiga's first involvement comes as he wins a header in the final third, but it comes off Nelson and out for a throw, before the danger is hooked clear by Almeria midfielder Corona.
Just a few signs that the home side are starting to take control of proceedings with the likes of Feghouli, Fuego and Parejo seeing plenty of the ball in midfield. The latter has his pocket picked by Verza moments later, but the move breaks down when Azeez is felled by Ricardo Costa. Plenty happening in the middle of the park with six minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for the away side as Barbosa's cross finds the head of Suso inside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Diego Alves, who has returned to the Valencia team this evening following a period on the sidelines. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the opening eight minutes of football in the Mestalla, as Azeez flashes one wide for Almeria.
Almeria have certainly made the brighter start this evening as the away side continue to force the issue in the final third, but they are yet to really test Alves in the Valencia goal. The home side, however, are struggling to get the likes of Fede and Jonas into the match. The noise is coming from the Almeria supporters in the early stages at the Mestalla.
CHANCES! First half-chance for the home side as Jonas meets a cross from Fede, but his effort is straight into the arms of Esteban. Almeria are down the other end moments later, but Verza is chopped down by Parejo. The resulting set piece is taken by Suso, but Rodri's header is just wide of the post. Inches away there.
Almeria have certainly not started with the look of a team that has not won a single league match this season as they continue to force the issue in the Valencia half. However, you just get the feeling that they need to score first if they are to take something from the match. Still goalless with 15 minutes on the clock.
It's good feet from Azeez on the edge of the Valencia box, but he is just challenged at the final moment. That sets up a counter for the home side, but Feghouli can only clip his effort wide of the post. End-to-end football with both sides prepared to commit numbers in the final third.
Half-chance for the away side as Rodri drives past two defenders before finding Barbosa on the right, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Plenty happening in the middle of the park at the moment with both sides committing to each challenge. Still goalless, but indications are that we will have goals this evening.
Again it's bright work from Almeria as Azeez finds Suso before driving into the box, but Mathieu is across to clear at the vital moment. Valencia break down the other end with Guardado, but the Mexican is felled by Durbarbier, who collects a yellow card for the challenge. Entertaining opening 22 minutes at the Mestalla.
The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last few minutes with the challenges arriving from both sides. Valencia have another half-chance moments later as Guardado delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but Jonas cannot make contact. Much better from the home side, with Fede starting to find space in the final third.
You can almost sense the frustration in the stadium at the moment as another Valencia attack comes to an end in the final third. The Mestalla is an unforgiving place there is no question about that. They expect their team to win in this stadium, especially against a team bottom of the league. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, with the score still goalless.
Half-chance for the home side, this time for Postiga, as the Portuguese meets a cross from Guardado, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The referee points for a corner, which also causes problems inside the Almeria box, but the away side manage to clear. The tempo has been lifted in the last couple of moments.
CHANCE! Wonderful from Parejo as the Valencia midfielder finds Feghouli with a stunning pass, but the winger can only drag his effort wide of the post from inside the box. The home side are enjoying their best period of the match.
Much better from the home side as they continue to force the ball into the Almeria box. Another half-chance for Jonas as the Brazilian collects a loose ball inside the box, but he can only flash his effort wide of the post. Barbosa, moments before, became the second Almeria player to enter the book for a foul on Feghouli.
PENALTY TO VALENCIA!
The home side are awarded a penalty as Nelson handles inside the area. Almeria are not too happy, but Jonas has the chance to send his side into the lead.
GOAL! Valencia 1-0 Almeria (Jonas)
No real surprise that the Brazilian slots his effort into the bottom corner for his fifth goal of the season. It is tough on Almeria, but the home side had just started to raise the tempo. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining here.
Almeria just need to be a little bit careful here as they continue to dive into challenges with the home side. Although we are not yet at the interval, you just get the feeling that Almeria cannot afford to fall two goals behind. Their defence is all over the place at the moment.
Another yellow card for the away side as Pellerano enters the book for Almeria. The challenge allows Jonas the chance to deliver a cross into the box, but Esteban comes to clear. Almeria break down the other end with Suso, but Rodri cannot make proper contact on the on-loan Liverpool attacker's cross.
It has been a good response from the away side with Suso enjoying more of the ball in the final third. Suso and Rodri have both been lively thus far, but there is not too much happening behind them at the moment. Good atmosphere inside the stadium as we enter the final stages of the first period.
Valencia are forced into a change here as Guardado, who appears to have picked up a hamstring injury, leaves the field in place of Juan Bernat. There is another match currently taking place in La Liga, with Real Sociedad leading Real Valladolid away from home. Be sure to remain with us later for live text coverage of Real Madrid against Sevilla in the Spanish capital.
Suspect defending from Verza as the Almeria midfielder falls over inside the box, but he manages to hook clear under pressure from Jonas. Parejo has a chance from a free kick moments later, but he fires high and wide of the crossbar. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Valencia 1-0 Almeria
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Valencia leading 1-0 at the interval, with Jonas scoring from the spot after 33 minutes. Almeria started the brighter, but it has been one-way traffic for most of an entertaining first period.
STATISTICS: Valencia have dominated the possession with 67%, while they have had seven attempts - three of which have been on target - to Almeria's three. Just a reminder that Almeria are yet to record a single win this season and therefore another loss would leave them further adrift at the bottom of the table.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have already been forced into one change with Guardado being replaced by Juan Bernat. However, they still have attacking options in the shape of Pabon and Sergio Canales. Almeria, meanwhile, have the likes of Oscar Diaz, Aleix Vidal and Fernando Soriano in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from the Spanish capital as Real Madrid host Sevilla. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. Valencia get the half underway.
Bright start to the second period from the home side as Fede collects possession outside the box before feeding Jonas, but Verza is across to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered right under the crossbar, but Esteban manages to clear. Another goal would certainly make it hard for Almeria to respond.
Fede has started the second half like a house on fire as he drives past two defenders before firing a low cross into the box, but there are no takers. Almeria attempt to break down the other end with Barbosa, but the Portuguese loses possession. Good tempo to the match with 50 minutes on the clock in the Mestalla.
CHANCE! Brilliant work from the home side as Feghouli combines with Jonas outside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Esteban is across to make a fine save. It would be no exaggeration to say that Almeria have not had the ball in the Valencia half since the restart.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Vidal collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Valencia are comfortable, but Almeria will always have a chance at 1-0. Bernat delivers a dangerous cross into the Almeria box moments later, but Esteban collects.
Slight problem for Pereira as the Valencia right-back pulls up following a sprint down the right, but it does appear that he will be fit to continue. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, with Almeria starting to enjoy more of the ball. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga encounter.
Much better from Almeria in the last couple of moments with the likes of Corona and Verza starting to see more of the ball in the final third. The away side make their first change moments later as Soriano replaces Barbosa, who has struggled in the second period. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this evening.
It would not be a surprise to see Djukic look to his bench in the next five minutes or so, with Canales the obvious option. We have not seen too much from Feghouli in the second period, who was very impressive in the first. In truth, not too much is happening at the moment with 62 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Valencia 1-1 Almeria (Torsigileri)
Almeria level! Poor defending from the home side as Torsigileri is allowed to rise in the box before powering his header into the back of the net. Game on in the Mestalla!
Valencia do indeed look to their bench as Canales replaces Fede, who has struggled this evening. Could this be the match where Almeria pick up their first win of the season? End-to-end football with 64 minutes on the clock. Quite a contest here.
Valencia are in danger of losing the supporters here as they continue to give the ball away in the final third. Another half-chance arrives for Almeria as Verza spots the run of Suso, but the on-loan Liverpool winger cannot move away from Costa at the final moment. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in the Mestalla.
Valencia are all over the place in defence at the moment as Verza drives into the box before finding Suso inside the box, but he can only turn his effort into the arms of the goalkeeper. Valencia just cannot seem to keep the ball in the final third at the moment, with the home supporters not too pleased with what they are seeing.
Both goalkeepers are called into action in a matter of moments. Alves is forced to deny Suso, before Feghouli is denied by Esteban down the other end. The away supporters are making all the noise here as both sides continue to commit players in the final third. I would be astounded if this match ended level.
GOAL! Valencia 1-2 Almeria (Vidal)
Almeria lead! Oh my word! The away side score their second as Vidal drives into the box before his effort is deflected into the back of the net via Bernat. Can Valencia respond?
It has been an incredible response from Almeria, who are heading for their first win of the season. However, there is still a lot of football to be played here. Valencia have already made two changes, but it would not be a surprise to see another change in the next few moments. At the minute, Valencia simply cannot keep the ball as the away side continue to threaten a third.
Seems to be a slight problem for Rodri here as the Almeria forward hits the deck, but the striker does return to the fold following a period on the ground. Still no sign of the response from Valencia, with Almeria comfortable in possession. Can you imagine this place at full time if Valencia do not turn this one around?
CROSSBAR! Incredible moment here as Canales hits the crossbar from close range, before Esteban makes a stunning save to deny Feghouli from close range. How on earth has the Almeria stopper saved that?! Finally some pressure from Valencia.
Comfortable for Almeria in the last couple of moments as they continue to keep hold of the ball in the final third. It is difficult to put into words what this result would do for Almeria's season if they can hold on. Pabon is on the bench for Valencia, but there has been no sign of the Colombian thus far. Everything is coming through Canales for the home side at the moment.
Oh what Valencia would give for a certain Roberto Soldado in their side this season. This is the type of match where the Spaniard would score twice late on for the Mestalla outfit. Jonas attempts to find Postiga inside the Almeria box moments later, but Nelson is across to clear the danger.
Valencia make their third and final change of the match, but it is not Pabon. Young striker Paco Alcacer enters the field in place of Feghouli, who has struggled in the second period. Almost silent inside the Mestalla as we enter the final five minutes. Nelson picks up a yellow card for timewasting moments later.
If Valencia are to turn this around, then they need to get a move on there is no question about that. There has been no real response from the home side thus far, but they have players on the pitch that can produce some magic. A free kick arrives for Valencia outside the box moments later, but once more it is wasted.
Another free kick for the home side is delivered into the box by Parejo, but Nelson is on hand to clear the danger. The pressure remains as Canales drives a low cross into the box, but Trujillo is across to clear the danger. The pressure is rising with 89 minutes on the clock.
Almeria make their third and final change as Rodri is replaced by Oscar Diaz. Postiga strike one for the home side moments later, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the second of those.
The home supporters are making their way toward the exits as we enter the final minute of additional time. A half-chance arrives for the home side as Jonas collects possession inside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Time is running out.
FULL-TIME: Valencia 1-2 Almeria
So there we have it. Almeria collect their first three points of the season with a 2-1 win in Valencia. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Real Madrid against Sevilla. Until then!
