Granada welcomed Valencia on Saturday looking to continue their two-match unbeaten run in Spain's top division.
The away side dominated the opening period, but the first half brought no goals, with the major incident seeing Granada midfielder Mikel Rico dismissed for two bookable offences.
Granada took the lead early in the second period, however, when Brayan Angulo curled an effort into the top corner from outside the box.
Valencia were level on the hour mark courtesy of Jonas, before a late strike from Pablo Piatti secured all three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! In many ways this fixture is one of the most fascinating of the weekend. Granada have been tipped as favourites for relegation, but they are unbeaten in two for the first time since the start of October. In their way this evening is a resurgent Valencia side that are just four points outside of fifth position. Let's get straight to the team news. Pretty much as expected from both sides.
TEAMS:
GRANADA: Roberto; Nyom, Mainz, Siqueira, Lopez; Brahimi, Rico, Benitez, Iriney, Torje; Ighalo
VALENCIA: Alves; Rami, Pereira, Costa, Albelda; Banega, Guardado, Parejo, Piatti; Jonas, Soldado
As mentioned, Granada have picked up four points from their last two league matches. However, they are still in deep relegation trouble. The fact that there is just two points from 19th to 15th tells you everything that you need to know about how the second half of the season will fare. Even Deportivo, who sit bottom with 12 points, have not been cut adrift.
Sevilla occupy 14th position with 19 points, but regardless of how bad they have been this season, they have enough quality to pull clear of the bunch. Athletic Bilbao sit one space above with 21 points and therefore you would imagine that it would be three teams from six that will be relegated come the end of the season.
Granada certainly need their strikers to start firing if they are to pull clear, however. They have managed just 13 goals in 17 games and could soon find themselves without a single forward. Darwin Machis is heading for the Under-20 South American championships and Youssef El-Arabi will represent Morocco in the African Cup of Nations.
That consequently leaves just Odion Ighalo - who starts this evening - to lead the line. The Nigerian has not scored a single goal this season and despite his eagerness to improve, does not really appear good enough to score goals at this level. Granada do not really have the funds to go out and acquire a new array of strikers, but Juan Antonio Anquela simply has to find a solution.
Valencia, meanwhile, have struggled at times this season. However, a run of form of four wins in their past five matches points to a turnaround. The problem for Valencia is that when they are bad, they are terrible. The fact that they do not look capable of winning matches unless their star players are on form is a worry as we enter the second part of the season.
In their past three defeats in the league, they were as poor as you could ever imagine a Valencia side to be. The first of which came in a 4-0 thumping against Malaga, before they were beaten 5-2 at home by an inconsistent Real Sociedad. Hopes of a turnaround were then halted by a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Rayo Vallecano, but they did pick up three points last time out against Getafe.
Right, we are just about five minutes away from kickoff which can only mean one thing. Time for my pre-match prediction. I cannot see this match being a high-scoring affair based on the shyness of the Granada attack, but I am backing a tight Valencia victory. They appear to have their tails up at the moment and their top players have started to prove their worth.
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. Just a reminder on the main team news. Granada line up with Brahimi behind Ighalo, while Benitez is deemed fit to start. Valencia also name a strong side with Soldado, Piatti and Jonas all involved in the final third.
Tonight’s referee is Alberto Undiano. Let’s hope that we are discussing the match and not his performance come the end of play this evening. Following the completion of this match we have action from Deportivo vs. Malaga, be sure to stay with us for that. Here we go then. The home side get the action underway on this mild early evening in Spain.
Decent start from the home side with Iriney and Brahimi enjoying early touches in and around the centre circle. The latter attempts to find the run of Torje with a searching pass, but Diego Alves is on hand to clear. Benitez attempts to advance down the right moments later, but the skipper cannot collect.
Slight bit of handbags inside the opening few moments as Nyom throws an arm at Piatti inside the Valencia half, but play is restarted with no punishment. Granada continue to look the side most eager, but it has resulted in a host of early free kicks. Nothing much from Valencia thus far.
Granada look really fired up for this match as they hassle and harry the Valencia midfield and consequently win back possession. Rico attempts to counter, but the midfielder is chopped down in his prime by Banega. The away side attack down the left moments later with Guardado, but the Mexican - who is once more playing left-back - was chopped down by Torje. Really lively start to proceedings.
First piece of attacking pressure from the away side as Jonas combines with Soldado on the edge of the penalty area before driving into the box, but the striker cannot sort out his feet in time and Nyom makes the clearance. A long-range strike comes from Banega moments later, but it just moved past Roberto's post and the Granada goalkeeper restarts with a goal kick.
Slightly surprising start for Banega this evening. The Valencia midfielder has started just six matches for his club this season, but there are few better players in possession than the crafter. Just signs that the away side are starting to take control of the tempo as they begin to spread play to each wing.
Another half-chance for Valencia as Soldado collects possession out wide before chipping a cross into the penalty area, Mainz heads clear to the edge of the area, but Banega can only fire his effort over the crossbar. Plenty of enthusiasm from Granada in the opening stages, but it is not hard to understand why they have struggled to score goals this season.
Again it's bright football from the away side as Guardado comes inside to find Parejo. The midfielder in turn finds Banega, but Iriney is quick to clear the danger. Still no real chances for either side in the opening 14 minutes of football. However, Valencia have looked the team most likely to create an opening.
It really is one-way traffic at the moment as Piatti collects on the edge of the area before turning and striking at goal, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar. In fairness to the home supporters they are staying with their side, but set pieces look Granada's best avenue this evening. Valencia are showing some of their form from last season.
First yellow card of the match is handed to Mikel Rico and in truth it had been coming. The midfielder lost control of possession before fouling Soldado away from the ball. The mark on the striker's shin clearly shows the damage. It really could have been red. Quite why Iriney is appealing that decision is unknown. The home side just need to settle here.
This time a Valencia player's name is taken as Ricardo Costa dives into a challenge on Torje. Slightly untidy period to the match at the moment with both teams guilty of giving away a host of fouls in and around the centre circle. We are still awaiting the first real chance of the match with 20 minutes on the clock.
First sign of an attacking threat for Granada as Ighalo collects a long pass from Iriney, but his first touch is poor and the danger is cleared. Another half-chance arrives moments later as Brahimi strikes an effort from outside the box, but he slices high before Ighalo heads straight at Alves.
You can just sense the atmosphere in this match as another challenge comes in from Soldado, but the striker's foul on Mainz is not deemed worthy of a yellow card. The home side have improved in possession in the last couple of moments, but we still await the first real chance of the evening.
Half-chance for the home side once more as Brahimi dances into the penalty area before drilling a low cross into the box, but Ighalo just cannot make contact and Rami manages to clear the danger. The recent pressure from the home side has certainly raised the crowd. Meanwhile, another yellow card is handed to Torje as he fells Guardado.
Half-chance for Valencia this time as Jonas combines with Soldado in the penalty area before striking a low effort towards goal, but Roberto gets down to make the save. Another long-range effort comes in moments later from Parejo, but it was always moving high of the target.
Guardado continues to be involved for Valencia down the left as he dances past the challenge of Nyom before whipping a low cross into the area, but Mainz is on hand to make the clearance. The Granada midfield look for Ighalo down the other end, but they have been unable to find their desired target thus far.
Granada attempt to break as Torje collects a pass from Brahimi before firing a low cross into the box, but once more the delivery is poor and Rami clears the danger. The away side attempt to launch an attack of their own down the other end, but that also breaks down and Granada have possession.
CHANCE! Clearest opening of the match comes to Valencia as Parejo pounces on a loose ball inside the penalty area, but his effort is pushed away by Roberto. It was good football in the build up from the away side, who certainly look the more capable outfit in possession. However, the score remains 0-0.
RED CARD: Mikel Rico (Granada). The home side are reduced to 10 men as Rico is handed his second yellow card of the evening for another challenge on Soldado. In truth, his first tackle was worthy of a red. What a crazy decision from the midfielder.
It is hardly a surprise that someone has been sent off in this match, it has been that kind of game. Few clear chances for either side, rather an untidy, gritty atmosphere. There is no question that Valencia have been the better side, however, and it is going to take some effort from the home side to take something from this match now.
Another half-chance for Valencia as Banega whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Mainz gets up high to head clear. The pressure remains as the away side pass and probe outside the box, but eventually Rami fires his effort wide of the post from distance.
Still all one-way traffic as we approach the interval. The only positive for the home side is that they are still level. But you just get the feeling that they have to score the first goal if they are to have any chance of securing a result. A Valencia goal at this stage would be catastrophic for their chances.
Another half-chance for the away side as Jonas strikes an effort from outside the box, but Roberto got down well to clear the danger. Little over one minute of the half remaining and the score remains 0-0. Granada continue to look for the ball in behind, but have not found the target once thus far.
Valencia continue to attack in the latter stages of the half as they pass and probe outside the Granada penalty area, but in fairness to the home side they have defended impressively since being reduced to 10 men. I shouldn't think there would be too much injury time added, maybe a couple of minutes.
Just the one minute of time added on at the end of the half. Another half-chance arrives as Jonas strikes an effort from outside the box, but Mainz was on hand to clear the danger. Roberto has possession with a few seconds of the half remaining. Problem for Benitez in the latter stages, however, as he is carried off on a stretcher following a late challenge.
HALF-TIME: Granada 0-0 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee blows his whistle and the half is brought to an end. No goals to report, with the major incident being the sending off of Granada midfielder Mikel Rico for two bookable offences. Valencia have certainly looked the side most likely to open the scoring.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Valencia have dominated the possession with 69%, while they have had seven attempts to Granada's one. That said, Valencia have managed the game's only attempt on target. The best word to describe the opening period would be bitty.
Just a full-time to bring you from earlier this afternoon. Levante were 3-1 winners over Athletic Bilbao. The result moved the home side into sixth position. Meanwhile, Bilbao remain in the bottom half as their disappointing season continues.
In terms of the second period, Granada do not have too many options on the bench. Jaime Romero would be the obvious attacking change, but it is unlikely that they will open up in the second 45 minutes. It also remains to be seen whether Benitez will continue. For Valencia, they will continue with what they have, but boast an attacking bench including Valdez and Viera.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. The home side do indeed make a change as expected with Angulo replacing Benitez, who has not appeared following that challenge late in the half. Valencia get the action underway.
Slightly bitty opening to the half once more as Ighalo goes down under the challenge of Costa, winning a free kick in the process. The resulting set piece is taken by Brahimi, but his cross is poor and Rami is on hand to clear. Valencia attempt to break down the other end, but it comes to nothing.
End-to-end football at the moment with both teams committing numbers to each attack. Torje wins a corner for the home side as he dances past the challenge of Rami, but Guardado is on the cover. The resulting set piece is whipped into the danger area, but Alves punches clear. Valencia respond with possession in the Granada half, but it breaks down.
GOAL! Granada 1-0 Valencia (Angulo)
Granada lead against the run of play as Angulo collects possession on the edge of the area before curling his effort into the top corner. That is finishing of the highest order. Did anyone see that coming? Now it is up to Valencia to respond.
Valencia attempt to respond immediately as Soldado drives into the Granada penalty area, but Siqueira comes across to clear the danger. Another effort comes in from Piatti moments later, but it is wide of the target and Roberto restarts play with a goal kick.
Again it's untidy from Valencia as Rami dives into a challenge with Iriney, handing a free kick to the home side. However, it comes to nothing. Valencia make their first change of the evening as Valdez replaces Albelda. The striker has certainly been among the goals this season.
It hasn't been the expected response from Valencia. They have dominated possession in and around the Granada penalty area, but it cannot be said that they have really threatened to level the scores. They force another corner from Iriney, but the delivery is headed over the crossbar by Rami.
Nothing much to report in the past few moments in terms of clear chances. The away side continue to dominate possession in the Granada half, but the home side are sitting in and absorbing the danger. A half-chance did arrive as Soldado met a bouncing ball in the box, but he could only fire wide.
GOAL! Granada 1-1 Valencia (Jonas)
Valencia level the scores with 30 minutes remaining. A corner is fired into the penalty area by Banega and Jonas is on hand to thump his header into the back of the net. A slight scuffle follows, leading to a booking for Valdez. But it is game on.
Granada attempt to regain the lead as Brahimi drives down the left, but his run is cut short by Rami and the danger is cleared. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match in the remaining 30 minutes or so. It is Valencia currently on the attack with Jonas.
Granada make their second change of the evening as Torje is replaced by Yebda. If you had offered a point to the home side at the beginning of the match then they would certainly have taken it. Valencia almost take the lead moments later as Valdez meets a cross in the box, but he headers just wide of the post.
The match is so delicately poised as we approach the final 30 minutes of action. Again it's good work from the away side as Piatti fires a searching pass towards Jonas, but the Brazilian just cannot collect and Nyom clears the danger. The next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could be crucial.
Another half-chance for Valencia as Jonas fires a cross into the penalty area, but Soldado cannot make contact and the danger is cleared. Nothing much from the home side in terms of an attacking threat in the past few minutes. Ighalo really needs to get more involved in the final 20 minutes.
Valencia continue to pass and probe outside the Granada penalty area with Parejo and Banega taking each chance to join in with the attack. They are almost punished down the other end as Brahimi takes possession before advancing on goal, but Alves is quick to clear the danger.
The chances continue to fall for Valencia as Soldado drives a low ball into the penalty area, but once more Mainz is on hand to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece again causes problems, but somehow Roberto claws the ball to safety. Really is one-way traffic at the moment.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few moments. Valencia remain the side that look the most likely, but in fairness to Granada they are standing strong in defence. But you just get the feeling that there is another goal or two in this match.
Banega is the man crafting for Valencia once more as the midfielder picks up possession before slipping a low pass towards Soldado, but Mainz is across once more. Again the danger goes for a corner, but it breaks down and Roberto has possession. Little under 15 minutes of football to play.
Slight stoppage in play here as Costa takes a nasty one in the head. However, following a brief spell of treatment he is deemed fit enough to continue. It has a nasty clash with Ighalo. Granada will have welcomed the respite as it has just broken up the Valencia pressure.
Valencia create another half-chance as Jonas ghosts into the penalty area, but his shot is straight at Roberto before Mainz thumps clear. How good has he been this evening? Little under 10 minutes of football remaining. Can Granada hold on for another valuable point?
GOAL! Granada 1-2 Valencia (Piatti)
I asked the question, could Granada hold on? The answer is no. It's wonderful football from the away side as Soldado fires a low cross into the penalty area and Piatti is on hand to strike the ball past Roberto from close range.
Granada attempt to respond immediately as Brahimi whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Alves comes out to collect the danger. Meanwhile, a few precious moments are wasted as Soldado hits the deck under a challenge from Mainz.
Meanwhile, Valencia make another change as Tino Costa replaces Piatti. Granada also make their final sub of the evening as Iriney is replaced by Romero. Little under five minutes of normal time remaining and Valencia lead.
Another half-chance for the away side as Jonas combines with Soldado before dancing into the Granada penalty area, but Roberto is out to smother at the feet of the striker. You just get the feeling that if there is to be another goal, then it will come to Valencia. They are comfortable here.
Half-chance for Valdez to add Valencia's third as he strikes an effort from close range, but it never had enough power to trouble the goalkeeper. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes. Meanwhile, Jonas is replaced by Barragan for Valencia.
Not a great deal to report in stoppage time. Valencia continue to look the most likely on the counter attack. However, they have been unable to find that elusive pass in the final third. Valdez comes close once more with an effort inside the box, but Roberto collects.
FULL-TIME: Granada 1-2 Valencia
So there we have it. Valencia pick up all three points to secure yet another win in La Liga. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for Deportivo vs. Malaga. Until then!
