Fifth welcomed fourth in La Liga on Sunday evening as Valencia hosted Sevilla at the Mestalla.
Los Che opened the scoring after 18 minutes when Dani Parejo converted from the penalty spot, before the Valencia captain made it 2-0 after 32 minutes.
Sevilla gained two penalties of their own late in the first period, but Carlos Bacca scored just one of them to leave the home side with a 2-1 lead at the interval.
Javi Fuego then made it 3-1 after 56 minutes with an excellent finish and that was where the scoring ended at the Mestalla. As a result, Valencia have moved above Sevilla into fourth.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Mestalla as Valencia welcome Sevilla. Both sides are on a smashing run of form in the league, but something has to give in the race for fourth. Let's hope for a cracker here. Right, before we get down to the facts and figures ahead of the match, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news.
TEAMS
VALENCIA: Alves; Cancelo, Mustafi, Otamendi, Gaya; Fuego, Parejo, Gomes, Perez; Negredo, Rodrigo
SEVILLA: Beto; Coke, Carrico, Pareja, Diogo; Krychowiak, Iborra; Deulofeu, Banega, Vitolo; Bacca
So there we have it. As expected, Valencia will line up with a midfield diamond tonight. Javi Fuego will be at the base, while Enzo Perez will support the front two of Alvaro Negredo and Rodrigo, meaning that Paco Alcacer is only on the bench. On-loan Benfica right-back Joao Cancelo also starts.
For Sevilla, Carlos Bacca will once again lead the line, meaning that it is more disappointment for Kevin Gameiro. On-loan Barcelona midfielder Gerard Deulofeu also starts following his run of strong form off the bench, while Vitolo and Ever Banega will also take up advanced positions for the visitors.
Valencia have faced Sevilla 69 times in Mestalla.
Valencia winning on 50 occasions, 8 draws & 11 away wins.
— AS English (@English_AS) January 25, 2015
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Valencia have won two of the last five matches, while Sevilla have picked up one win and the further two games ended in draws. Valencia won 3-1 in the corresponding match last season, but the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Ramon back in August. Just a reminder that kickoff here is at 8pm UK time and I really cannot wait.
As it stands, Valencia sit fifth in the table on 38 points. They have won 11 of their 19 league games, losing just three times in the process. Their home form has been particularly impressive, with eight wins and just one defeat from their 10 matches. Indeed, the only time they have lost at home in the league this season was against Barcelona and that was an extremely fortuitous win for the Catalan outfit.
Valencia were tested last time out, however, with Los Che needing a late strike from Negredo to beat Almeria 3-2 at the Mestalla. Defensively, Valencia have been strong this season – conceding just 17 times in 19 matches. Down the other end, they have found the back of the net on 35 occasions.
Sevilla, meanwhile, are also on a very strong run of form. Unai Emery's side have won five of their last six league games and conceded just once during that run of form. As a result, they sit fourth in the table on 39 points. Indeed, the Europa League winners also have a game in hand and therefore a positive result here would place them in a very strong position behind Atletico Madrid.
Like Valencia, Sevilla have also conceded just 17 times, but Sevilla have found the back of the net on just 30 occasions in the league. Their away form has also been strong with five wins from their eight matches – losing three times in the process. At the Estadio Ramon, meanwhile, Sevilla are unbeaten in 10 league games – winning seven times in the process. Both teams are in cracking form.
PREDICTION! This should, should be an excellent watch. Something has to give in the race for Champions League football and that battle will swing one way this evening. It is difficult to bet against Sevilla at the moment, but I just fancy Valencia to claim all the points with a narrow 2-1 victory.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. It must be said that there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium as the away side get the first 45 minutes underway.
Sevilla knocked Valencia out of the Europa League in the semi-finals last season, before going on to claim the trophy. Valencia will want revenge for that, while Negredo will also be keen to impress against his former club, where he had such success. Sevilla have made the early ground here.
Coke throws himself into the back of Gomes, which presents Valencia with a free kick in an advanced area. The set piece is delivered by Parejo, but Banega is on hand to clear in a central area.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side as Negredo drives into the Sevilla box before lifting a cross towards Rodrigo, who looked certain to tap home with Beto out of the game, but the striker just could not connect. The Sevilla defence looked awfully untidy during that attack.
Not too much from Sevilla in the opening six minutes, with the home side forcing the issue in forward positions. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital here.
There has been plenty of wrestling inside both penalty areas in the opening eight minutes, but it is always difficult for the referee to actually make that call. It has been a highly-charged start.
Valencia again threaten with a deep free kick towards Otamendi, but the ball had actually passed the line before the centre-back made contact. Sevilla are just trying to gain a foot-hold in terms of possession, which is always important for opposing teams at the Mestalla. Still goalless.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with both sides guilty of conceding possession too readily in the final third. Sevilla, however, are enjoying most of the possession.
Half-chance for the away side as Deulofeu delivers a dangerous cross into the Valencia box, but Krychowiak just cannot rise to meet the ball. Really good spell for the visitors at the moment.
CHANCE! Sevilla come close to taking the lead as Valencia goalkeeper Alves comes to collect a deep free kick, but gets nowhere near the ball. It bounces inside the Valencia box, but a white shirt is first on the scene. From the resulting corner, Vitolo heads into the arms of Alves.
PENALTY VALENCIA!
BOOKING! Diogo (Sevilla) is booked for bringing Negredo to the ground inside the penalty area. For me, that is very soft indeed. Diogo appeared to kick Negredo though.
GOAL! Valencia 1-0 Sevilla (Parejo, pen)
Parejo makes no mistake from the spot to send Valencia into the lead. Lift-off here!
Sevilla break immediately down the other end with Bacca, who wins a corner. Vitolo plays the set piece short before Banega delivers, but Coke heads straight into the arms of the Valencia goalkeeper.
You just get the feeling that Sevilla need to score the next goal if they are to take something from this match. Valencia, at home, with a two-goal lead, is not a situation that Sevilla will want tonight.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last few minutes following a couple of late challenges. Carrico bounds into the back of Negredo, but the referee takes no action.
Banega tries his luck for the away side after finding space outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Sevilla need a little more invention in the final third at the moment.
Half-chance for the home side as Gaya breaks into the Sevilla box before attempting to beat Beto, but the goalkeeper makes the save. Sevilla break down the other end, but they are closed out in attack.
Deulofeu has not seen too much of the ball in the opening 30 minutes, with Valencia containing the excellent Spaniard. Valencia, however, are also struggling in the final third at the moment. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and it must be said that the half has flown past.
Good pressure from Sevilla in the last couple of minutes as Coke delivers a wicked cross towards Banega, who flicks one towards the far post, but Negredo is on hand to clear. The pressure continues, however, with the away side camped in the Valencia half. It is a fascinating battle at the moment.
BOOKING! Parejo (Valencia) is booked for a late challenge on Vitolo.
Deulofeu has the chance to deliver from another free kick, but again it is disappointing.
GOAL! Valencia 2-0 Sevilla (Parejo)
Valencia score their second with 32 minutes on the clock following a fast counter. It is Perez that slides an excellent pass into Parejo and the skipper places his effort into the bottom corner.
Can Sevilla respond from this position? It will be very difficult indeed. Coke is on the attack for the away side, but Gaya comes across to make the challenge. Little over 10 minutes of the half to play.
PENALTY SEVILLA!
Oh my word! Sevilla have a penalty as Parejo brings Diogo to the ground inside the box.
Oh no, Parejo has not made contact with Diogo. There is intent, but no contact for me!
GOAL! Valencia 2-1 Sevilla (Bacca, pen)
Bacca brings Sevilla back into the match with a super effort into the corner of the net.
Well, this match has not disappointed has it! Little over five minutes to play in the first period.
Suddenly all the pressure is coming from Sevilla as the away side force two corners in quick succession, but Valencia manage to clear the danger. Two penalties and a host of talking points!
PENALTY SEVILLA!
Sevilla have a SECOND penalty! It is Cancelo that dives into the back of Vitolo. WOW!
SAVE! Alves denies Bacca from the spot! Good grief!
Oh my word what a match! Bacca had a wonderful chance to score his second penalty, but Alves was on hand to make a quite wonderful save. This is quite a good match!
BOOKING! Perez (Valencia) is booked for a late challenge on Iborra.
It is almost time for me to have a breather and god knows I need one. What a game!
HALF-TIME: Valencia 2-1 Sevilla
And breathe! What a half of football. It has not disappointed! Valencia raced into a 2-0 lead courtesy of a double from Parejo - one of which came from the penalty spot, before Bacca made it 2-1 from the spot after 36 minutes. Bacca had the chance to score another penalty after 41 minutes, but Diego Alves was on hand to make the save. It has been a wonderful, wonderful evening at the Mestalla.
STATS! Sevilla have had more of the possession with 61%, while they have had seven attempts - five of which have been on target. Valencia, meanwhile, have had four attempts on target. As expected, it has been a feisty half in terms of challenges, with the referee issuing five bookings.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have a host of attacking options on their bench, with the likes of Paco Alcacer, Bruno Zuculini and Rodrigo de Paul all in reserve. Sevilla, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Kevin Gameiro, Iago Aspas, Denis Suarez and Aleix Vidal. Talent!
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. More of the same in this half please! It is the home side that get the second 45 minutes of action underway.
No changes from either side at the break, which is not much of a surprise. However, as discussed, both managers have plenty of options on the sidelines and I am certain alterations will occur.
It has been a fast-paced start to the second period, with both sides committing numbers in the final third. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals at this stage of the match.
It is all very lively at the moment, with both defences lashing clear under pressure. Sevilla started the second period with most of the ball, but Valencia have since regained possession. Gaya delivers a dangerous cross towards the near post, but Beto is on hand to collect for Sevilla.
Opportunity for the home side to score a third as Negredo strikes a free kick from outside the box, but it was always comfortable for Beto, who collected with ease. Still 2-1 Valencia at the Mestalla.
Half-chance for the away side as Deulofeu finds some space inside the Valencia box before firing one towards the bottom corner, but Alves is on hand to collect. Half-chances at either end here.
GOAL! Valencia 3-1 Sevilla (Fuego)
Valencia score their third with 56 minutes on the clock as Rodrigo shows excellent feet before feeding Fuego, who places his effort into the bottom corner. Excellent finish from the Spaniard.
CHANCES! Valencia have two wonderful chances in quick succession, but Beto denies Rodrigo from close range before pushing a Gomes effort over the crossbar. Stunning save!
BOOKING! Banega (Sevilla) is booked for putting an arm into the face of Parejo.
Little under 30 minutes of football remaining and Valencia lead 3-1. You get the feeling that Sevilla boss Emery will be considering some changes at this stage of the match. Gameiro surely?
Bacca attempts to fashion a chance for the away side as he drives into the Valencia box, but his low cross is cleared by Gaya. There is still something in this for the visitors with plenty of time left.
BOOKING! Vitolo (Sevilla) is booked for a late challenge on Fuego.
SUB! Sevilla make their first change as Denis Suarez replaces Vitolo.
Possession football from the home side in the last couple of minutes, which is not much of a surprise. The onus is on Sevilla to come out and force the issue. Can they find a way back into this game?
BOOKING! Krychowiak (Sevilla) is booked for a late challenge on Gomes.
Deulofeu has a wonderful chance to create a shooting chance for the away side after driving into the Valencia box, but the Spaniard ignores Bacca and Suarez before gaining only a corner.
SUB! Sevilla make their second change as Gameiro replaces Bacca - surprising.
CHANCE! Gameiro's first involvement is a positive one as the Frenchman drives into the Valencia box before rolling a low cross into Suarez, but his effort just drops wide of the post.
Another half-chance, this time for the home side, as Rodrigo cuts inside two defenders before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Beto reads the effort and is down to make the save.
Not too much to report in the last couple of minutes, but Sevilla are still causing problems on the counter. One goal for the visitors at this stage would set up a very interesting final 15 minutes.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to score a fourth as Rodrigo leads a two-on-one counter in Valencia's favour, but the striker's cross is just deflected into the arms of Beto when Negredo looked certain to convert from close range. That would have surely put the game to bed.
Suarez has been busy for Sevilla since entering the field and the Spaniard delivers another dangerous cross towards the far post, but Otamendi is on hand to clear at the vital moment.
SUBS! Valencia make their first change as Lucas Orban replaces Gomes. Sevilla have also made their third and final change, with Aspas entering the field in place of Pareja.
Sevilla continue to force the issue in wide positions, but Valencia have been strong at the heart of their defence this evening. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match.
SUB! Valencia make their second change as Negredo is replaced by Alcacer.
Sevilla are playing three at the back at the moment, which is giving Valencia encouragement in the final third. A fourth goal on the counter cannot be ruled out here. Little under five minutes to play.
Possession football from Sevilla, but they are running out of time here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side on the counter as Rodrigo cuts into the Sevilla box, but his effort is blocked by Carrico. It really should be 4-1 at this stage of the match.
SUB! Valencia make their third change as De Paul replaces Rodrigo.
We are into the second of three additional minutes at the Mestalla.
BOOKINGS! Gaya (Valencia) is booked following an altercation with Iborra (Sevilla), who also picks up a yellow card. It has been a feisty match in terms of challenges.
BOOKING! Otamendi (Valencia) is now booked for jumping into Iborra.
FULL-TIME: Valencia 3-1 Sevilla
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close with Valencia running out 3-1 winners at the Mestalla. As a result, the home side have moved above Sevilla into fourth spot in the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
