Bruno�s goal helps Villarreal go 4th

Neville�s Valencia still winless

AGENCIES, , MADRID: Gary Neville remains without a win in La Liga as Valencia boss as Villarreal moved up to fourth thanks to captain Bruno Soriano's spectacular free-kick in a 1-0 win on Thursday.
Bruno found the top corner from the edge of the box midway through the second half to allow Villarreal to edge two points ahead of Celta Vigo in the battle for the final Champions League place.
Fourth-placed Villarreal's fourth straight league win gave them 33 points from 17 games.
There are plenty of problems, however, for Valencia with Neville having been brought in with the target of winning a place in the Champions League. They are now 10th on 22 points with two draws and a defeat in the league under the former Manchester United and England player.
“We are a significant distance behind, but I am only concentrating on the next match,” said Neville.
Valencia had only managed to draw Neville's opening two league games in charge against Eibar and Getafe before the 10-day winter break.
And the former Manchester United defender took a more defensive approach in a bid to at least preserve his unbeaten record with a five-man defence as Villarreal dominated the first 45 minutes.
Roberto Soldado had the best chance to open the scoring against his old side, but the former Tottenham Hotspur striker failed to connect with Jonathan dos Santos's inviting cross.
Valencia had started the second half much more positively as Alphonse Areola was forced into saves from Andre Gomes and Dani Parejo, whilst Paco Alcacer blasted over a great chance from close range.
However, the visitors were caught with a sucker punch when Soldado was brought down on the edge of the box and Bruno curled the ball perfectly into the top corner for his fourth goal of the season.
Alcacer wasted another big opportunity when he volleyed over shortly afterwards, but Valencia created little in their search for an equaliser and now face the daunting task of hosting Real Madrid on Sunday.
“It went in perfectly and where the keeper couldn't reach it,” Soriano told reporters. “We knew it would be a difficult game with Valencia defending deeply but we have confidence at the moment and created chances.”
Barcelona, who have a game in hand, are level with Atletico Madrid at the top of the table on 38 points. Real Madrid are third with 36 points.
Valencia have injury problems and Neville opted for a solid formation with a five-man defence, and Alvaro Negredo and Paco Alcacer together in attack for the first time. There was little connection between the forwards as Villarreal controlled possession in midfield but the visitors did manage to hinder their build-up play.
Jonathan Dos Santos had a snap shot comfortably saved by Valencia keeper Jaume Domenech and Soriano had a free kick that whistled just wide.
Valencia went more on the front foot after the break, with Alcacer firing over when well placed in the area, but it was Villarreal who struck the only goal.
Alcacer went on to miss another good opening and Neville's men were unable to mount any concerted pressure.  “We are a significant distance behind, but I am only concentrating on the next match,” said Neville. Valencia had only managed to draw Neville's opening two league games in charge against Eibar and Getafe before the 10-day winter break.
And the former Manchester United defender took a more defensive approach in a bid to at least preserve his unbeaten record with a five-man defence as Villarreal dominated the first 45 minutes.
Roberto Soldado had the best chance to open the scoring against his old side, but the former Tottenham Hotspur striker failed to connect with Jonathan dos Santos's inviting cross.
Valencia had started the second half much more positively as Alphonse Areola was forced into saves from Andre Gomes and Dani Parejo, whilst Paco Alcacer blasted over a great chance from close range.
However, the visitors were caught with a sucker punch when Soldado was brought down on the edge of the box and Bruno curled the ball perfectly into the top corner for his fourth goal of the season.
Alcacer wasted another big opportunity when he volleyed over shortly afterwards, but Valencia created little in their search for an equaliser and now face the daunting task of hosting Real Madrid on Sunday.

 

Bruno�s goal helps Villarreal go 4th

Neville�s Valencia still winless

AGENCIES, , MADRID: Gary Neville remains without a win in La Liga as Valencia boss as Villarreal moved up to fourth thanks to captain Bruno Sorianos spectacular free-kick in a 1-0 win on Thursday. Bruno found the top corner from the edge of the box midway through the second half to allow Villarreal to edge two points ahead of Celta Vigo in the battle for the final Champions League place. Fourth-placed Villarreals fourth straight league win gave them 33 points from 17 games. There are plenty of problems, however, for Valencia with Neville having been brought in with the target of winning a place in the Champions League. They are now 10th on 22 points with two draws and a defeat in the league under the former Manchester United and England player. We are a significant distance behind, but I am only concentrating on the next match, said Neville. Valencia had only managed to draw Nevilles opening two league games in charge against Eibar and Getafe before the 10-day winter break. And the former Manchester United defender took a more defensive approach in a bid to at least preserve his unbeaten record with a five-man defence as Villarreal dominated the first 45 minutes. Roberto Soldado had the best chance to open the scoring against his old side, but the former Tottenham Hotspur striker failed to connect with Jonathan dos Santoss inviting cross. Valencia had started the second half much more positively as Alphonse Areola was forced into saves from Andre Gomes and Dani Parejo, whilst Paco Alcacer blasted over a great chance from close range. However, the visitors were caught with a sucker punch when Soldado was brought down on the edge of the box and Bruno curled the ball perfectly into the top corner for his fourth goal of the season. Alcacer wasted another big opportunity when he volleyed over shortly afterwards, but Valencia created little in their search for an equaliser and now face the daunting task of hosting Real Madrid on Sunday. It went in perfectly and where the keeper couldnt reach it, Soriano told reporters. We knew it would be a difficult game with Valencia defending deeply but we have confidence at the moment and created chances. Barcelona, who have a game in hand, are level with Atletico Madrid at the top of the table on 38 points. Real Madrid are third with 36 points. Valencia have injury problems and Neville opted for a solid formation with a five-man defence, and Alvaro Negredo and Paco Alcacer together in attack for the first time. There was little connection between the forwards as Villarreal controlled possession in midfield but the visitors did manage to hinder their build-up play. Jonathan Dos Santos had a snap shot comfortably saved by Valencia keeper Jaume Domenech and Soriano had a free kick that whistled just wide. Valencia went more on the front foot after the break, with Alcacer firing over when well placed in the area, but it was Villarreal who struck the only goal. Alcacer went on to miss another good opening and Nevilles men were unable to mount any concerted pressure. We are a significant distance behind, but I am only concentrating on the next match, said Neville. Valencia had only managed to draw Nevilles opening two league games in charge against Eibar and Getafe before the 10-day winter break. And the former Manchester United defender took a more defensive approach in a bid to at least preserve his unbeaten record with a five-man defence as Villarreal dominated the first 45 minutes. Roberto Soldado had the best chance to open the scoring against his old side, but the former Tottenham Hotspur striker failed to connect with Jonathan dos Santoss inviting cross. Valencia had started the second half much more positively as Alphonse Areola was forced into saves from Andre Gomes and Dani Parejo, whilst Paco Alcacer blasted over a great chance from close range. However, the visitors were caught with a sucker punch when Soldado was brought down on the edge of the box and Bruno curled the ball perfectly into the top corner for his fourth goal of the season. Alcacer wasted another big opportunity when he volleyed over shortly afterwards, but Valencia created little in their search for an equaliser and now face the daunting task of hosting Real Madrid on Sunday.