Prandelli starts on winning note

AFP, MADRID: Cesare Prandelli enjoyed the perfect start to life in charge of Valencia as Mario Suarez’s double lifted Los Che out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win at Sporting Gijon.
Villarreal’s unbeaten start continued with a 5-0 thrashing of Celta Vigo, whilst Athletic Bilbao’s 3-2 win over Real Sociedad in the Basque derby means the top six are separated by just three points.
Prandelli is Valencia’s fourth coach in under a year, but got an instant response as Suarez finished off a fine team move to open the scoring after just seven minutes.
The former Italy boss signalled his priority is improving Valencia’s defence, but they are still to keep a clean sheet this season as Carlos Castro headed home unmarked just before half-time.
However, former Atletico Madrid midfielder Suarez, who scored just five goals in nearly 200 games with Los Rojiblancos, was the unlikely Valencia hero once more when he coolly chested down a loose ball inside the area before smashing into the roof of the net 25 minutes from time.
Villarreal moved level with Barcelona in fifth, two points off the top, with a surprising demolition of Celta at El Madrigal. 
Celta had won their last four games in all competitions, including a 4-3 win over Barca last time out.
However, Roberto Soriano struck twice in the opening 12 minutes before Cedric Bakambu gave Villarreal a 3-0 half-time lead.
Celta’s evening to forget was compounded by Daniel Wass’ own goal and a red card for Sergi Gomez before Manu Trigueros rounded off the scoring in stoppage time.
Athletic moved to within three points of leaders Atletico Madrid with a 3-2 win over local rivals Sociedad in a pulsating Basque derby.

Prandelli starts on winning note

AFP, MADRID: Cesare Prandelli enjoyed the perfect start to life in charge of Valencia as Mario Suarezs double lifted Los Che out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win at Sporting Gijon. Villarreals unbeaten start continued with a 5-0 thrashing of Celta Vigo, whilst Athletic Bilbaos 3-2 win over Real Sociedad in the Basque derby means the top six are separated by just three points. Prandelli is Valencias fourth coach in under a year, but got an instant response as Suarez finished off a fine team move to open the scoring after just seven minutes. The former Italy boss signalled his priority is improving Valencias defence, but they are still to keep a clean sheet this season as Carlos Castro headed home unmarked just before half-time. However, former Atletico Madrid midfielder Suarez, who scored just five goals in nearly 200 games with Los Rojiblancos, was the unlikely Valencia hero once more when he coolly chested down a loose ball inside the area before smashing into the roof of the net 25 minutes from time. Villarreal moved level with Barcelona in fifth, two points off the top, with a surprising demolition of Celta at El Madrigal. Celta had won their last four games in all competitions, including a 4-3 win over Barca last time out. However, Roberto Soriano struck twice in the opening 12 minutes before Cedric Bakambu gave Villarreal a 3-0 half-time lead. Celtas evening to forget was compounded by Daniel Wass own goal and a red card for Sergi Gomez before Manu Trigueros rounded off the scoring in stoppage time. Athletic moved to within three points of leaders Atletico Madrid with a 3-2 win over local rivals Sociedad in a pulsating Basque derby.