The Valencian Community derby between Valencia and Villarreal started at 6:30 p.m. at the Mestalla Stadium, with the expectation that the local team will achieve its first victory under the direction of Mexican Javier Aguirre. Valencia, which has accumulated only one victory and three draws in the first nine games of the season, is second to last in the table with six points out of a possible 27. The arrival of Aguirre two days ago has brought some improvement, but the team still needs to consolidate its position and avoid the relegation zone. For its part, Villarreal comes into the match in a more favorable situation, seeking to improve its performance after a difficult start to the season and after the defeat by four goals to three against Liverpool in the Champions League.
The match took place in a full Mestalla, with an attendance of close to 49,000 spectators. Referee Alejandro Quintero led the match, with José Antonio López as VAR official. The lineups showed Valencia with Dimitrievski in goal, Maffeo, Tárrega, De Haas and Gayà in defense, and in midfield Guido Rodríguez, Pepelu and Javi Guerra, while Villarreal lined up Gulacsi in goal, with Freeman, Foyth, Renato Veiga and Mouriño in defense, and the attack made up of Pape Gueye, Carlos Maciá, Ilias Alhomach and Buchanan, plus Ayoze and Gerard Moreno up front.
Throughout the match, both teams showed a balanced game, with scoring opportunities on both sides. Valencia, with the intention of closing the last regional duel in Mestalla, sought to take advantage of the plays of its attack, but Villarreal, with its solid defensive organization, managed to neutralize several threats. The match ended with a goalless draw, leaving Valencia with one more point in their fight to avoid relegation and Villarreal with a victory that brings them closer to the qualification zone for European competitions.
With the result, Valencia remains in penultimate place in the table, while Villarreal consolidates its position in the top half of the table. Valencia's next match will be against Atlético de Madrid, while Villarreal will face Real Madrid on their next matchday. Both teams must continue working on their strategies to improve their performance in the coming dates and seek stability that allows them to advance in the competition.