Valencia gets back on track with hard-fought win over Girona

Valencia (Spain) Jan 7 (IANS) Valencia CF prevailed over Girona 2-1 snapping a two-match La Liga losing streak that saw the club drop from second to third in the Spanish-league standings.

Spanish midfielder Cristian Portu better known as Portu on Saturday gave Girona the lead eight minutes into the game at Mestalla Stadium when he headed home Johan Mojica s cross reports Efe.

Although Valencia struggled to react after conceding the early goal it began asserting its control of the game after the 15-minute mark against a well-organized rival.

The home side s insistence paid off in the 27th minute when Portuguese midfielder Gonçalo Guedes penetrated Girona s defence and got off a shot that led to an own goal by defender Jonas Ramalho.

Each club produced more scoring chances over the next 20 minutes but the score remained 1-1 at the half time.

When the match resumed Valencia needed three minutes to score the second goal after the referee awarded a penalty for Girona defender Pablo Maffeo s takedown of defender Jose Luis Gaya in the area.

Daniel Parejo successfully converted the penalty which proved to be decisive.

With the win third-placed Valencia now has 37 points eight behind La Liga-leading Barcelona.

--IANS
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