The first three points

Valencia has again gone into a new season apparently weakened after the sale of Juan Mata to Valencia. And in a league which will only be about Real Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia must fight to be "the best of the rest" just as last season, and thus qualify for the Champions League.
So after the ended strike, Valencia started the season at home to Racing de Santander. It started well for Valencia who went up 1-0 in the first minute on a goal by Roberto Soldado. However, it all seemed to be heading the wrong way as Racing went up 1-3 in second half. Valencia managed a second, but was still down by one in the last minutes when Roberto Soldado scored two late goals to give Valencia all three points in a dramatic season opener.
I do hope Valencia does well this season!

Valencia third!

Valencia and Villarreal were playing today their local derby for third place in the Spanish league. These matches are always difficult, so it could as always go to either side even though Valencia had the advantages: they were three points ahead of Villarreal on third spot, and were playing at home.

Indeed, Valencia played one of their best matches of the season, and won a stunning 5-0. Juan Manuel Mata's goal for 2-0 was particularly beautiful.

This was surely the most important victory of the season for a club whose only objective left for this season is to qualify for the Champions League. And in spite of some difficult matches left, this is indeed a giant step on the way!