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Soldado, Valdez give Valencia win

Goals from Roberto Soldado and Nelson Valdez were enough to give Valencia a 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Mestalla.

Diego Simeone named a full-strength XI to try and close the gap to Barcelona at the top of the table. But even their very best couldn't stop Mauricio Pellegrino's men from taking the lead.

A pass from Adil Rami went over Soldado's shoulder, and the Spain international volleyed it first time back across goal, and into the top corner with 20 minutes gone.

Atleti remained positive and had the majority of possession in the first half. Los Che though were resolute and denied the away team any clear-cut opportunities.

The game remained a scrappy affair even after the interval, with chances for both sides at a premium.

Arda Turan had a fearsome effort tipped over the bar, and Cristian Rodriguez had a shot turned wide, but the match continued to be low on quality.

Ricado Costa was sent off in the dying moments for a second bookable offence, but the points were sealed with the last kick of the game as Valdez finished off a break-away to condemn the away side to their first loss of the season.

La Liga - Club News