Negredo gets winner to boost Valencia

Valencia CF saw off UD Almería 3-2 on matchday 19 of the Liga BBVA. Despite Juan Ignacio Martínez's men twice levelling up the match, the hosts claimed an important victory that lifts them to third in the table. 

Valencia drew first blood as an effort from Dani Parejo put them ahead with ten minutes on the clock. The Andalusians' reaction was not long in coming. Just two minutes later, Tomer Hemed drew the visitors level at the Estadio de Mestalla following a low cross from Wellington Silva. Nuno Espírito Santo's charges then came back at Almería, and goalkeeper Julián Cuesta was beaten as Rodrigo scored from close range.

With 2-1 on the scoreboard, Hemed again pulled his side back into the match as his header from a corner deflected off André Gomes and found the home side’s net. And as the game moved towards half time, the Israeli could have put his team in front, but his headed attempt rebounded off the bar.

After the restart, Almería came under increased pressure as Valencia attacked their penalty box. André Gomes and the recently introduced Álvaro Negredo had the visiting defence on the back foot as the guests sought to protect the scoreline, and Valencia’s insistence told as Negredo finished off a cross from Gayà to make the final score 3-2.