Valencia 0-1 Sevilla: Ivan Rakitic Rocket Hands Los Nervionenses Impressive Victory

An Ivan Rakitic goal handed Sevilla all three points in a 1-0 win against Valencia this evening, but had their goalkeeper Javi Varas to thank for an inspired display to keep the hosts at bay.

The glovesman produced a string of reflex stops to deny Unai Emery’s attackers, and his performance laid the foundation for what was an impressive victory for the Andalucian side, which was sealed by former Schalke man Rakitic’s 70th minute effort.

In what was a touching tribute to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that recently struck Japan, Valencia’s players had their shirt names emblazoned in Japanese characters, and the hosts enjoyed the better of the early exchanges.

Roberto Soldado was given a recall alongside Brazilian addition Jonas, and both had good opportunities to open the scoring in the first half. Soldado bulleted a near post header wide of the target, while Jonas found himself clear in on goal, but with only Javi Varas to beat, skewed his shot wide of the mark.

At the other end, Alvaro Negredo was proving to be a real handful for Los Che’s back four, and after running clear of David Navarro, he smashed his shot goalwards, but watched as his effort rebounded from Vicente Guaita’s near post.

As Los Nervionenses increased the pressure, Jesus Navas fired in two stinging shots, one of which was saved by Guaita, with the other flashing wide, while Frederic Kanoute again tested the keeper, but half time arrived with no change to the scoreline.

The visitors started the second half the stronger, too, with Diego Perotti winning a free kick right on the edge of the area, but squandered the chance, while Rakitic rattled in a long-range volley that dipped inches wide.

But, in what was a flowing contest, the momentum swung back the way of Valencia, but found Javi Varas in exceptional form. The keeper, who has been given his chance recently in place of Andres Palop, made a string of fabulous stops from Soldado, Jonas, and in particular from Mata, palming his long range lob onto the frame of the goal.

And his brilliance was eventually rewarded, as his team found the all-important breakthrough with 20 minutes remaining. Good work from Negredo forced Topal into a block from close range, but the ball broke to Rakitic, who sweetly rifled home from twelves yards, giving Guaita absolutely no chance.

Emery rung the changes, throwing Aritz Aduriz into the action for the final fifteen minutes, but he was unable to make an impact, and Gregorio Manzano’s visitors held out to claim all three points to improve their European aspirations, leaving Valencia ruing missed chances.