6 December 2006, by Sean Gillen

Viana stars for red-hot Valencia

Valencia 3-0 Levante

Hugo Viana scored his first La Liga goal of the season as in-form Valencia moved to within four points of leaders Sevilla with a comfortable win over local rivals Levante at the Mestalla.

Los Ches made if five consecutive wins in the league as goals from Fernando Morientes and Roberto Ayala came after Viana’s 51st minute opener. Miguel played at right-back for the hosts, while Viana’s impact came after starting the match on the bench.

Valencia had plenty of opportunities in the first half, with Morientes going close when he headed a David Silva cross narrowly wide. Miguel Angulo then drew a good save from Levante goalkeeper Jose Molina after he was put through on the inside-right of the penalty area.

Viana, who had come on as a 30th minute substitute to replace Ruben Baraja, broke the deadlock a little over five minutes into the second half. Morientes chested down a long ball into the path of David Villa, who laid a short pass off to Viana, and the Portuguese placed a low, right-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Morientes made it two just five minutes later when he turned a Silva cross past Molina from close range. Canizares kept Levante out at the other end with an outstanding tip over the bar when substitute Gustavo Reggi’s header looked to be going in.

Argentine defender Ayala wrapped up the victory with just over ten minutes remaining when he glanced a Villa free-kick home for his first goal of the season.

Following a difficult period before Christmas, during which they struggled with numerous injuries, Valencia now appear to be mounting a serious title challenge, and following the match, manager Quiqe Sanchez Flores was keen to show his appreciation to the board for their understanding.

“I congratulate the directors because when we were struggling they never panicked. There was no pressure and the players and I were allowed to continue our work calmly. Now we’re reaping the results,” he said.

“We deserved to win, we created more chances and I believe that the distance today was ample, I do not know if two, three or four goals would have been a true scoreline.”

“We’re now making history. Five consecutive wins and with eight players injured. It’s a great moment for the club.”

Valencia:
Cañizares, Miguel, Ayala, Curro Torres, Albelda (Marchena, 81), Baraja (Viana, 30), Albiol, Silva, Villa, Morientes (Joaquin, 58), Angulo
Yellow Cards: Ayala (24), Albelda (40), Curro Torres (84)

Levante:
Molina, Alexis, Alvaro (Cesar, 54), Ettien, Fernando Niño (Reggi, 68), Rubiales (Robert, 63), Descarga, Camacho, Berson, Courtois, Riga
Yellow Cards: Camacho (25), Ettien (41), Alexis (82), Cesar (89)

Goals:
[1-0] Viana, 51
[2-0] Morientes, 56
[3-0] Ayala, 79