8 May 2006, by Sean Gillen

Valencia’s automatic Champions League chances on the wane

Valencia 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Valencia’s hopes of an automatic Champions League place suffered a setback as they failed to beat Atletico Madrid at the Mestalla.

Portuguese right-back Miguel continued in defence, but the Valencia backline looked disorganised, and struggled to deal with the Atletico attack at times.

The home side got off to the perfect start when David Villa put them ahead after just eleven minutes. Valencia’s leading striker earned a penalty after being brought down by Atletico ‘keeper Leo Franco, and stepped up score his 22nd league goal of the season.

Atletico looked lethargic and as Mario Regueiro caused havoc in the visitors defence, it looked as if it would be a comfortable win for Valencia.

But Atletico got an unlikely equaliser just before the 20-minute mark when Argentine forward Maxi Rodriguez found himself unmarked at the back post to guide a free-kick past Santiago Canizares.

Atletico improved hugely after the goal, and Mateja Kezman should have put them in front, but somehow missed from close range in the 27th minute. Although Regueiro went close with a header soon after, Ateltico’s improvement resulted in whistles from the Valencia fans as the first half drew to a close.

Uruguayan Regueiro hit the post early in the second half but there were few chances for either side, although Atletico caused Valencia problems on the counter attack.

Solid Miguel

Former Benfica right-back Miguel was involved in a good battle with Atletico’s winger Martin Petrov during the second half, and the Portuguese defender held his own against the dangerous Bulgarian.

Maxi Rodriguez’ tame shot was comfortably held by Canizares and Antonio Lopez had his last-minute header tipped over by the Valencia ‘keeper as a disappointing second half came to an end.

The result leaves Valencia one point behind second-placed Real Madrid going into a difficult final game away at Osasuna.


Valencia:
Canizares, Miguel, Moretti, Ayala, Albiol, Albelda, Baraja, Aimar, Regueiro, Angulo, Villa
Yellow Cards: Albelda (79)

Atletico Madrid:
Leo Franco, Velasco, Lopez, Perea, Ibanez, Luccin, Gabi, Maxi Rodriguez (Vara Lopez, 79), Petrov, Kezman (Marques, 89), Torres
Yellow Cards: Gabi (41), Luccin (63)

Goals:
[1-0] Villa, 11 (pen)
[1-1] Maxi Rodriguez, 20