MADRID: Valencia defeated Europa League champions Sevi­lla 2-1 on Friday on the opening night of the new Spanish Liga season.

Valencia, who only survived relegation by two points in the last campaign, took the lead on the hour mark thanks to a header from Guinea international defender Mouctar Diakhaby after good work by Portuguese team-mate Andre Almeida.

Sevilla levelled nine minutes later when Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri headed in at the far post from a cross by Suso.

However, Valencia stunned the home side in the 88th minute when Javi Guerra hit the winner after Hugo Duro had set-up the opportunity.

Sevilla played the last 10 minutes of the match with 10 men after Frenc­hman Loic Bade was red-carded for shirt pulling.

Earlier Friday, Rayo Vallecano came away from Almeria, who survived last season by just one point, 2-0.

Both goals came from the penalty spot with Isaac Palazon and Ra­ndy Nteka on target in the first half.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2023