On A Day Like Today: Alves sets new record for home minutes without conceding

Five years ago, on May 3rd, 2015, Diego Alves set a new record for consecutive minutes without conceding a goal at Mestalla. His 677 minute unbeaten run overtook the duo of José Luis Meléndez and Ángel Abelardo from the 1971/72, who went 663 minutes at home unbeaten.

Alves' record got underway on January 25th, in a game against Sevilla FC. Following that match, in which he let in a penalty from Carlos Bacca on 36 minutes, the goalkeeper kept clean sheets against Getafe CF (1-0), Real Sociedad (2-0), RC Deportivo (2-0), Villarreal CF (0-0), Levante UD (3-0) and Granada CF (4-0). His run finally ended late on against SD Eibar (3-1), when Mikel Arruabarrena scored for the visitors in the 84th minute. Alves was the only goalkeeper used during those 677 minutes.

Joining the club for that 2014/15 campaign, Diego Alves was one of the reasons that Valencia CF finished fourth in LaLiga. The team's defensive solidity was evident in the mere 32 goals that they conceded, third best in the league behind champions FC Barcelona (21) and Atletico Madrid (29).

Renowned for his peronality, penalty saves and energy, the Brazilian is one of the most charismatic and recognisable goalkeepers to have played for Valencia CF since the turn of the century.