MATCH REPORT: 1-2 LOSS TO CD CASTELLÓN IN PRESEASON FRIENDLY

Valencia CF kicked off their preseason campaign on Saturday afternoon with a 1-2 defeat against CD Castellón. Sergi Canós scored the team's only goal.

Carlos Corberán's side started with intensity, although the first chances were for CD Castellón. Stole Dimitrievski showed his excellent reflexes with a great save, denying Lottin off his header at the far post. CD Castellón then gave a second warning, with Cipenga meeting a cross from the right wing.

Valencia CF tried to react, but the first goal came after a CD Castellón combination on the left flank, which Camara finished off to make it 1-0.

A few minutes later, Diego López and Otorbi, who came on due to a muscle injury for Alberto Marí', came close to equalising with a cross from the Asturian to the near post, but the winger couldn't reach it to finish off the opportunity.

Cipenga scored CD Castellón's second goal shortly after, doubling the deficit.

The team came close to scoring with a Javi Guerra shot from outside the box, which went wide. The minutes ticked by, and near the end of the first half, Fran Pérez made a move down the right flank and looked for the top left corner.

The first half ended with a great save from Dimitrievski off a Cipenga shot from inside the area.

Valencia CF started the second half with a different pace, and with that came a dangerous chance in the first minute. Jesús Vázquez dribbled down the wing and cut a pass back that Hugo Duro was waiting for. His shot hit the left arm of a defender, leading to a penalty for Valencia CF.
Canós took charge of the spot kick and scored, sending goalkeeper Matthys the wrong way.

Valencia CF took control and gave some dangerous moments for their opponent. A combination between Canós and Vázquez nearly resulted in a second goal for Valencia CF.

Minutes later, the momentum evened out and the pace of the match balanced out. Valencia CF attempted an equaliser with a move in which Duro headed a delivery from Canós, but just missed the target.

The game concluded 1-2. Valencia CF's next friendly takes place on Wednesday, July 23rd, at 8pm, against CD Leganés at the Estadi Antonio Puchades.

MATCH STATS

1. VALENCIA CF: Dimitrievski, Diakhaby, Javi Guerra, A.Marí, Gayà ©, Diego López, Raba, Foulquier, Fran Pérez, Lucas Núñez and Panach

2. CD CASTELLÓN: Matthys, Salva Ruiz, Suero, Mabil, Jozhua V., A. Lottin, Gonzalo, O. Camara, B.Cipenga, Alberto and Barri

GOALS:  O. Camara, 21’ (0-1); Cipenga, 24’ (0-2); Canós, 47’ (1-2)