Negredo and Cheryshev put smiles back on Valencia faces

The return of Diego Alves 

Following an injury which has kept him out for nine months, Diego Alves was given a hero's welcome by the Mestalla faithful before kick-off, and once the game got underway it wasn't long before the Brazilian was called into action. On that occasion, RCD Espanyol fluffed their lines, but the Che custodian would later go on to thwart the Catalan side on a number of occasions. In the next breath it was Espanyol goalkeeper, Pau Lopez - not wanting to be outdone - who excelled in keeping out a Dani Parejo effort.

End-to-end stuff

The need for each side to deliver a performance and claim the three points produced a game played at a frenetic pace with chances aplenty and in which fitness levels proved to be key. Both the Valencianistas and Periquitos were forced to defend and attack in equal measure in an encounter which really challenged both coaches to prove their tactical nous.

0-0 | 4' | Crucial save by Diego Alves! ➡ https://t.co/nRWn2nNxIk #VCFespanyol

— Valencia CF English (@valenciacf_en) February 13, 2016

Oscar Duarte draws first blood

The Costa Rican netted his first Liga BBVA goal with a fine headed effort. The defender gave his side the lead with a bullet header from a corner in the early stages of the second half. The visitors' goal was greeted with great joy, given that an Espanyol win would have seen them leapfrog Gary Neville's side in the table. Ultimately however, Constantin Galca's charges failed to see the job through.

The five minutes which give Valencia hope

Valencia turned the game on its head in the space of just five minutes. A deflected strike from substitute Alvaro Negredo and a Denis Cheryshev diving header eased the tension around Mestalla as the hosts held on for Neville's maiden victory in the Liga BBVA. 

The frantic dying stages

A victory was paramount for both sides and despite Cheryshev's goal, Espanyol didn't give up hope of coming away from Mestalla with at least a point. The visitors started to dominate possession as they laid siege to the Valencia goal. Neville's troops ended the game camped in their own half, but they succeeded in keeping the side from Barcelona at bay to clinch a vital victory.