Piatti strike sees off Córdoba

Valencia CF claimed a hard-fought 1-2 victory over Córdoba CF on Liga BBVA matchday 24, Pablo Piatti getting the winner ten minutes from the end to overcome the Andalusians.

The hosts made a good start to the encounter, playing incisively and taking full advantage of the speed of their individuals in attack. Bebé was the first to have a go with an effort that was stopped by Diego Alves, before Nabil Ghilas tried his luck from mid-range. As the minutes passed, the play moved steadily into the Córdoba half as Valencia took control of possession, earning their reward shortly before half time as André Gomes’s goal gave Nuno Espírito Santo’s men the lead.  

Home boss Miroslav Djukić went for it in the second period, introducing Florin Andone for Abel Gómez and committing to attack, a move that bore fruit midway through the half, Ghilas converting from the penalty spot to level the scores. Los ché were spurred into action by the equaliser and, more out of heart than football, sought to come away with the match. They did so in the end thanks to Piatti, whose unorthodox shot proved the difference between the sides.