MADRID (France) (AFP)
Valencia won at home the derby (4-2) against Levante on Matchday 1 of La Liga, during which Villareal and his new coach Unaï Emery could not do better than a draw against the promoted Huesca (1-1).
In a generally balanced first period, Levante striker José-Luis Morales put on a show.
Author of a solo goal from the first minute of play (0-1, 1st), he then distinguished himself with an overpowered strike (36th, 1-2).
Very realistic, the Valencians managed to come back twice thanks to Paulista (12th) and Maxi Gomez (39th).
After Morales, Manuel Vallejo scored twice in the second half.
The replacement Spanish striker first allowed his team to pass in front (75th, 3-2) before driving the point home late in the game (94th, 4-2).
This is a successful first for Javi Gracia, who arrived this season on the bench of Valencia.
Also for his first, on the bench of Villareal, Unaï Emery could not do better than a draw against Huesca (1-1).
Led on their lawn by the promoted shortly before half-time (Maffeo, 42nd), the locals managed to come back from the penalty spot (Moreno, 68th).
In the rest of the matches of the day, Betis Sevilla won away and on the edge against Alavès (1-0).
Real Sociedad meanwhile conceded a draw in Valladolid (1-1).
The posters of the teams concerned by the European Cup, Real-Madrid-Getafe, FC Barcelona-Elche and Atlético Madrid-Sevilla (Tuesday 20:00 GMT) counting for the 1st day, have been postponed.
© 2020 AFP