Football: Valencia trounce Villarreal

MADRID: Valencia staked their claim for third place in La Liga with a stylish 5-0 win against local rivals Villarreal, pushing them six points ahead of Villarreal. Roberto Soldado gave Valencia an early lead. Although they had further chances it was not until the second half that the floodgates opened. Ever Banega scored in between two goals from Juan Mata and Soldado also got his second of the night. Coach Unai Emery expressed satisfaction at his team’s performance. “We’ve found it difficult to be consistent and play well for 90 minutes but we managed to do it in this match,” said Emery.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th, 2011.