Valencia welcomed Las Palmas to the Mestalla for the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Thursday.
The hosts had the better of an open first period, but an own-goal from 22-year-old midfielder Wilfried Zahibo saw Las Palmas enter the interval with a surprise 1-0 lead.
Valencia were level just past the hour, however, courtesy of a super finish from Paco Alcacer and that is where the scoring finished ahead of the second leg next week.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
6.01pmEvening all! Sports Mole's live Copa del Rey coverage continues from the Mestalla as Valencia welcome Las Palmas for the first leg of their quarter-final. Valencia will enter as the firm favourites to book their spot in the semi-finals, but it would be fair to say that Los Che have flattered to deceive under Gary Neville thus far. A top-four finish in La Liga is looking unlikely at the moment, but delivering the Spanish Cup would make it a successful campaign for the former Spanish champions.
6.04pmBefore this season, these two sides had not met since the 2001-02 campaign, when Valencia won both La Liga matches 1-0. There was then a 13-year gap before the pair met at the Mestalla in the league back in November, where Las Palmas managed a 1-1 draw. Neither team has particularly impressed in the league this season, but Valencia have been the bigger disappointment.
6.07pmJust a reminder that nothing will be decided at the Mestalla tonight, with the second leg to come in Gran Canaria next week. Valencia are seven-time winners of the Copa del Rey, but have not lifted the trophy since 2008. It will not come as much of a surprise that Las Palmas have never actually won the competition, but they did reach the final in 1978 – losing 3-1 to Barcelona at the Bernabeu.
6.10pmRight, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news. Gary Neville has once again utilised his squad, but it is a strong XI nonetheless. Let's have a look shall we...
6.13pmTEAMS:
VAL: Ryan; Barragan, Mustafi, Abdennour, Gaya; Parejo, Danilo, Zahibo; Rodrigo, Alcacer, Piatti
LAS PALMAS: Lizoain; Simon, Garcia, Artiles, Nili; Wakaso, Gomez; Momo, Valeron, Culio; Araujo
6.16pmSo there we have it. The big news in the Valencia camp is that there is a start for 22-year-old French-born midfielder Wilfried Zahibo, who made his first-team debut against Barakaldo in the Copa del Rey earlier this season. Elsewhere, Spanish forward Paco Alcacer is given the nod ahead of Alvaro Negredo at the tip of the attack, while Pablo Piatti and Rodrigo are handed starts in the wide positions. Australian international Mathew Ryan once again keeps his spot between the sticks for Los Che.
6.20pmAs for Las Palmas, the evergreen Juan Carlos Valeron is handed a spot in the XI. Now 40, the Spaniard is still a class act and will operate in an advanced midfield position. Sergio Araujo will lead the attack for the visitors, while the talented yet inconsistent Wakaso Mubarak is also selected. Not too many surprises at the back, with David Simon and the experienced Aythami Artiles included.
6.23pmSo there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just under 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Valencia. Nuno got a tough ride from the Los Che supporters when things started to go wrong at the start of the season, but it would be fair to say that Gary Neville is being given time despite some disappointing results. Elimination from this competition to this Las Palmas side – with all respect to the Canary Islanders – would raise some questions though!
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6.26pmGary Neville watched on from the stands as Valencia drew 1-1 with Barcelona in the league at the start of December, but the former Manchester United defender is still waiting for his first league win. In total, Neville has taken charge of 10 official matches and his record reads: won three, drawn four and lost three. It is far from disastrous, but all three of those victories have come in this competition.
6.30pmIndeed, Valencia overcame Barakaldo in the round of 32, before thumping fellow La Liga side Granada 7-0 on aggregate in the last-16. They bowed out of the Champions League in the group stages, but will be in Europa League action against Rapid Vienna next month. A poor league finish would be tolerated - not accepted - if Gary Neville could deliver a Copa del Rey and Europa League double.
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6.33pmCup football is important, but any major European team, or minor for that matter, would say that their main focus is always the league. Valencia were expected to challenge for the top four this season after finishing in that position last term, but it has just not transpired. As it stands, they sit 11th in the La Liga table on 24 points, some 16 points off the top four. It is some task at this point of the campaign.
6.36pmIt would need a big slip from Villarreal to allow Valencia back into the race for fourth, while the likes of Celta Vigo, Eibar and Sevilla would also need to drop a lot of points. It is just so unlikely that all of those things will come together. Even Getafe, who have been criticised over the last few years, are above Valencia in Spain's top flight. Los Che have drawn with both Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Mestalla, but simply dropped too many points against teams that they should be beating.
6.39pmIndeed, Valencia will enter this match off the back of a 2-2 draw at home to capital side Rayo Vallecano – a match they almost lost. The next three in the league are massive for Gary Neville's side, with Deportivo La Coruna, Sporting Gijon and Real Betis to come. Much of the focus is on Valencia and how they perform tonight, but Las Palmas will be keen to continue their decent run of form.
6.42pmLas Palmas are only two points outside of the relegation zone in Spain's top flight, but they have only lost one of their last six games in all competitions and that was against league leaders Atletico Madrid at the weekend. They recorded a 4-1 win over Granada at the end of December and have also picked up decent league draws against Athletic Bilbao and Malaga this month.
6.45pmIn terms of this competition, Las Palmas overcame Real Sociedad in the round of 32, before beating Eibar 6-4 on aggregate in the last round. Somewhat surprisingly, the yellows have actually won six of their last eight games in the Copa and lost just once. In order to stand a chance in the second leg next week, you sense that Las Palmas need to record a positive result tonight.
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6.48pmThat said, much of Las Palmas' focus this season will be on the league. They gained promotion to the top flight after advancing through the Segunda Division playoffs last season and this is their first campaign of La Liga football since the 2001-02 season. The Canary Islanders actually played Segunda B football between 2004 and 2006, but managed to return to the second tier before re-joining La Liga for the start of this season. Little over 10 minutes until kickoff at the Mestalla tonight!
6.52pmPREDICTION! I strongly fancy Valencia tonight. It has not quite gone to plan under Gary Neville's management thus far, but I am finding it difficult to predict an upset in this match. Las Palmas will be tight, compact and tough to beat, but I am going to back a 2-0 home win in this first leg.
6.55pmA reminder of the two teams for tonight...
VAL: Ryan; Barragan, Mustafi, Abdennour, Gaya; Parejo, Danilo, Zahibo; Rodrigo, Alcacer, Piatti
LAS PALMAS: Lizoain; Simon, Garcia, Artiles, Nili; Wakaso, Gomez; Momo, Valeron, Culio; Araujo
0 minKICKOFF! Here we go then - the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Nothing else left to do apart from play football. Can Las Palmas make it another disappointing night for Gary Neville? We shall see! The hosts kick things off at the Mestalla...
2 min... it is a little bit disappointing to see so many empty seats here tonight, but mid-week games, especially 8pm kickoffs, are difficult for supporters to make due to work commitments. It has been a decent start from the hosts, with both full-backs prepared to take up advanced positions.
3 minAlmost a hint of a chance for Las Palmas as Nili drives forward before sliding a super pass towards Aruajo, but Ryan is just out to collect at the vital moment. The last thing that Valencia need is to fall behind in the early stages here. You sense that the first goal will be very important.
5 minLas Palmas have settled well in the opening five minutes, with Wakaso helping control matters in the middle of the park. Valencia have attempted to break on a couple of occasions, but have not been able to find that elusive pass. There are some teething problems with Gary Neville's Valencia.
6 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia to take the lead as Rodrigo takes the ball away from a Las Palmas defender before sliding in Alcacer, but the striker's effort is saved by Raul!
7 minRodrigo fires wide himself with a speculative volley from a wide position.
8 minNervous moment for the Las Palmas goalkeeper as he decides to round Alcacer, who nicks the ball, but the referee says free kick. Not too sure what Raul had in mind there!
9 minGood grief that is a short back-pass! Aythami puts his goalkeeper in all sorts of problems with a pass that Alcacer almost reaches, but Raul manages to hack clear! Las Palmas wobbling here!
11 minValencia continue to look dangerous as Piatti delivers a super cross towards the far post, but Raul manages to collect. The home side continue to press high up the park, with Zahibo and Parejo not allowing Las Palmas any time to turn and pick a pass. High-pressing game here.
13 minLas Palmas are capable of playing nice football, but you do worry about them at the back. They give teams chances, that is for sure. So far, so good tonight, however, with the score still goalless with 13 minutes on the clock. Alcacer really should have sent Valencia ahead though.
16 minDecent period of possession for Valencia in the last couple of minutes as they move the ball from left to right, but Las Palmas remain tight and manage to clear the danger down-field.
17 minBOOKING! Danilo (Valencia) is booked for a late challenge on Gomez.
19 minLas Palmas are going to have to make a change here as Gomez limps off the field...
20 min... Las Palmas play on with 10 men as Gomez is assessed. It did not look too good though.
21 minLAS PALMAS SUB! Roque Mesa replaces Gomez for the away team.
23 minNot an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but both teams are committing players each time they break forward. Wakaso drives towards the by-line for the visitors before digging out a cross, but Gaya does well to clear. Still goalless with 23 played here.
25 minPiatti looks to stab a pass into Gaya, who was on his bike down the left, but the left-back cannot collect and Las Palmas restart with a goal kick. Difficult to say that either team is in control at the moment as both continue to enjoy periods of possession. It is quite an open game though.
27 minLas Palmas have been very guilty of losing possession in this first period, but Valencia have not yet been able to take advantage. The game's outstanding chance came in the sixth minute when Rodrigo slipped in Alcacer, but the striker could not beat the Las Palmas stopper from inside the box.
28 minCHANCE! Valencia come close to taking the lead as a looped header from Rodrigo looks to be dropping under the crossbar, but Raul is on hand to make a super one-handed stop.
31 minLas Palmas continue to press high up the field and you have to question whether they can maintain this sort of intensity for the whole game. Wakaso has been extremely busy for the visitors in the middle of the park, but Araujo has not really been seen in the final third of the field.
33 minJust a reminder that nothing will be decided tonight, with the second leg to come in Gran Canaria next week. Las Palmas would love to take a draw into that match, that is for sure.
35 minLittle over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and we are still all square. Las Palmas continue to take chances at the back, however, and you sense they might pay for one of those. The referee, meanwhile, has been busy in the last few minutes due to a number of late challenges.
37 minPossession football from Las Palmas in the last couple of minutes, which is bringing whistles from the home supporters, who will not be too happy with what they have seen thus far!
37 minBOOKING! Zahibo (Valencia) is booked for a late challenge on Momo.
38 minGOAL! Valencia 0-1 Las Palmas (Zahibo OG)
39 minLas Palmas take the lead in the 38th minute as Zahibo scores a spectacular own-goal, heading a deep free kick into the back of his own net! Not sure what the midfielder had in mind!
40 minBOOKING! Araujo (Las Palmas) is booked for a late challenge on Piatti.
42 minThere will be a barrage of whistles at the break if Valencia do not level in this first period!
44 minIt has been a decent response from Valencia, with Barragan and Gaya both pushing forward and the former delivers a super cross towards Alcacer, but Raul is on hand to make the save. Las Palmas just need to ride out this spell of pressure and they will enter the break with a 1-0 lead.
45 min+1Two minutes of added time will be played at the end of the first period.
45 min+2Valencia attempt to counter after clearing a free kick, but Artiles steps across to claim and Las Palmas have possession as we approach the final moments of this first period at the Mestalla.
45 min+2Half-chance for Abdennour, but the centre-back heads over the crossbar from a corner.
45 min+3HALF-TIME: Valencia 0-1 Las Palmas
7.48pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Las Palmas leading 1-0 courtesy of that own-goal from Zahibo. As expected, whistles came from the crowd as the referee blew up. Valencia have a lot of work to do to turn this around in the second 45 minutes!
7.53pmSTATS! Las Palmas have shaded the possession at the Mestalla with 52%, but they have only had one shot on target. Valencia, meanwhile, have managed two attempts on target and the best of those came for the skipper Alcacer, who was denied by a really smart save from the diving Raul. There have also been three yellow cards - Danilo, Zahibo (both Valencia) and Araujo (Las Palmas).
7.58pmBENCH WATCH! Valencia have a number of attacking options on their bench tonight, with the likes of De Paul, Negredo and Cancelo all in reserve. Las Palmas, meanwhile, have options in the shape of El Zhar and Willian Jose, but Mesa has already been introduced in place of the injured Gomez.
8pmThis man needs a response from his team in the second period...
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46 minRESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Valencia turn this first leg around? We shall see! Las Palmas resume the action here...
47 min... no changes for either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period gathers pace. It must be said that there were more whistles than cheers when Valencia returned to the field.
48 minSmart work from Piatti as the Valencia attacker beats his full-back before delivering onto the head of Alcacer, but the Spanish international heads wide of the near post. Better from Los Che.
50 minCHANCE! Las Palmas goalkeeper Raul swings and misses as he attempts to clear his lines, but the ball just moves wide of the post. What on earth was the stopper doing there!
52 minI would be surprised if there were not more goals in this game as both teams continue to commit players in the final third of the field. Las Palmas seriously worry me at the back.
54 minCHANCE! Alcacer comes close once again for the home side, but the striker cannot convert a low cross from Piatti, with the ball flying over the crossbar. Las Palmas survive!
56 minAraujo is doing a good job of holding the ball for Las Palmas at the moment, but Valencia are very much the team on the front foot as they continue to press high up the field. You sense that Neville will look to get Negredo on in the next 10 minutes or so. They are crossing a lot here!
58 minLittle over 30 minutes of football remaining and Las Palmas still lead 1-0 at the Mestalla. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided tonight, but this would go down as a very poor result for Valencia ahead of the second leg next week. They need to find a way to breach the Las Palmas goal.
60 minPiatti goes down inside the Las Palmas box and turns around to confront the referee, but the official is not interested. It was a strong challenge from Garcia. There is some movement on the Valencia bench, which is not much of a surprise. Something has to change here...
61 min... Ryan gets down to keep out a solid strike from Las Palmas' Culio.
61 minGOAL! Valencia 1-1 Las Palmas (Alcacer)
62 minBreakthrough Valencia! The home side are on terms here as Alcacer works a yard of space outside the box before firing a super low strike into the bottom corner. Wonderful effort!
63 minVALENCIA SUB! De Paul replaces Piatti.
65 minCLOSE! De Paul drops the ball off to Gaya, who came steaming in before making good contact outside the box, but his effort is just too high. All Valencia at the moment here.
67 minHalf-chance for the away side as Wakaso finds space outside the box before unleashing a super strike, but his effort whistles over the crossbar! Both sides are threatening as we head for the final 20 minutes of this first leg and it has been a really entertaining game at the Mestalla.
68 minVALENCIA SUB! Los Che make their second change as Cancelo replaces Rodrigo.
70 minStill no movement on the Las Palmas bench, but Valeron's legs are tiring and have been since the first minute. No, that is harsh, but the 40-year-old is just breathing heavily at the moment!
70 minBOOKING! Gaya (Valencia) is booked for a late challenge on Momo.
72 minYou still get the feeling that there is another goal in this match and although Valencia are the team pressing, Las Palmas have plenty of counter-attacking threat at the moment.
74 minLittle over 15 minutes of this second period remaining and we are still level at 1-1, which would leave things very delicately poised ahead of the second leg next week. Valencia have been on top since the leveller, but the visitors are now enjoying a strong spell in possession of the ball.
77 minBOOKING! Wakaso (Las Palmas) is booked for a late challenge on Cancelo.
78 minLAS PALMAS SUB! Aleman replaces Momo for the away team.
79 minBOOKING! Negredo replaces Zahibo in Valencia's third change.
81 minValencia have plenty of players forward at the moment, but Las Palmas continue to defend well every time the ball is delivered into the box. Still 10 minutes of this first leg remaining here.
83 minPanic inside the Las Palmas box as Raul is forced to punch clear, but the stopper gathers a cross at the second time of asking and the visitors once again clear the danger. You just get the feeling that there is a mistake in this Las Palmas side and Valencia will hope so as well!
83 minLAS PALMAS SUB! Dani Castellano replaces Artiles for the away team.
85 minAlcacer just cannot meet a super cross from De Paul as Valencia continue to build their attacks in wide positions. The cross into Negredo will be an obvious danger for Las Palmas late on.
87 minCancelo drives down the right for Valencia before delivering a cross towards Alcacer, but the striker dummies it and a yellow shirt is on hand to clear. Just will not happen for Los Che!
87 minBOOKING! Culio (Las Palmas) is booked for a late challenge on Danilo.
88 minDanilo is fortunate to escape a red following his reaction to the challenge!
90 minLittle bit scrappy in the last couple of minutes as the referee is forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Las Palmas are close to securing an excellent draw here.
90 minBOOKING! Aleman (Las Palmas) is booked for a foul on Parejo.
90 min+1Four added minutes at the end of the second period.
90 min+3Cancelo's pace down the right has been a serious threat in this second period and the defender delivers another super cross, which is flicked by Negredo, but Alcacer just cannot keep it in!
90 min+3Alcacer twisted awkwardly when attempting to make contact and he is now down injured.
90 min+3CHANCE! Gaya sets up Negredo with a super cross, but the striker cannot make proper contact and Las Palmas clear! What an opportunity for the Spaniard!
90 min+5FULL-TIME: Valencia 1-1 Las Palmas
8.52pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with the two teams level at 1-1. It is certainly a better result for Las Palmas than it is for Valencia and the tie is delicately poised ahead of the second leg next week. Thanks for joining Sports Mole. Until next time!
