Leeds United secured their fourth consecutive pre-season victory by defeating La Liga side Valencia at Elland Road, a week before their Championship opener. Spanish media provided their take on the match.
The Whites had earlier triumphed over League Two team Harrogate Town and then claimed wins against Bundesliga second-tier sides Hannover 96 and Schalke during their summer training camp in Germany.
Returning home at the start of the week, Leeds faced Valencia in their final pre-season match before beginning their promotion campaign against newly-promoted Portsmouth at Elland Road.
Mateo Joseph continued his impressive pre-season form, likely securing his starting spot against Portsmouth. The Spaniard displayed skill and composure, scoring his fourth goal of the pre-season.
Spanish media reaction to Valencia’s defeat by Leeds
Leeds’ second goal came from Georginio Rutter, who chipped the goalkeeper with his left foot. The Whites were in excellent form and could have easily scored four or five goals in the first half.
Valencia’s frustration boiled over, resulting in Rafa Mir being sent off, while Hugo Duro was substituted before he could receive a red card. Valencia scored a late deflected goal with 10 men after Leeds made changes.
Spanish outlet El Desmarque commented on Valencia’s defeat. Despite it being their fifth pre-season game, Valencia has yet to secure a win under manager Ruben Baraja, with this loss being the most concerning.
“Valencia had a game to forget at Elland Road. Rubén Baraja’s team had by far the worst 90 minutes of the pre-season: defeat, not a single dangerous chance, and Stole Dimitrievski – once again – saving face.
“Rafa Mir was sent off on the day of Dani Gomez’s debut. Unlike previous friendlies, most players had more playing time and fewer youth players participated.”
Valencia might be struggling, but Leeds were simply excellent
Leeds showed no signs of a hangover from European competitions, holidays, or their play-off final defeat to Southampton. Daniel Farke’s revamped team appears ready for the Championship season.
While Valencia performed poorly, Leeds excelled, defeating a La Liga side that finished in the top half of Spain’s top tier last season. Jayden Bogle, Pascal Struijk, Dan James, and Mateo Joseph all started.
Brenden Aaronson and Max Wober feel like new signings, along with the permanent deal for Joe Rodon, while Joe Rothwell adds creativity. Leeds still need two or three more signings to bolster their depth.
