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SportsValencia beat Eldense 3-0 in preseason friendly; Sato scores wonder goal
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Valencia defeated Eldense 3-0 in their first official preseason friendly at the Antonio Puchades stadium in front of 1,400 spectators. The match saw new signings De Haas and Dieng debut, and Diakhaby return from injury. Japanese prospect Ryunosuke Sato opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a spectacular volley from the edge of the box. Jesús Vázquez doubled the lead in the 33rd minute after a rebound off the post, and Dani Raba made it 3-0 just before halftime. Eldense had a goal disallowed for offside after the break. Valencia coach Carlos Corberán used the second half to rotate players, including giving minutes to Dieng and Pepelu. The match served as preparation for the upcoming La Liga season.
Source report
Updated: 22 July 2026, 21:56 CEST By: Fernando Álvarez
Match Summary
Valencia secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Eldense in their first official pre-season friendly. The result comes after a 3-1 loss in a training match against Petro Luanda.
The match marked several notable moments:
- De Haas and Dieng made their first appearances in a Valencia shirt
- Diakhaby returned to action for the first time since his injury last season
- Ryunosuke Sato delivered a magnificent baptism with a wonder goal
First Half: Valencia's Dominant Display
Valencia struggled to control the match early on against an energetic Eldense side, driven by Macho in midfield. After Jesús Vázquez shot high from a chance, Nieto forced a save from Vicent Abril.
The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when a marking error by Claudio Barragán's team left Ryunosuke Sato alone in the semicircle. The young Japanese prospect controlled with his left foot and executed a half-turn volley with his right, sending the ball into the top corner.
The goal sparked a Valencia monologue. Jesús Vázquez capitalized on a ball that came back off the post after a deflection by a local defender to make it 2-0 in the 33rd minute.
Dani Raba completed the scoring in the 43rd minute, converting an assist from Sadiq (whose earlier goal had been ruled out for offside) to make it 3-0 at halftime.
Second Half: Missed Opportunities
Eldense could have changed the match's complexion after the break when Amarillo scored a good goal following a great save from Vicent Abril, but it was ruled out for offside.
Corberán used the opportunity to make substitutions, pairing Dieng and Pepelu together, with Almeida on the right flank — a position, along with full-back, that urgently needs reinforcement. Javi Guerra played as a second striker alongside Hugo Duro but squandered two clear chances late in the match, with goalkeeper Juanpa making two good saves.
Match Details
Venue: Antonio Puchades Attendance: 1,400 spectators
Lineups
Valencia: V. Abril; Rubo, Diakhaby, De Haas, Jesús Vázquez; Guido, Ugrinic; Otorbi, Raba, Ryunosuke; and Sadiq. Also played: Wanjala, Gamón, Tárrega, Gayá, Pepelu, Dieng, Almeida, Rioja, Guerra, Hugo Duro, Iker Córdoba. Coach: Carlos Corberán
Eldense: Ramón Vila; Clemente, Cantó, Smand, D. Ruiz; Antonio David, Macho, Justin; Fidel, Rodri Val; and Nieto. Also played: Borja, Bustillo, Juanpa, Amarillo, Esteban, Maciá, Iker, Carretero, Ibarrondo, Yanda, David G. Coach: Claudio Barragán
Goals
| Minute | Goal | |--------|------| | 24' | Ryunosuke Sato (1-0) | | 33' | Jesús Vázquez (2-0) | | 43' | Dani Raba (3-0) |
Discipline
- Yellow card: Pepelu (84')
Referee: Juan Manuel Gordillo (Valencian)
Related Links
- World Cup
- World Cup Results
- World Cup Schedule
- La Liga
- Segunda División
- National Team
- World Cup Top Scorers
- World Cup Final
- Spain Lineup Today
- World Cup Final Time
Source
LALIGA EA Sports // marcaWestern
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Valencia beats Eldense 3-0 in preseason friendly with Sato wonder goal