Dani Parejo and Paco Alcacer scored goals in the second half to help Valencia beat RC Deportivo de La Coruna 2-0 and move into provisional third place in the Spanish league on Friday.
Deportivo held their own at Estadio Mestalla through the first half, but Valencia increased the pace after the restart and gave the visitors no chance.
Parejo struck first in the 61st minute, when he converted a penalty kick after Deportivo’s Juanfran Moreno tripped Pablo Piatti in the area.
Alcacer then had a perfect return after missing the last month while recovering from a right leg injury. The Spain striker went on in the 72nd and seconds later was positioned to redirect Sofiane Feghouli’s back pass into the net.
Alcacer’s sixth goal of the season and his first since December last year came as Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is preparing to name his squad for an upcoming European championship qualifier against Ukraine.
“We strikers live to score goals and score them in bunches,” Alcacer said. “I’m very happy to return to the pitch and score again. I was very eager to do so, and I hope it’s the start of a streak.”
Feghouli almost increased the winning margin when he clipped the post from a tight angle with two minutes to play.
Valencia provisionally rose two points above Atletico Madrid before the defending champions were scheduled to visit RCD Espanyol yesterday.
Deportivo were left one point above the relegation zone and in danger of falling farther down the standings with the rest of the teams still to play this round.
“The first half was evenly matched, but after their goal, which came after we lost the ball, the game became much tougher for us,” Deportivo midfielder Alex Burgantinos said. “We need to be more decisive in attack. We are missing our chances and that is costing us.”
With their seventh straight victory at home, Valencia also pulled to within five points of leaders Barcelona and four of second-place Real Madrid.
Barcelona were scheduled to visit Sociedad Deportiva Eibar yesterday, while Real Madrid host Levante UD today.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely