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Played
September 10, 2011 4:00 PM EDT
Estadio de Mestalla — Valencia
Referee: José Luis González González
Attendance: 45000
September 10, 2011 4:00 PM EDT
Estadio de Mestalla — Valencia
Referee: José Luis González González
Attendance: 45000
52′
Roberto Soldado
Top of the Match
Roberto Soldado
Valencia
Valencia
Roberto Soldado
Valencia
Valencia
Flop of the Match
Radamel Falcao
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid
Radamel Falcao
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid
Goal.com Rating 
Fans' Rating Valencia 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Roberto Soldado's header earns narrow victory
The Spanish striker's powerful header was enough to see off the visitors, as Valencia maintained a perfect start to the domestic season.
By Adam Wheeler
Roberto Soldado, Valencia vs Racing Santander (Getty)
Valencia won its second La Liga game in succession with a slender 1-0 win over rival Atletico Madrid as Roberto Soldado’s second half header proved to be the winner.
Radamel Falcao started his first match as an Atletico player and the new number nine was almost through on goal in the fifth minute, only to go down in the box after a nudge from Victor Ruiz, however the Colombian's appeals for a penalty were waved away.
Valencia took control of the match after that, and Soldado proved especially pesky to the Atletico defense. However, it took a good save from Vicente Guaita to deny Adrian after he was put through by Tiago. On the other end, Jonas tested Thibaut Courtois, but the young Belgian was equal to the effort.The second half began and it did not take long for the hosts to take the lead. A great cross from Miguel on the right flank was met by Soldado and the former Real Madrid youth player's powerful header flew straight past Courtois and into the top corner.
Atletico had a great chance to equalize in the 82nd minute, but Guaita was ready at the near post, to deny substitute Arda Turan after a good through ball from Jose Antonio Reyes. It turned out to be the last real chance for the away side as Valencia kept up its positive start to the La Liga campaign.
Goal
Own Goal
Penalty
Penalty Missed
Yellow Card
Assist
Penalty Save
Penalty Shootout Goal
Penalty Shootout Miss
Yellow Card / Red Card
Red Card
Substitution IN
Substitution OUT
Injury
Goal.com Rating
Goal.com Man of the Match
Goal.com Flop of the Match
Top & Flop Global Ranking- Fans' Man of the Match
Fans' Flop of the Match
Results
Times In EDT
Match News
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lionel Messi
Striker Barcelona |
50 | 10 |
|
Cristiano Ronaldo
Striker Real Madrid |
46 | 12 |
|
Radamel Falcao
Striker Atlético de Madrid |
24 | 5 |
|
Gonzalo Higuaín
Striker Real Madrid |
22 | 0 |
|
Karim Benzema
Striker Real Madrid |
21 | 0 |