Player Ratings: Valencia 3-1 Sevilla

VALENCIA

Cesar 7.5 - Made some very good saves, especially in the first half to keep his side from going further behind and showed why he is the club's number one now.

Miguel 7 - Impressed in the first half as he pushed up field and looked to test Palop, but then settled back after the break and had a quiet second period.

Albiol 7.5 - An impressive presence at the back for Valencia and he made a crucial block in the first half and maintained order at the back throughout.
 
Marchena 6.5 - Still an effective player who knows how to put it about and involve himself in situations to help his team.

Alexis 6.5 - Employed at full-back, he was not caught out that often and impressed considering he was up against Navas and then Capel.

Albelda 6.5 - A solid presence in front of Valencia's back four and he was only taken off early when Valencia were looking to go ahead.

Baraja 7 - May not return to the form that once made him a Spain regular, but he was a link between the defence and attack in this game.

Joaquin 5 - Did not have a good game and instead of accepting his substitution, he showed petulance towards his coach, which was completely unnecessary.

Silva 7.5 - His speed and ability caused Sevilla problems throughout and he was the leader when Valencia looked to break.

Mata 7.5 - Another one of Valencia's diminutive forward players that used his book of tricks to push the home team to victory.

Villa 8 - Coolly slotted home the penalty and caused Sevilla's defence problems in both halves before being replaced after suffering from cramp.

Subs

Pablo 7.5 - Had a huge effect when he entered the game as he showed Joaquin how to play by constantly taking on players and scoring a fine goal.

Vicente 6 - Went on and promptly disappeared, but the fact he was on the pitch helped lift the home side to victory.

Morientes 6.5 - His presence caused Sevilla's defence to have to answer some different questions, but he was unable to test Palop.

SEVILLA

Palop 7.5 - Denied his former club with a number of good stops and will  be disappointed with his defenders for conceding two penalties.

Adriano 3 - Having been booked, his tackle on Villa that earned him a red card was clumsy and stupid and he should apologise to his team-mates.

Squillaci 6 - After solid first half he was unable to repeat the feat after the break as Valencia's numerical advantage told.

Escude 4.5 - Charged forward and caught Mata just before the break to concede the first penalty when a calm head was needed after the sending off.

Fernando Navarro 4.5 - Why he had his arms in the air when giving away the second penalty is anyone's guess, but that cost his side the game.

Jesus Navas 6.5 - Looked lively and caused Valencia problems before being substituted, which was a strange decision.

Duscher 5.5 - Employed as a midfield enforcer, he did not stand out and was unable to drop back and effectively stop the Valencia forwards from pushing up.

Romaric 7 - Impressed with his distribution and set piece taking, but was forced to take up defensive duties after the break.

Perotti 6 - Worked tirelessly down the left and provided some good crosses before being substituted after Adriano had been sent off.

Renato 6.5 - Was another that had his instructions changed after Adriano saw red as he had to drop back and could not help Kanoute up front any longer.

Kanoute 6 - Was left slightly isolated at times when Sevilla had ten men, having been more involved beforehand and could have netted more than once.

Subs

Mosquera 6 - Was asked to sit in front of the back and he did a good job of stopping Valencia from breaking through to often.

Luis Fabiano n/a

Lucas Brown, Goal.com