Player Ratings: Almeria 0-3 Valencia

ALMERIA

Diego Alves - 4.5: Misjudged his run from his area as he lunged in to stop Pablo and was dismissed which spoilt a previously outstanding performance.

Macedo -  4.5: Neither full back enjoyed their evening as Pablo and Mata were constantly testing them down the flanks and neither did well.

Chico - 5.5: Having to step up to maintain the offside trap did expose him and Hugo Sanchez should rethink his tactics.

Acasiete - 5: Not as fleet footed as the players he was facing and was caught on several occasions that could have cost more goals.

Cisma -  5.5: The full-back must have had a knock as he was substituted at the break despite a comfortable display in the opening 45 minutes.

Bernadello -  6: Worked well in the first half but after the break struggled as Almeria felt the effects of playing with ten men.

Mbami - 6: Had a chance to make his name but it was in the centre of midfield winning balls that he showed what he is capable of.

Juanma Ortiz - 5.5: He too also showed signs of tiredness after Diego Alves' sending off and could not keep up his level.

Piatti - 5.5: Should have scored when through on goal at the start of the second half, but it was strange that he went off after Diego Alves' red card.

Crusat -  6.5: Busy throughout and managed to beat Bruno as many times as he was stopped in what was a great tussle between them when the full-back switched sides.

Soriano -  5.5: Did well to connect with several crosses but did not do well to put not one of them on target.

Subs

Guilherme - 6: Made a superb tackle on Pablo in front of goal and looked impressive when going on.

Kalu Uche - 5: Put on to add power and speed but should have scored when he had a good chance when Valencia were two ahead.

Esteban - 6: Made a great save within seconds of going on but was then embarrassed by Pablo with the long range goal. Did make several other good stops.


VALENCIA

Cesar -  6: Is clearly enjoying himself back in Spain and proved yet again just what a wise decision it was by Valencia to sign from Tottenham.

Miguel - 6.5: Looked to have picked up a knock at the start of the second period as he went off after decent display at righ-back.

Navarro - 6.5: Strong at both end of the field as he drove forward in the first half to have two good chances in front of goal.

Dealbert - 5.5: Still has some shaky moments with one swing at air that almost cost his team a goal as he flapped.

Bruno - 7: There was no nostalgia from the former Almeria player as he battled away to stop Crusat being able to do much on his flank when he changed after Miguel's withdrawal.

Albelda - 7: A solid display in the midfield that helped to blunt an Almeria side that did not have a great deal of presence.

Banega - 6: Went off five minutes into the second half and must also have had an injury because the Argentinian had been doing well.

Pablo - 8.5: A stunning long-range effort and a great set-up for Villa showed why he is now being considered in the breath as the rest of Valencia's forwards.

Silva - 7.5: Technique, touch and vision were all present as the Spain international did everything except score.

Mata - 8: Capped his evening with an impressive low drive that was deserved after he had impressed throughout the encounter.

Villa - 8: His speed and movement was causing Almeria constant problems and his goal was the result of that.

Subs

Maduro - 6.5: Went on a was able to keep the game flowing in midfield while breaking up the hosts' play.

Alexis - 6: Slotted in on the left and while being a central defender, he looked comfortable.

Baraja - 5.5: Replaced fellow veteran Albelda and was able to enjoy a few touches late on.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com