Player Ratings: Malaga 0-1 Valencia

MALAGA

Munua - 5: Made a number of important saves to keep his team in it but spoiled it all by coming out and completely misjudging the cross for the goal.

Jesus Gamez - 6: Mata was quiet for most of the game and that was partly down to the way that he was marked and played.

Stepanov - 6.5: His experience at the back ensured that Valencia's forwards were kept at a distance when looking to shoot.

Juanito - 6.5: An experienced defender he looked unhappy to have to go off with a groin injury early in the second half after an impressive opening.

Welligton - 7: Led by example in the middle of the home team's defence and will be disappointed his side took nothing from the match.

Mtiliga - 6.5: So good was the full back that Pablo was taken off midway through the second period and Joaquin sent on to test him.

Xavi Torres - 5.5: The Barcelona youth team product went off midway through the second period after a hard-working performance.

Apono - 6: Showed flashes of his great ability and he looked like one of the players that can lift Malaga off the bottom this season.

Duda - 6.5: His left foot cane create problems against any team, but he could have done a lot more with Obinna in the middle.

Luque - 5.5: Looks comfortable back in Spanish football after spells in England and Holland but took some terrible set pieces.

Obinna - 7.5: The only thing that the on-loan Inter forward did not do was score as he constantly caused the Valencia defence problems.

Subs

Benachour - 6: Put on when Juanito had to go off and he impressed by slotting into the back four.

Edinho - 5: Could have tested Cesar but let the ball run under his foot when in on goal.

Baha - 5: One fantastic run down the left stood out as he could have created the equaliser.


VALENCIA

Cesar - 7.5: A match-winning display from the veteran keeper as he made a string of blocks and saves to deny the Malaga front line.

Miguel - 7: Only exposed on one or two occasions and showed his creative side with some decent passes forward, especially in the first half.
 
David Navarro - 7.5: Could have scored before he actually did as he produced a strong display and looks set to become a regular.

Dealbert - 7: Showed his determination and spirit by berating his team-mates at one corner as they did not follow the plan.

Bruno - 5.5: Did not look comfortable for long periods, especially when Obinna received the ball on his side.

Albelda - 6.5: A professional display in front of the back four as he helped his side to remain undefeated.

Banega - 6.5: Did well, especially given the poor state of the pitch in La Rosaleda that made his passing game even more difficult.

Pablo - 6.5: Not as effective as he has been in recent weeks although his high cross did produce the only goal of the game.

Mata - 6: Another who was not up to his usual level as his crosses and creativity were sorely missed on the wing.

Silva - 7.5: Busy throughout but his best chances came from long range and he was unlikely to beat the keeper from there.

Villa - 7: Had a good first half as he looked to test the keeper, but only had one decent chance after the break.

Subs

Maduro - 5: Went on and maintained Valencia's midfield hold but did nothing to stand out.

Joaquin - 5: Wanted to go on and prove himself but had little time and not enough of the ball.

Mathieu - 5: Was put on very late and had little chance to do anything.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com