Player Ratings: Valencia 3-2 Real Betis

VALENCIA

Renan 5 - Should not have let Juanma score inside the near post and looked shaky on occasion, but did well in the air and looked capable.

Miguel 5.5 - A shocking decision to try and kick the ball out of his own keeper's hands before the penalty to spoil a steady performance.

Alexis 6 - Looked good and was forming a very solid partnership in the middle of the defence when he picked up a knock and had to go off just after the break.

Marchena 4.5 - Will claim that he was trying to legitimately stop Betis scoring, but his track record would indicate that he was aiming for Sergio García's legs.

Moretti 6 - Calm and controlled and, at times, professional as he was able to use the contact he had with other players to win Valencia free-kicks.

Baraja 7 - A solid display in midfield from a player that led by example going forward and when tracking back to make tackles and decisive fouls.

Albelda 6.5 - Played much better in the first half than he did in the second but was still influential as he helped protect the back four when Valenica had ten men.

Edu 6 - The hapless Brazilian look very upset after suffering an injury in the first half that appeared to be muscular as nobody was near him when it happened.

Joaquín 6 - Showed some tricks, but was unable to truly open up Betis and was withdrawn to add some more strength in the centre of the team.

Villa 7 - Looked very sharp before the break but did not impress with his falling over in the second period, although he did take the pressure off with his running

Mata 7.5 - Took his goal superbly and continues to grow in confidence and stature with each game as he takes his chance in David Silva's absence.

Subs

Fernandes 6.5 - Did very well when he came on and looked lively going forward and also defended when necessary after the break as Betis pushed up.

Albiol 6.5 - Cannot be blamed for either goal as he actually stopped the ball on the line before the penalty and will not be happy with Miguel.

Hedwiges 5 - Did not really have much effect as he settled into midfield with only a few minutes of the game remaining.

REAL BETIS

Casto 5.5 - Will not have been happy with the goals that he conceded but none were mistakes that he can be heavily criticised for.

Nelson 5.5 - Was turned inside out for the second Valencia goal when he should have been able to hold Mata up and deny him space.

Juanito 5 - Betis' defence was not on song and were fortunate that their hosts did not really move out and lay siege to their area.

Arzu 5 - Made some mistakes when trying to stem the tide in the first half and he should have done better in the build-up to Valencia's first two goals.

Monzón 5 - Worked hard, but the fact that he was siting in front of the back four and still saw his side let in three says a lot.

Mehmet Aurelio 5.5 - Needed to display more of the craft and guile that has made him a success at Betis in his first few months at the club.

Emaná 7 - Betis' best player as he controlled the midfield, produced a series of surging runs and showed some fine touches when moving forward.

Damiá 5 - Showed off touches that promised much but delivered little and he will not have been happy with his performance.

Juanma 6.5 - Took his goal well and drove Betis forward when hey needed some inspiration up front and some width to open the game up.

Capi 5 - Had a shot that flew over and worked hard to try and create chances for his team-mates but he did not have his best game in a support role to Emaná.

Sergio García 6.5 - Deserves a good mark for work rate if nothing else as he was at the centre of almost very forward movement by Betis.

Subs

Pavone 4.5 - Proved to actually be hindrance with his touches and inability to hold the ball up, which was one of his main jobs.

Segura 5 - Did not have much time and what he did achieve was to concede a free-kick late on to helped Valencia relieve the pressure.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com