Valencia CF and the Mexico national team delivered an engaging pre-season friendly match, culminating in a 2-2 draw at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico. Forward Dani Gómez emerged as the standout performer for Valencia, netting both of their goals in this international club exhibition.
The match began with Mexico asserting early dominance. Their initial pressure led to a free kick opportunity just outside the Valencia penalty area. Alexis Vega expertly capitalized on this set-piece, curling a shot over the defensive wall. The ball struck the right post, deflected off Valencia goalkeeper Vicent Abril, and agonizingly rolled into the net, giving Mexico an early lead.
Valencia quickly sought to equalize. A corner kick delivered by Pepelu found Dani Gómez in a promising position, but their attempt was unsuccessful. Mexico then threatened to extend their lead through a counter-attack, but Vicent Abril was alert and denied a goal-scoring opportunity from Martínez, keeping Valencia within striking distance.
As the first half progressed, Valencia began to find their rhythm. They implemented a high pressing strategy, disrupting Mexico’s build-up play from the back. This tactical shift created several chances for Valencia, with Martín Tejón, Dimitri Foulquier, and Fran Pérez all involved in promising attacks. However, despite their growing control, it was Mexico who struck next. Ozziel Herrera unleashed a powerful, long-range shot from outside the box that proved unstoppable, doubling Mexico’s advantage.
Undeterred, Valencia continued to push forward. Abril made another crucial save to prevent Mexico from further extending their lead. Just before halftime, Valencia’s persistence paid off. A well-executed play saw Pepelu link up with Dani Gómez, who expertly finished past Mexican goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, reducing the deficit to 2-1 before the break.
The second half commenced with Vicent Abril called into action again, making two important saves to keep Valencia in the game. At the other end, Rodrigo Abajas managed to get a shot away inside the Mexican penalty area, but Rangel was equal to the task. Valencia’s persistence finally broke through when an attack down the flank resulted in a cross to the far post from Abajas. Correia reached the ball and delivered a precise pass into the six-yard box, finding Dani Gómez once again. Gómez made no mistake, slotting home his second goal of the match and leveling the score at 2-2.
Despite both teams striving for a winning goal in the remaining minutes, the score remained unchanged. The friendly encounter concluded in a 2-2 draw, providing both sides with valuable match practice and insights ahead of their respective campaigns.
Match Details:
2. Mexico: R. Rangel, J. Sanchez, J. Orozco, C. Montes, B. Gonzalez, L. Romo, C. Rodriguez, A. Vega, O. Herrera, G. Berterame, G. Martinez
2. Valencia CF: Vicent Abril, Foulquier, Caufriez, Yarek, Ro Abajas, Hugo G., Barrenechea, Pepelu, Fran Perez, Martin Tejon, Dani Gomez
Goals: Alexis Vega (8′), Ozziel Herrera (33′), Dani Gomez (43′, 62′)
Referee: Juan Gabriel Calderón Pérez
Venue: Estadio Cuauhtémoc de Puebla (México) – Friendly Match
