LaLiga 2018-19: 5 talking points from Match Day 5

#2 10 men Valencia are held to a goalless draw at Villarreal

Valencia CF's Michy Batshuayi

Valencia faced off against Villarreal on Match Day 5 of LaLiga. Both teams have had a pretty ordinary start to their respective LaLiga campaigns with Villarreal managing 4 points and Valencia 3 points from their opening four games. Valencia, as well as Villarreal, started their European campaign this week as well, with Valencia putting on a dismal performance to lose to 10 men Juventus at home after Ronaldo was sent off, while Villarreal gave away their lead twice against Steven Gerrard's Rangers to draw 2-2 at home.

Villarreal started the match in a 4-4-2 formation with former Espanyol man Gerard Moreno and Carlos Bacca upfront. Marcelino's Valencia also started in a 4-4-2 formation with Kevin Gameiro and Santi Mina in the attack along with World Cup star Dennis Cheryshev in midfield. Kevin Gameiro, Gabriel and Ferran Torres had chances to give Valencia the lead while Layun and Gaspar created chances for Villarreal as well but neither side could strike the decisive blow.

Marcelino brought on Batshuayi and Guedes for Mina and Torres, searching for the elusive goal. But a red card to Dani Parejo in the 58th minute meant Valencia were at a disadvantage and had to bring on Coquelin as a defensive substitute for Gameiro. Villarreal too brought on late substitutes in the form of veteran Santi Cazorla, Pedraza and Ekambi but at the end of full time, neither team could find the back of the net. Villarreal would be disappointed to not take advantage of 10 men Valencia as the match ended in a goalless draw.

With this draw, Villarreal and Valencia sit on 14th and 15th places with 5 and 4 points respectively and have much to think about going forward. Tough challenges lie ahead for both as Villarreal have a trip away at the San Mames against Athletic Club while Valencia face 4th place Celta Vigo at home in LaLiga midweek MatchDay 6 fixtures.