Yunus Musah saw a spectacular goal for Valencia reversed thanks to an unfortunate VAR decision, while the Shashoua brothers both started for their teams in La Liga 2 action.
Valencia 0 – 1 Atlético Madrid
Yunus Musah kept his spot in Valencia’s starting lineup, playing the full game on the left side of their three-man midfield, as the team narrowly – and perhaps unfairly – lost at home against Atlético Madrid.
The USMNT mainstay had a strong game for the hosts, completing 90% of his 42 passes amidst 54 total touches, creating one chance, nailing all six of his long-ball attempts, winning six of seven duels and drawing a pair of fouls.
However, his best action in the game won’t show up on any scoresheet thanks to a VAR decision approximately halfway through the first half.
Shortly before the 23-minute mark, Musah received the ball deep on the right side and advanced towards goal before smacking 25-yard blast that flew in just inside the near post.
Sadly, the opening goal wouldn’t stand, as a VAR review indicated that Mouctar Diakhaby fouled João Félix on the build-up, keeping the score knotted at zero apiece.
The hosts were nearly dealt a major blow with five minutes in the half when Thierry Correia was shown straight red for tripping up Álvaro Morata as the last defender on the way to goal, however VAR overruled the decision, as the attacker was moving away from the goal.
The game stayed tight until Antoine Griezmann put the visitors into the lead midway through the second half. Two minutes after entering the field, the French attacker netted the lone goal of the game, receiving the ball at the top edge of the 18-yard box, and bouncing his off-balance shot to the right side for the 1-0 lead.
The loss to close out the third round of La Liga games leaves Valencia in 14th place on three points. They will hope to have new forward signing Edinson Cavani ready to go on Sunday when they host Getafe.
UD Levante 2 – 0 CD Tenerife
Samuel Shashoua earned the start as Tenerife’s #10 in La Liga 2 action, however the team was largely ineffective in their 2-0 road loss at promotion-hunting Levante on Saturday night.
The elder Shashoua played 72 minutes in the #10 role for his team, picking up a yellow in the 52nd minute, completing 22 of 24 passes, nailing one of his two crosses and all three of his long balls, winning three of nine duels, and drawing one foul.
Levante took the lead after 34 minutes with a thunderous shot from Alejandro Cantero at the edge of the area.
Ten minutes after Shashoua was subbed off in favor of Borja Garcés, the hosts made it two after Shkodran Mustafi headed in an initially blocked corner attempt.
Tenerife midfielder Aitor Sanz was giving his marching orders in the 92nd minute for a second yellow, with the hosts easily hanging on for the victory.
Tenerife are struggling after three league games, with only one point so far to leave them in the relegation places. They are back on the field on Saturday when they host Racing Santander.
Highlights of the game can be seen here.
UD Ibiza 1 – 1 Deportivo Alaves
Armando Shashoua started in the midfield for UD Ibiza on Sunday night, helping the team scrap to a 1-1 home draw against promotion-hunting Alaves.
The younger shashoua played 80 minutes in Ibiza’s midfield, picking up a late yellow card. He did a fine job playing midfield catalyst, setting up four chances, completing 86% of his 36 passes, firing five passes into the final third, however only winning three of 11 duels.
Ibiza were quick to take the lead, with Shashoua letting a cross from Dario Poveda pass under his feet and fly through the area to Suleiman Camara for a low finish to the right side and the lead.
Alaves, however, earned the road point in the 54th minute, with Rubén Duarte laying the ball off to Luis Rioja on the left for a wicked finish to the far post.
Ibiza are still winless and in 20th place with the draw, and visit SD Huesca on Sunday.
Highights of the game can be seen here.
Notes
Luca de la Torre was in uniform but not called into action on Friday night in Celta Vigo’s 1-0 road win over promoted FC Girona.
Sergiño Dest is still frozen out by Barcelona amidst their desperate transfer window scheming, and didn’t suit up for their 4-0 home win over Real Valladolid.
Luca Koleosho wasn’t in uniform for Espanyol as they hosted Real Madrid on Sunday night, losing 3-1.
Jonathan Gomez was not with Real Sociedad’s first team for their 1-0 road win over Elche on Saturday, instead playing with their B team in Spain’s third level as they opened their season with a 2-0 home win over Eldense on Sunday.
