Sadiq Umar delivers again as Valencia edge relegation scrap with crucial win
Nigeria international Sadiq Umar continued his fine form with a decisive performance as Valencia CF secured a vital 2–1 victory over Girona FC at the Estadio de Mestalla on Saturday.
Coming off a goal in his previous outing against Mallorca, the Super Eagles striker justified his selection by head coach Carlos Corberán, as Valencia looked to pull clear of the relegation zone in a tense La Liga clash.
The hosts started on the front foot, controlling possession and carving out early chances. Sadiq nearly opened the scoring in the 19th minute but saw his effort narrowly miss the target after finding space inside the area.
Despite their dominance, Valencia failed to break the deadlock before halftime.
The breakthrough came shortly after the restart when Largie Ramazani calmly finished a well worked move involving Javi Guerra. Moments later, Sadiq made his mark, rising above the defence to power home a header and double Valencia’s lead.
Girona responded in the 63rd minute through Joel Roca, setting up a nervy finale. Sadiq was later replaced by Hugo Duro as Valencia focused on protecting their advantage.
The home side held firm under late pressure to seal all three points, a result that lifts Valencia to 11th on the table with 39 points from 33 matches, boosting their survival hopes in Spain’s top flight.
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