Madrid in arrears after Mestalla opener

Valencia CF will take a slender advantage into their Spanish Super Cup second leg away to Real Madrid CF next week following a 3-2 triumph at the Mestalla. Ruud van Nistelrooy was twice on the scoresheet for the visitors, but goals from Juan Mata, David Villa and Vicente Rodríguez tilted the tie in Valencia's favour.

Early lead
Despite the home team dominating the early exchanges it was Madrid who took the lead in the 14th minute when Van Nistelrooy – who recently retired from international football with the Netherlands – controlled a long pass from team-mate Rubén De la Red before beating Timo Hildebrand. The hosts fought back and almost equalised when a David Silva effort came back off the upright shortly before the break.

Late winner
Mata got his side back on terms ten minutes after the restart when he struck an unstoppable effort past Iker Casillas. Just three minutes later and Unai Emery's men had taken the lead when Mata turned provider with a cross for Villa to head in. Arjen Robben set up Van Nistelrooy for Madrid's second in the 68th minute but with nine minutes remaining Vicente pounced to the delight of the home crowd.