Valencia Held to Goalless Draw by Osasuna as Struggles Continue at Mestalla

Valencia’s difficult start to the season continued as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Osasuna at the Mestalla, leaving the hosts just one place above the La Liga relegation zone.

Ruben Baraja’s side have now amassed only five points from their first seven games, marking their worst start to a season in 25 years.

Despite facing a resilient Osasuna team, which came into the match with 10 points from six games and only one loss in their previous four visits to the Mestalla, Valencia looked eager to get back on track. It was the home side that carved out the first opportunity of the evening when Pepelu fired a spectacular volley wide of the post.

However, the action on the pitch remained largely subdued until a flashpoint saw Dani Gomez go down in the box following a collision with Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera. Despite Valencia’s penalty appeals, referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias waved play on, keeping the scoreline level.

At the other end, Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili had a nervy moment when he slipped while trying to clear the ball, inadvertently catching Raul Garcia’s ankle. But once again, no penalty was awarded.

Although Valencia appeared to be the more likely side to break the deadlock, especially towards the end of the first half, both teams combined for only one shot on target by halftime.

The second half saw an uptick in tempo, with Herrera forced into action to deny Andre Almeida at the near post, saving with his feet. Osasuna, under the guidance of Vicente Moreno, showed plenty of determination but lacked the cutting edge to trouble Mamardashvili with any serious efforts on goal.

Valencia, who had scored in each of their last 20 encounters with Osasuna across all competitions, struggled to maintain that impressive run. Their attack, though energetic, was unable to find the breakthrough on what turned out to be a frustrating night for the Mestalla faithful.

The visitors nearly snatched a late winner when Ante Budimir headed just over the bar from a tempting cross by Moi Gomez, but neither side could capitalize on their chances.

In the end, the goalless draw left Valencia with just one win from seven league games, increasing the pressure on Baraja to turn things around. Meanwhile, Osasuna left Spain’s third-largest city with a valuable point and a much-needed clean sheet, having conceded seven goals in their previous two away matches.