Valencia vs Elche preview - Momentum all with Pizzi

Posted Saturday, April 12, 2014 by PA

Valencia's Primera Division campaign will continue to be overshadowed by their European exploits after drawing Spanish rivals Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals.

Valencia are still euphoric after transforming a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Swiss champions Basle into a 5-3 aggregate victory in their las-eight clash.

And while their La Liga campaign is petering out into a mid-table finish with nothing left to play for, coach Juan Antonio Pizzi faces the task of keeping his players focused for their match against Elche at the Mestalla.

"We had dreamed and thought about a night like we had. Fortunately, it turned out in the best possible way for us," Pizzi said.

"It took a lot of sacrifice and effort from the players. They merited the outcome and I think we also deserved to get through to the semi-finals.

"When we arrived at the stadium and we saw all the people waiting, we could see it was a party atmosphere with a lot of enthusiasm and hope.

"During the game, obviously we felt that and so could our opponents. What happened was extraordinary."

Elche will be hoping to capitalise on the fatigue caused by Valencia's European adventure by taking another giant stride towards survival.

Ghanaian striker Richmond Boakye-Yiadom struck a last-minute goal to defeat Getafe 1-0 on Sunday night, lifting them four points clear of relegation and offering a lifeline in their battle against relegation.

"I was so happy after Boakye's goal, it meant a great deal to the whole team," Elche coach Fran Escriba said.