Simone Zaza has goal, assist as Valencia defeat Alaves

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:33 am

Simone Zaza scored one goal and set up another for Rodrigo Moreno as Valencia claimed a 3-1 La Liga win over Alaves at the Mestalla Stadium.

The pair shared a quick one-two combination before Moreno was left alone to beat goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco in the 19th minute for his 13th league goal of the season.

Zaza doubled the lead in the 33rd minute when he tapped the ball home following a free kick by Dani Parejo.

Alaves pulled one back through Ruben Sobrino after half-time, only for defender Victor Laguardia to score an own goal in the 54th minute.

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Sobrino had a chance to get Alaves back into the match when he intercepted a poor pass from Neto, but his long-range shot, with the goalkeeper off his line, went wide.

Valencia's sixth victory in seven La Liga matches lifted the team above Real Madrid and into third before the defending champions host Girona on Sunday.

Barcelona lead Atletico Madrid by eight points at the top. Barca will host Athletic Bilbao and Atletico will visit Villarreal on Sunday.