La Liga 2016/17: Valencia 2-1 Real Madrid, 5 Talking Points

Modified Feb 23, 2017 03:09 GMT

VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 22: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid at Mestalla Stadium on February 22, 2017 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images) — Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Valencia

#2 Simone Zaza answers his critics in fine fashion

VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 22: Simone Zaza (L) of Valencia competes for the ball with Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid at Mestalla Stadium on February 22, 2017 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images) — The Italian has now scored in consecutive games for Valencia

The Italian had a spell to forget at West Ham United and a move to the Mestalla was seen by many as the last chance at a big club for the striker. His last goal had come in May before he scored in consecutive matches for Valencia.

His first came in the last game against Athletic Bilbao, and the second against Real Madrid, which was a thing of beauty by the Italian. He gathered the ball on his left, swivelled and shot the ball with his right in the top left corner with a sensational volley to give his side a lead in the fifth minute.

Zaza's drought was a run of 15 games but after two match winning performances, his career seems to be finally getting back on track after he was subject of much ridicule on social media for his run-up to his missed penalty in the Euros 2016.

Edited by Staff Editor