5 key stats from the La Liga game week 22

Pizzi and Valencia stuttering

Valencia CF

A flurry of first half goals preceded a goalless second half, as Pizzi’s reign at Valencia struggles to get off the ground.

The Argentine got things started with a 2-0 win against Levante, but Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Espanyol means Los Che are now three games without a win in La Liga—although fans at the Mestalla were at least treated to an exhilarating 45 minutes this weekend.

Espanyol’s young striker, Jhon Cordoba, showed the pace, strength and finishing ability that suggests he could have a bright future in the game to open the scoring inside the first 10 minutes.

Valencia soon found their feet and, ultimately, the lead, though: Paco Alcacer levelled almost immediately and Jonas had soon put them in front. A Sergio Garcia penalty restored parity before the break and that was that.

Elsewhere Levante ended Sevilla’s eight-match unbeaten run with a 3-2 win at the Sanchez Pizjuan. Ivan Rakitic made up for a penalty miss by giving the hosts a second half lead, but Levante turned things on their head late on with goals from Loukas Vyntra and Simao Mate.