Struggling Deportivo La Coruña had a chance to climb out of last place and the relegation zone today with a win at home, but they simply couldn’t make the plays in the final third when it counted. and were forced to settle for a scoreless draw with Real Valladolid.
Deportivo La Coruna vs. Real Valladolid: Final score 0-0, The goalkeepers put on a show
Deportivo wasted a brilliant goalkeeping performance from Germán Lux and failed to escape the drop zone with a scoreless draw at home against Valladolid
David Ramos
Despite neither side finding the back of the net, it was still an entertaining first half at the Riazor Stadium with both goalkeepers making excellent saves.
Valladolid's first good chance of the half came in the 18th minute as Óscar González ran up on a loose ball 25-yards from goal and uncorked a rocket that was smothered by Deportivo keeper Germán Lux. Lux, playing in only his second match of the season after starting keeper Daniel Aranzubía was dropped to the bench, was outstanding all game for Deportivo.
Bruno Gama came close for Deportivo in the 21st minute. The midfielder split two Valladolid defenders at the top of the box before having his shot take a slight deflection on it's way towards the goal. Valladolid goalkeeper Daniel Hernandez somehow managed to get his hand extended in time to push the ball out around the post.
Lux brilliantly kept Valladolid off the scoreboard in the 24th minute with two outstanding reaction saves in a matter of seconds. Óscar González was again on the attack, heading a cross on frame that was swatted down by Lux. The rebound went right back to Óscar whose second shot was somehow deflected away by Lux who was in a seated position after the initial save.
Lux was standing on his head again for Deportivo in the 63rd minute. Valladolid’s Manucho managed to break behind the defense for a one-on-one break against the keeper. Lux raced off his line and made a perfectly time tackle, taking the ball off the foot of Manucho, keeping the match scoreless.
Deportivo got their chance in the 83rd minute when defender Laure sent a cross that beat Hernandez, leaving Diogo Salomão with five yards between him and an open net. Of course, Salomão skied his shot over the crossbar. Considering how much Lux had done to keep Deportivo in the match, he’s probably be forgiven for smacking Salomão on the back of the head.
Deportivo remain in last place in the table with the draw, while Valladolid move up to ninth position.
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