When the going gets tough, the tough ask Roberto Soldado for help. The Valencia forward's been on an absolutely torrid run so far this season, notching 13 goals in 17 starts before today's match, and although Unai Emery left him out of Valencia's starting lineup in order to rest him for a key UEFA Champions League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Soldado still popped up just in time to deliver three points for the hosts at the Mestalla.
Valencia Vs. Espanyol, 2011 La Liga: Roberto Soldado Cameo Ensures Valencia Win
For a good while it didn't look like Valencia would need their star striker against an Espanyol side that doesn't travel well, what the home side going ahead in the sixth minute and all. The lead was handed to them on a platter, with Didac Vila fouling Angel Dealbert inside the box to give Alberto Costa a penalty kick (which was taken very well). The visitors, however, struck back in the second half, Hector Moreno taking advantage of chaos in the penalty box to tap home from close range.
Just when it looked like Valencia would give up a big two points, however, Soldado was introduced, and within five minutes of his introduction the 26-year-old had flicked a corner past Cristian Alvarez to earn his side a 2-1 win. The victory is big for Valencia, who now find themselves four points clear of fourth-place Levante. Now there's just the little matter of Chelsea to deal with...
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