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Valencia stands up to Marseille in a serious friendly match that leaves a good impression

Valencia CF continues to fine-tune its machinery ahead of the start of LaLiga, leaving a good impression against a strong opponent. In their third pre-season match, Carlos Corberán's side drew 1-1 against Olympique de Marseille at the Nou Estadi in Tarragona, in a match that at times had the pace of an official competition.

Corberán opted for a very recognisable starting eleven, probably the closest to the one that will debut on the opening day of the league. Opposite them was a Marseille side with more experience and depth, which had already beaten Girona a few days earlier and is currently on a tour of Spain. From the first minute, the French side came out hungry and put Valencia under pressure, forcing Pepelu and Agirrezabala to intervene in the early stages.

Despite the French side's more intense start, it was the Che who struck first. Diego López found the net twice, but both goals were ruled out for offside. Protests from the bench were immediate, but the frustration served as an incentive for Valencia to step up a gear.

Hugo Duro had a couple of chances to score before half-time, but it was Dani Raba who opened the scoring in the 45th minute. A great move started by himself, combining with Rioja, ended with a perfect shot from the edge of the area that beat Gero Rulli. A great goal and a debut as a goalscorer in the black and white shirt for the Cantabrian.

After the break, Marseille pressed again. First they tried unsuccessfully, with a saving stop by Julen, but in the next move Rowe scored the equaliser with a powerful shot into the top corner that the Valencia goalkeeper could do little about. 1-1 and everything to play for.

With the score tied, Corberán took the opportunity to make some changes and give several players from the reserve team some playing time. Fran Pérez, Jesús Vázquez, Otorbi, Pablo López and Lucas Núñez came on eager to prove themselves. Despite their youth, the youngsters did not shy away. Rivero, in goal, made two good saves to prevent the French side from coming back.

Valencia could even have won the game. Jesús Vázquez came within inches of scoring one of the goals of the pre-season with a right-footed shot from outside the area that grazed the crossbar. Shortly afterwards, Fran Pérez found himself alone in front of the opposition goalkeeper, but Rulli won the one-on-one. They lacked accuracy, but not ambition.

The match ended in a draw, but it left positive signs for the Mestalla side. Against their most demanding opponent so far, the team showed solidity, attacking resources and good physical condition. And although the first victory of the preseason has not yet arrived, the feelings are beginning to be more than encouraging.

With a squad still under construction and reinforcements yet to arrive, Corberán is shaping his idea of a team. And what we saw in Tarragona gives cause for optimism. The next step will be to maintain this line of work and refine their aim so that they are ready for the start of the league season with all their weapons at the ready.

Valencia continues to grow and, even if it is only a friendly, standing up to Marseille — a Champions League team — is a good sign.