Leeds United made it four wins out of four in preseason, defeating La Liga side Valencia at Elland Road a week before their competitive Championship debut, and Spanish media delivered their opinion.
While in Germany for a pre-season summer training camp, the Whites defeated League Two side Harrogate Town before going on to beat second-tier Bundesliga opponents Hannover 96 and Schalke.
They returned early this week, with Valencia serving as their final pre-season opponents, before Leeds resume their promotion campaign against recently promoted Portsmouth at Elland Road.
Leeds triumphed, with Mateo Joseph maintaining his impressive pre-season form and essentially clinching his start against Portsmouth. The Spaniard demonstrated excellent footwork and composure in scoring his fourth goal of the preseason.
What the Spanish media said about Valencia following Leeds’ defeat.
Georginio Rutter scored Leeds’ second goal, chipping the goalie with his left foot. The Whites were in great form and should have scored four out of five in the first half.
Valencia became upset, and Rafa Mir was sent off, while Hugo Duro was substituted before also receiving a red card. Valencia scored a late deflection shot with ten men after Leeds made substitutions.
El Desmarque, a Spanish publication, delivered their assessment on Valencia’s defeat. Their fifth pre-season game, although they have yet to win a game under manager Ruben Baraja, with this loss being the most concerning.
“Valencia played a game to forget at Elland Road. Rubén Baraja’s team had by far the poorest 90 minutes of the preseason, with a defeat, no dangerous chances, and Stole Dimitrievski saving face once more.
“Rafa Mir was sent off on the same day Dani Gomez made his debut. The difference from prior friendly was that most players had more playing time, and fewer youth players participated.”
Valencia may be down, but Leeds were just superb.
Any signs of a hangover from European competitions, holidays, or the play-off final loss to Southampton were simply not present. Daniel Farke’s new-look team appears to be well prepared for the Championship season.
Valencia were bad, but Leeds were equally brilliant. Defeating a La Liga team that finished in the top half of Spain’s top division last season. Jayden Bogle, Pascal Struijk, Dan James, and Joseph all began.
Brenden Aaronson and Max Wober are like new additions, along with Joe Rodon’s permanent agreement, and Joe Rothwell provides innovation. Leeds need two or three more acquisitions to add depth.
