Frank Rijkaard's first game as manager of Valencia got of to a disapointing start as Harry Kewell was brought down just outside of the box by Carlos Marchena. The Spanish defender was shown a yellow card. To make things worse Arda Turan whipped in the free kick above Raul Albiol and ex-Blackburn striker Shabani Nonda rose above Miguel to head the ball home. So Valencia were 1-0 down within 5 minutes of starating.

After about 20 minutes of the game gone the turks came close again after Kellew's effort was pushed onto the post by Timo Hildebrand. The resulting corner was another chance for Galatasaray as Fernando Meira's header was cleared of the line by Moretti. It fell to the feet of young spanish midfilder David Silva. He ran it past defender Servet Çetin and played a One-Two with David Villa. Silva then took a shot from just outside the box with rocketed past Uşak and into the top corner, 1-1.

Half time was approaching and the look on Frank Rijkaard's face said it all. If Valencia could just make it through to half time without anything bad happening, then maybe it would change around. Luck was on their side as Joaquin was taken down by the touchline by Balta. Joaquin got up to take thet freekick but it sailed over the crossbar. The half time whistle blew.

At half time changes had to be made. With young Spaniard's Alexis and Juan Mata replacing Marchena and Vicente. The Second half got of to a flying start as Juan Mata had a shot deflected and David Villa having a header tiped over the bar.

at about 70 minutes Edu was brought down on the halfway line by Harry Kewell. The experienced Winger was shown a yellow card for his troubles. The two centerback's maqde their way into the box. Miguel swung a freekick to David Silva on the edge of the box. The spanish man looked up and crossed it in. David Villa rose but missed it. It fell to Alexis on the edge of the box. The centre back just volleyed it into the net from a tight angle. The rest of the game was pretty average as neither team had many chances. The full time whistle went as Frank Rijkaards first game in charge got of to a shakey start.

After the match Rijkaard said "This game was really a game of two halfs. The first half was a bitter disapointment as we were being torn appart. But in the second half we hit top gear and soon we were top of our game. Our next match against Fenerbahçe we will hope to win by a long way.

Galatasaray 1-2 Valencia
4' Shabani Nonda (Arda Turan)
23' David Silva (David Villa)
71' Alexis (David Silva)

Man of Match - David Silva (Valencia)


David Silva celebrating his goal