Umar Sadiq strikes again as Valencia edge Valladolid in relegation battle

Umar Sadiq continued his red-hot form in front of goal, netting for the third consecutive match to propel Valencia to a crucial 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid at the Mestalla on Saturday.

The Nigerian striker, who has now scored four times in his last four outings, was deservedly named Man of the Match for his influential display.

Since arriving on loan in January, Sadiq has proven instrumental in Valencia’s survival battle. After breaking his duck against Osasuna, he drew a blank against Atlético Madrid but responded with a brace last weekend. His latest strike against Valladolid proved decisive, further cementing his status as Los Ches’ go-to man in the final third.

The victory lifted Valencia out of the LaLiga relegation zone, with goals on either side of a defensive lapse securing three vital points.

Valencia wasted little time asserting themselves, breaking the deadlock in the seventh minute. A rapid counterattack from a cleared corner saw José Gayà combine with Sadiq, whose intelligent movement and vision set up Diego López for a composed finish into the bottom-right corner—his fifth goal of the campaign.

Sadiq nearly turned provider minutes later, latching onto a quickly taken free-kick before delivering a teasing cross to the far post. Under pressure, Enzo Barrenechea failed to convert, firing wide.

That missed opportunity proved costly, as Valladolid capitalized on a defensive blunder to restore parity. A misplaced backpass from David Torres put goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in trouble, leading to a miscue that gifted Juanmi Latasa an easy finish—his strike slipping through Mamardashvili’s legs.

Determined to make amends, Sadiq stepped up after a frustrating first half. His moment arrived in the 58th minute when Barrenechea won possession in midfield and lofted a perfectly weighted pass over the top. Timing his run to perfection, Sadiq held off his marker before poking the ball past the advancing goalkeeper, securing three invaluable points for Valencia.

Valladolid nearly found an immediate response, with Latasa’s powerful header forcing a sharp save from Mamardashvili, but that was as close as the visitors came to a comeback.

Valencia managed the final stages with composure, and they almost added a third when César Tárrega’s header rattled the woodwork in stoppage time.

Carlos Corberán’s men have now won four of their last five home matches, moving a point clear of the drop zone. Meanwhile, Valladolid’s relegation fears deepened, their 16-year winless streak at Mestalla extended by yet another defeat—their ninth straight loss on the road.