Mexico and Valencia played an exciting friendly match that ended in a 2-2 draw at the Cuauhtémoc Stadium in Puebla, Mexico. The game kept fans on the edge of their seats with dramatic turns and amazing goals. Mexico dominated with 9 shots on target to Valencia’s 3, but Valencia managed to hold their ground.
Valencia’s striker Dani Gómez turned out to be the match’s hero by scoring both goals for his team. Mexico showed their attacking intent with 83 attacks while Valencia made 67. The match intensity reflected in the cards shown – Mexico’s players picked up 9 yellow cards compared to Valencia’s 2. The 42,684-capacity Estadio Cuauhtémoc hosted this thrilling encounter that proved to be a big deal as it means that the final score of 4 goals went past the 2.5 over/under betting line. Valencia put up this strong performance even without their core team players Jose Luis Gaya, Jaume Doménech, Mouctar Diakhaby, Rafa Mir, and Jesús Vázquez.
Table of Contents
- 1 The build-up to the Mexico vs Valencia friendly
- 2 First half drama: Mexico’s early dominance
- 3 Valencia’s comeback: Turning the tide
- 4 Here are some FAQs about Mexico vs Valencia:
- 4.1 Who won Mexico vs Valencia?
- 4.2 Why did Mexico play against Valencia?
- 4.3 Where is Mexico vs Valencia?
- 4.4 Where can I watch Mexico vs Valencia?
- 4.5 Who won the Battle of Valencia?
- 4.6 How many wins does the Mexico soccer team have?
- 4.7 What is Mexico’s biggest rivalry in soccer?
- 4.8 Have Valencia ever won the liga?
- 4.9 Why did Valencia thank Real Madrid?
The build-up to the Mexico vs Valencia friendly
A surprising twist in international football scheduling led to an unexpected match between Mexico and Valencia. This friendly stands out as one of the rare occasions where a national team played against a club side in an official match.
Why this match mattered to both teams
Mexico’s friendly against Valencia came from necessity rather than choice. El Tri faced a scheduling challenge during the October FIFA window since they are 2026 World Cup co-hosts. Most national teams were busy with World Cup qualifiers, Nations League matches, or African Nations Cup qualifiers, which left Mexico with few options. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) arranged this match after they couldn’t find top-level national teams.
The friendly gave Mexico a chance to test new talent under Javier Aguirre’s leadership. He needed these matches to try different lineups before the 2026 World Cup, especially after El Tri’s early exit from the Copa America. This match also marked Aguirre’s first game in Mexico during his third stint as head coach.
Valencia saw this match as a way to connect with fans across the Atlantic. The club’s website stated that Mexico was part of their “international expansion project”. This was Valencia’s fourth trip to Mexico, following their visits in 1963, 1966, and 2003.
The match honored Mexican football legend Andrés Guardado, who stepped away from the national team last year after serving El Tri for 18 years. The 38-year-old Guardado, now with Club León, made a surprise return to Mexico’s squad for the October friendlies. This created an emotional moment as he faced Valencia, his former club where he spent three years.
Venue, date, and kickoff time details
Cuauhtémoc Stadium in Puebla hosted this friendly match. This historic venue, which staged games during the 1986 World Cup, serves as Club Puebla’s home ground. Mexico returned to Puebla after 17 years, making good on a long-delayed promise.
The teams met on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 7 p.m. ET (8:00 pm local time). The timing worked well for Valencia as it fell during the international break after their LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 9 game against CD Leganés. This helped the Spanish club stay match-fit during what would have been a quiet period.
Expectations from fans and media
Both sets of supporters had mixed reactions about this unusual matchup. Valencia fans expressed their concerns on social media, questioning the long journey “halfway around the world for an exhibition” while their team struggled in the league (1W-5L-3D).
Mexican fans seemed puzzled by the choice of opponent. The following match against the USMNT in Guadalajara sold out quickly, but ticket sales for Valencia remained slow. The FMF responded by offering 2-for-1 deals.
Media outlets questioned this scheduling decision. They noted that Valencia, placed 18th in LaLiga, might not challenge Mexico enough as they prepare for a World Cup. Valencia’s situation looked worse as they brought only 20 players to Mexico. Injuries and international duty kept stars like José Luis Gayà and Hugo Duro away.
The match still presented value for both sides. Mexico could build momentum before facing the United States on October 15. Valencia’s young players got a rare shot at international experience against a national team.
First half drama: Mexico’s early dominance
The electricity at Cuauhtémoc Stadium was palpable when the opening whistle started the Mexico vs Valencia friendly match. The Mexican side delivered a masterclass in attacking football that left the Spanish club stunned.
Alexis Vega’s stunning free kick
Mexico earned a free kick in a dangerous spot about 25 yards from goal, just 15 minutes into the match. Alexis Vega, who excels at dead-ball situations, stepped up with confidence. He curled the ball over the Valencia wall and into the top corner with perfect power and placement. Goalkeeper Vicent Abril had no chance to stop it. The stadium burst into celebration as Mexico grabbed a deserved early lead in this international friendly.
The goal proved why Vega has become a vital player for El Tri under Javier Aguirre’s third stint as manager. His celebration told the whole story – arms spread wide as his teammates swarmed around him, while Mexico’s dominance showed on the scoreboard.
Ozziel Herrera’s long-range goal
Vega’s free kick was spectacular, but Ozziel Herrera’s 27th-minute strike was simply magical. The young Mexican attacker took one touch to control the ball 30 yards from goal before he released a thunderous shot that swerved past Abril and smashed into the net.
The goal highlighted Mexico’s confidence and attacking spirit. Herrera marked a defining moment in his international career with a goal that showed both technical brilliance and bold ambition. Mexico led Valencia 2-0, and the home crowd roared in full voice to celebrate what looked like a commanding performance.
The home crowd’s reaction was deafening. The fans who questioned this unusual friendly fixture now participated fully with waving flags and chants as Mexico threatened to dominate the match.
Valencia’s struggle to find rhythm
Valencia looked completely overwhelmed by Mexico’s intensity and pace in the first 35 minutes. The Spanish side missed several of the core team members due to international duties and injuries. They couldn’t keep possession meaningfully. Their midfield collapsed under Mexico’s energetic pressing.
Coach Ruben Baraja’s frustration grew visible as his tactical plan fell apart. Valencia’s defensive line sat too deep, which created a huge gap between defense and midfield that Mexico kept exploiting. Valencia’s rare counter-attacks met quick ends thanks to Mexico’s alert backline.
The first-half stats painted a clear picture. Mexico owned 67% of possession and completed twice as many passes as their opponents. El Tri’s aggressive style led to several yellow cards, but their control never wavered.
Valencia found an unexpected lifeline just as the first half seemed set to end with Mexico in command. Dani Gómez took advantage of a rare defensive mistake in the 42nd minute. His clinical finish cut the deficit to 2-1 before halftime.
This late goal transformed the México vs Valencia contest entirely. Valencia stayed in the game despite being really outplayed most of the first half. Mexico’s free kick and Herrera’s long-range brilliance had put El Tri ahead comfortably, but as players headed to their locker rooms, questions lingered about Mexico’s missed chances to seal the game.
Valencia’s comeback: Turning the tide
Soccer’s unpredictable nature was on full display that evening in Puebla. Mexican celebrations slowly turned into Spanish cheers as Valencia CF fought back against their national team rivals.
Dani Gómez’s first goal before halftime
The game changed direction in the 42nd minute when Dani Gómez capitalized on a defensive mistake. Valencia’s striker used his natural scoring instinct to grab a misplaced pass and calmly put the ball past the Mexican goalkeeper. His goal came unexpectedly and breathed new life into a Valencia team that Mexico had really dominated throughout the first half.
Gómez’s finish proved why he keeps getting more valuable to Valencia – he knows how to create opportunities from nowhere. The sort of thing I love about watching this Mexico vs Valencia spectacle reminded me of stumbling upon an amazing local restaurant while traveling abroad.
Tactical changes by coach Ruben Baraja
Valencia emerged as a completely different team after the break. Coach Ruben Baraja clearly made the most of halftime to reorganize his strategy. His team switched from their defensive 4-4-2 setup to an attacking 4-3-3 formation that let them challenge higher up the field.
Baraja’s smart changes worked perfectly – Valencia grabbed control of midfield areas they had given up earlier. Mexico vs Valencia now looked like an even contest. Valencia players found gaps between Mexican defensive lines and neutralized the home team’s earlier control.
Mexico started showing signs of frustration as their grip on the game slipped away. Valencia’s 2-1 deficit looked increasingly fragile as time went on in the second half.
The equalizer and how it unfolded
Dani Gómez struck again with the equalizer in the 63rd minute. A quick counter-attack saw Valencia’s midfielder deliver a perfect cross to find Gómez unmarked at the far post. He kept his cool and guided his header past the keeper to complete his double, making it 2-2 in the Mexico vs Valencia clash.
Silence fell over the Cuauhtémoc Stadium except for the small group of Valencia fans celebrating with joy. This comeback highlighted football’s beautiful elements – determination, smart tactics, and mental strength.
Both teams created chances to win it in the final minutes, but the Valencia vs Mexico score stayed at 2-2. Mexico’s expected showcase turned into proof of Valencia’s spirit and Baraja’s tactical brilliance.
Here are some FAQs about Mexico vs Valencia:
Who won Mexico vs Valencia?
The mexico vs valencia score varies depending on when the friendly match was played. For the most recent mexico vs valencia hoy result, check official football score websites or sports news outlets. Historically, these exhibition matches between valencia vs mexico have been competitive with both sides claiming victories.
Why did Mexico play against Valencia?
Mexico national team often schedules friendlies like mexico vs valencia to prepare for major tournaments. These valencia vs mexico matches allow players to gain experience against European club competition. The mexico vs valencia time is typically arranged during international breaks when clubs release players for national duty.
Where is Mexico vs Valencia?
The venue for mexico vs valencia hoy matches changes depending on the agreement between both sides. Recent valencia vs mexico friendlies have been played in Spain, Mexico, or neutral locations in the U.S. Check match announcements for the specific stadium hosting mexico vs valencia.
Where can I watch Mexico vs Valencia?
Broadcast information for mexico vs valencia hoy depends on your location and the match organizers. The valencia vs mexico match may be available on sports networks in both countries or streaming platforms. Local listings will confirm where to watch mexico vs valencia in your region.
Who won the Battle of Valencia?
This historical reference is unrelated to the mexico vs valencia soccer matches. While discussing valencia vs mexico football games, it’s important to note the Battle of Valencia refers to a completely different historical event in Spain. The mexico vs valencia score concerns only their friendly football matches.
How many wins does the Mexico soccer team have?
Mexico’s all-time win record includes victories in official matches and friendlies like mexico vs valencia. The valencia vs mexico results contribute to this total, but exact numbers require checking official federation statistics. Mexico’s win count constantly changes with each new match played.
What is Mexico’s biggest rivalry in soccer?
While mexico vs valencia is an interesting friendly, Mexico’s biggest rivalry is with the United States. The valencia vs mexico matches are exhibition games, unlike the competitive CONCACAF clashes with the U.S. Mexico’s matches against Guatemala and Costa Rica also surpass the mexico vs valencia hoy fixture in intensity.
Have Valencia ever won the liga?
Yes, Valencia has won La Liga titles, though this achievement is separate from their valencia vs mexico friendlies. While discussing mexico vs valencia matches, it’s worth noting Valencia’s six Spanish league titles came in different eras. The club’s domestic success makes them worthy opponents in valencia vs mexico exhibition games.
Why did Valencia thank Real Madrid?
This refers to a different Spanish football context unrelated to mexico vs valencia matches. While analyzing valencia vs mexico friendlies, it’s important to clarify that Valencia’s gratitude toward Real Madrid involved specific La Liga circumstances. The mexico vs valencia hoy fixture exists independently of Spanish domestic league politics.