Valencia triumph over Betis in La Liga comeback after floods

Valencia secured an emotionally charged 4-2 victory over Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday, marking their first match since the catastrophic floods that struck the region at the end of October, claiming 227 lives.

The win temporarily lifted Valencia to 18th place in the standings, as their previous two fixtures were postponed in the wake of the disaster.

The atmosphere was charged with emotion ahead of the match, with players and fans alike observing a minute of silence to honor the victims.

A large Valencia region flag and tribute banner adorned the stands. Valencia’s coach, Ruben Baraja, expressed hopes that the emotional intensity would fuel his team’s performance and bring joy to the local supporters.

Defender Cesar Tarrega, visibly moved by the tribute, opened the scoring after a scramble in the box following a short corner, putting Valencia in the lead.

Hugo Duro’s own goal soon pulled Betis level but the forward made amends in the second half with two fine finishes to put Valencia two goals ahead.

Diego Lopez smashed in a superb fourth for Los Che and although Chimy Avila pulled one back for the visitors, Valencia were able to hold on to a morale-boosting victory.