Italian striker Simone Zaza scored again as second-place Valencia defeated Alaves 2-1 on Saturday to extend their winning streak and edge closer to leaders Barcelona in La Liga.
Zaza scored his eighth goal in six matches with a shot into the top corner from inside the area in the 34th minute at Mendizorroza Stadium, to help guide Valencia to their seventh straight win in all competitions.
Rodrigo got the winner in the second half for the visitors by converting a penalty kick after Alexis Ruano had equalized for the hosts in the 49th minute.
Rodrigo scored the winning goal from the penalty spot as Valencia beat Alaves 2-1
Rodrigo’s winner ensured that Valencia have won six consecutive matches in La Liga
Alexis Ruano briefly levelled the scoring for Alaves just four minutes into the second period
Ruano is mobbed by his Alaves team-mates and fans after equalising on Saturday afternoon
The all-important penalty was awarded following a hand ball from Alaves defender Rodrigo Ely.
Valencia currently have 24 points and Barcelona, who play away at Athletic Bilbao later on Saturday night, have 25.
Valencia have won six straight matches in the league, outscoring their opponents 23-8. They were coming off a 2-0 win over second-division club Real Zaragoza in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday.
Valencia’s last setback was a 1-1 draw at city rivals Levante on September 16.
Alaves remain 19th in the La Liga standings with just three points from their opening 10 matches.
Simone Zaza celebrates after opening the scoring for the visitors in the 34th minute
Zaza pictured firing the ball home to give Valencia the lead during the opening period
