Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan shined in Valencia’s 3-1 win over Monaco in the first leg of the Champions League group stage qualification.
It only took Valencia three minutes to open the scoring, coming from a cross which allowed Sofiane Feghouli to head the ball back to Rodrigo who fired a shot into an open net.
A brilliant fingertip save from Mat Ryan in the 32nd minute saw Bernardo Sliva’s shot deflect onto the post.
Yet Monaco equalised when Anthony Martial’s 49th minute cross aimed at Ivan Cavaleiro was poorly cleared by Ruben Vezo. The ball fell perfectly for Mario Pasalic to score.
Moments later, Ryan parried away another shot from the visiting side, denying any more away goals.
Daniel Parejo put the home side back in front midway through the second half thanks to an excellent assist from Argentinian winger Pablo Piatti, who volleyed back to Parejo who saw his deflected shot nestle into the back of the net.
Ryan then made another crucial save, parrying away Pasalic’s header, to deny him a second time in the match.
Feghouli’s vital strike in the 86th minute sealed the deal for the home side, giving them a two-goal buffer into the next leg.
Mat Ryan seems to be settled in his new home in Spain. If he keeps putting in performances like that, he could be Valencia’s new number one keeper.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Thats what i meant about the frustration AZ, you pay $20 a month just for one channel. Hardly seems fair. beIN has the rights to so many leagues, it needs a multi channel option.
SM
Guest
Delighted for Ryan, but the ref was hideous and shafted Monaco big time. Valencia were poor for long periods and Ryan was a large part in them getting out of jail which is terrific. Monaco are a good side and winning 2-0 at home in second leg is a distinct possibility, particularly given what we've seen so far from Valencia.
AZ_RBB
Guest
If they go multi channel or have a red button option for an extra 2 or 3 channels, I would happily pay for it.
Kaks
Roar Guru
and its $20 a month on top of the sports package. Very frustrating
AZ_RBB
Guest
Shame La Liga has moved to beIN :( They have the rights to every league under the sun but no ability to show most of it on their TV channel. Wonder what's stopping them from having a 'red button' option?
Rich1612
Guest
Brilliant start for Matty, on the way to becoming one of Australia's greats!
Ethan Purdon
Roar Rookie
Do you reckon he likes international football or club football?
144
Roar Guru
ONYA MATTY - that's a pretty big change and a difficult game for him. so much to play for and such a big crowd - almost 50,000. We know he has played in big crowds in champions league but not week in week out. Imagine him at the Camp Nou.