Luque and Cubo score debut goals as Atletico Madrid leave it late to beat Valencia

The game started off quietly, but Valencia suddenly found a prime chance around the 15-minute mark.

Nahuel Molinas clever backheel pass positioned Rodrigo Mendoza perfectly, yet Stole Dimitrievski made an outstanding block to stop him. Shortly after, the Rojiblancos nearly went ahead when Molinas stunning long-distance shot hit the crossbar, much to Valencias good fortune.

As the half neared its end with 10 minutes left, Diego Simeoones team missed two more solid openings to score. Robin Le Normands effort from close range inside the area flew high over the bar due to poor finishing, and right after, Rayane Belaid nodded a header just wide from an impressive cross by Molina on the right side.

Even though the away side dominated the opening period, the Murcielagos almost snatched the opener in the 39th minute as Largie Ramazanis attempt from outside the penalty area rattled the upright.

Similar to the starts of both halves, the action remained subdued early in the second, but Atleti squandered yet another good opportunity around the 60th minute when Belaid, free in the box, pulled his effort wide after yet another sharp pass from Molina.

With the match threatening to end in a dull draw, the away team finally broke through in the 74th minute via newcomer Iker Luques clever strike into the far bottom corner from about 20 yards.

The strike shocked the home supporters, and though Valencia pushed hard to equalise towards the end, fellow substitute Miguel Cubo sealed the win on his debut by running onto Antoine Griezmanns superb through ball and smashing it beyond Dimitrievski into the net.

Valencia have four La Liga matches left, sitting 12th and five points clear of relegation, eager to bounce back against Athletic Bilbao away next weekend. Atleti hold fourth place and now focus on their Champions League semi-final return leg at Arsenal on Tuesday.