Leeds United made it four wins from four in pre-season as they defeated La Liga side Valencia at Elland Road a week before their competitive Championship opener, and Spanish media gave their verdict.

The Whites had previously beaten League Two side Harrogate Town, and then secured wins over second-tier Bundesliga sides Hannover 96 and Schalke while in Germany on a pre-season summer training camp.

They returned at the beginning of the week with Valencia the final opponents of pre-season, before Leeds begin their push for promotion a second time round against newly-promoted Portsmouth at Elland Road.

Leeds won, with Mateo Joseph continuing his stunning pre-season form and pretty-much confirming he starts against Portsmouth. The Spaniard showed nice feet and composure to score a fourth of pre-season.

What Spanish media said about Valencia after Leeds defeat

A second Leeds goal came when Georginio Rutter produced a bit of magic, chipping the goalkeeper with his left foot. The Whites were in excellent form and really, should have scored four of five in the first half.

Valencia became frustrated and it saw Rafa Mir sent off, while Hugo Duro was substituted before he was shown a red of his own. Valencia scored a late deflected effort with 10 men, after Leeds made changes.

Spanish outlet El Desmarque gave their verdict on Valencia’s defeat. Their fifth pre-season game, but yet to pick up a single win under manager Ruben Baraja and there are concerns with this loss the worst of all.

“Valencia had a game to forget at Elland Road. Rubén Baraja’s team had by far the worst 90 minutes of the pre-season: defeat, not a single dangerous chance and Stole Dimitrievski – once again – saving face. 

“Rafa Mir was sent off the pitch on the day of Dani Gomez’s debut. The difference with previous friendlies is that the playing time was much higher for most players and not as many youth players played.”

Valencia might be down, but Leeds were simply excellent

Any hint of a hangover from European competitions, holidays or play-off final defeat to Southampton were simply not on show. Daniel Farke’s new-look side look more than ready for the Championship term.

Valencia were poor, but Leeds were in equal measure, excellent. Defeating a La Liga side that finished in the top half of Spain’s top tier last season. Jayden Bogle, Pascal Struijk, Dan James and Joseph all started.

Brenden Aaronson and Max Wober are like new signings alongside the permanent deal for Joe Rodon, while Joe Rothwell adds creativity. What Leeds need, are two or three more signings for a bit of depth.

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