Sadiq Umar Scores Clever Equaliser for Valencia In La Liga
Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar made a big impact off the bench on Saturday as he scored a smart equaliser to help Valencia secure a 1-1 draw away at Rayo Vallecano.
Despite his good form in March, Sadiq started on the bench at the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas, as Spanish striker Hugo Duro returned to the starting line-up. Sadiq had not scored in his last three games, which allowed Duro to reclaim his spot.
Valencia looked strong in the first half, creating five chances, but failed to find the back of the net. Just before the break, defender César Tárrega accidentally put the ball in his own net, giving Rayo Vallecano the lead.
In the second half, coach Carlos Corberán brought on Sadiq in the 65th minute to replace André Almeida—and the decision quickly paid off.
The Nigerian striker levelled the match in the 77th minute with a unique goal. He slid to meet a low cross and hit the post with his first touch. Still on the ground, he quickly reacted by using his head to control the rebound and then nudged the ball into the net to make it 1-1.
It was Sadiq’s fifth goal of the season for Valencia, and his sixth overall since joining the club. He nearly set up another goal moments later but his final pass missed the mark. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
According to Opta, Sadiq has now scored five goals in just 12 league games for Valencia—only one less than his total from 38 La Liga appearances with Real Sociedad and Almería.
However, there was a downside to his evening. Sadiq picked up a yellow card in the 90th minute after a rough challenge, ruling him out of Valencia’s next match against Espanyol at the Mestalla due to suspension.
