Gary Neville is still without a win in two games since taking over as Valencia head coach after his new club had a man sent off and needed a fortuitous late goal to rescue a 1-1 draw at Eibar on Sunday.
Neville was a surprise appointment to replace Nuno Espírito Santo and his first game in charge was Wednesday’s 2-0 reverse at home to Olympique Lyonnais that ended Valencia’s hopes of advancing to the Champions League knockout round.
MBM report: Gary Neville’s first La Liga match ended in a draw, with Eibar missing a penalty before ten-man Valencia scored an extremely fortuitous equaliser
The former England defender presided over another disappointing performance at Eibar, although they missed a number of key players, including captain Dani Parejo and midfielder Sofiane Feghouli, through injury and suspension.
Eibar had the better chances in the first half and took a deserved lead moments before the break when Sergi Enrich finished from close range after good work down the right from Ander Capa.
Valencia’s hopes of getting back into the game were dealt a blow in the 63rd minute when defender Lucas Orban was dismissed for an innocuous-looking challenge on Dani García in the penalty area.
Jaume Doménech saved Saúl Berjón’s spot kick and Borja Bastón blasted the rebound over the bar with the visitors’ goal at his mercy.
Valencia levelled five minutes from time when the ball ricocheted off André Gomes and Eibar’s David Junca and squirted past home keeper Asier Riesgo into the net.
Eibar defender Ivan Ramis was then shown a straight red card for felling Paco Alcácer when the Valencia forward was through on goal in the second minute of added time.
Valencia have 21 points in eighth after 15 matches, while Eibar, who have one of the smallest budgets in La Liga, also have 21 points in 10th.
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