A late strike from substitute Sadiq Umar secured Valencia’s derby victory over Levante and sealed a piece of club history on a tense night at the Ciutat de València stadium.
The Nigerian forward came off the bench just before the hour mark and scored his first league goal for Valencia CF to confirm a 2-0 win over city rivals Levante UD on Sunday.
His intervention settled a contest that had remained finely balanced and ensured Valencia completed a landmark seasonal double over their neighbours.
Derby encounters between the two sides are traditionally charged with local pride, often outweighing the immediate significance of league standings.
Valencia had taken the lead shortly after the half-hour through Largie Ramazani, but the margin left the game open to a potential Levante response.
As the clock ticked down and tension grew, head coach Rubén Baraja introduced Sadiq Umar in the 59th minute in place of Hugo Duro in a move that would prove decisive.
With six minutes remaining, Sadiq broke clear to score Valencia’s second goal, effectively ending Levante’s hopes of a comeback. Beyond confirming the result, the finish marked a personal milestone for the striker.
Since completing his permanent move from Real Sociedad last month, he had been searching for his first league goal in Valencia colours.
The strike was greeted as a release moment for a player whose attacking contribution had been closely monitored.
The late goal also carried broader significance for the club. According to figures relayed by Complete Sports, Valencia’s victory meant they achieved a league double over Levante for the first time in their history, having won both fixtures between the sides this season.
Speaking after the match, Sadiq chose to focus on the collective rather than his individual achievement. “Yes, it was really important,” Sadiq Umar said, as reported by ElDesmarque.
“We know the strength of the group, we have a full squad, and that’s what will give us the strength to continue to grow.”
The result strengthens Valencia’s momentum and offers encouragement for Sadiq as he looks to establish himself in the squad.
His timely contribution in one of the season’s most emotionally charged fixtures underlined the value of squad depth and decisive substitutions in tight contests.
