Real Valladolid vs. Valencia Match-Fixing Confirmed by Recorded Phone Calls
Jun 4, 2019
Valencia's players celebrate after winning the Spanish League football match between Real Valladolid and Valencia at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid on May 18, 2019. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP) (Photo credit should read OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP/Getty Images)
Recorded phone calls intercepted by Spanish police have confirmed that match-fixing took place during Valencia's 2-0 win at Real Valladolid on the final matchday of La Liga's season.
El Mundo (h/t Marca) released the recordings after Valladolid midfielder Borja Fernandez and former players Carlos Aranda and Raul Bravo were charged with crimes including corruption in sport. The trio were released on bail after appearing before a judge.
In one of the recordings released, Aranda said: "Seven players were bribed, no more. Bet €10,000 and you will win €20,000."
He also told a friend in another phone conversation:
"Look mate, Valencia are winning the first half and the second, OK?
"Listen to me, they're winning the first and second half, OK?
"So, they win the first half and the match as well; not that they win, that they have to score two goals in two halves, that they win the first and second...
"Look, you know what it is, no one can know, but you know what it is. No one. No one means no one; no one, not your friends, not anyone."
Los Che won the match thanks to goals either side of half-time from Carlos Soler and Rodrigo, and in doing so they secured UEFA Champions League qualification for next season.
Valencia and Getafe went into the final matchday level on 58 points, with a fourth-place finish on the line. While the former beat Valladolid 2-0, the latter were held to a 2-2 draw by Villarreal.
Per Kieran Canning of Agence France-Presse, there have been no suggestions of wrongdoing on Valencia's part:
Haven't seen anything to suggest Valencia involved or should be punished. It was still in their hands after all, totally agree on Valladolid though
According to El Mundo, Bravo met Fernandez in Valladolid, while evidence also pointed to a meeting between players at the home of on-loan Valladolid winger Keko.
Valladolid finished 16th in the table, having secured safety from relegation ahead of the final weekend with back-to-back wins in their previous two matches.
Real Valladolid's Sergio Gonzalez Hopes Lionel Messi Rests for Barcelona Trip
Feb 15, 2019
BILBAO, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 10: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Athletic de Bilbao v FC Barcelona at the Estadio San Mames on February 10, 2019 in Bilbao Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Real Valladolid manager Sergio Gonzalez understandably hopes Lionel Messi rests when they play Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Saturday.
The fixture takes place just three days before Barca take on Lyon in the UEFA Champions League, and Gonzalez would like to see Messi sit the match out in preparation.
Per Marca's M. Carmen Torres, he said: "Hopefully. If he wants to rest, I would tell him that the sofa is very good and I'm sure his is comfortable. If there are others who want to rest, let them, it's no problem."
Asked if Barcelona counterpart Ernesto Valverde will already be focusing on the clash with Lyon, he added:
"I don't think so, but even if he was it doesn't matter because they are all good players, the starters and substitutes. They are sublime players, internationals. It doesn't matter who plays, they are all world class. But, if Messi wants to rest, I insist, let him."
It comes as little wonder Gonzalez would be happy not to see Messi given his incredible form this season:
The last time Lionel Messi started a game in any competition and didn't score or assist was in September. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/H6MX610WzW
That remarkable run came to an end last Sunday when Barca were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Athletic Bilbao, their third consecutive draw in all competitions.
Per ESPN's Samuel Marsden, Barcelona's players were looking forward to taking a break from playing this week:
Barça players very clear that recent run of games has taken it's toll physically & mentally. "A week off will do us good," said Rakitic. Next game on Saturday at home vs. Valladolid.
With no midweek fixture to contend with, they should be somewhat fresher for Saturday's clash with Valladolid.
The Blaugrana may have an eye on Tuesday, but after dropping points in their last match, they now hold just a six-point lead over Real Madrid, though Valladolid are just three points off the relegation places.
