Valencia extends their winning streak to seven matches to put pressure on barcelona

Valencia extended their winning streak to seven matches to stay on Barcelona's heels at the top of La Liga with a 2-1 victory at Alaves.
The win came thanks to goals from
Simone Zaza and Rodrigo, whose second-half penalty restored the lead following an equaliser early in the second half from Alexis.

Zaza fired a powerfully struck opener in the 34th minute, collecting Andreas Pereira's cross from the right and driving the ball high into the near top corner.

Alexis headed a leveller from a corner in the 49th minute, but a deliberate handball close to his own goal from Alaves defender Rodrigo Ely then proved costly.

It allowed Valencia's Rodrigo to slot in the 66th-minute penalty that secured three points, moving Valencia at least temporarily to just one point behind leaders Barcelona.

Barcelona were due in action later on Saturday, with an evening kick-off at Athletic Bilbao.