Valencia’s Paco Alcácer and Dani Parejo on the double to beat Celta Vigo

Valencia’s Paco Alcácer and Dani Parejo scored twice each in a surprise 5-1 away thrashing of high-flying Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday.

Third-placed Celta had lots of the ball and missed several chances while Valencia’s finishing was ruthless as they picked up a win that eases the pressure on their coach, Nuno Espírito Santo.

Valencia have not lived up to expectations so far this season following heavy investment in players but the victory sees them move up to sixth place on 18 points.

Valencia took the lead when a defence-splitting Parejo pass set up Alcácer to finish clinically after 12 minutes before Celta came back strongly.

Augusto Fernández headed the equaliser from close range following a corner in the 24th minute and the Valencia defence was stretched by the rhythm and movement of the Celta forwards.

The home side always looked sloppy at the back and against the run of play Parejo struck a sweet free-kick into the top corner just before half-time.

Straight after the break a back pass from Jonny Castro was intercepted by Alcácer who slotted home expertly.

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