Swansea City received almost universal applause around the Estadio Mestalla for Thursday’s 3-0 Europa League trouncing of La Liga giant Valencia in what some pundits are describing as the Welshclub’s finest-ever performance. Michael Laudrup’s men, who ironically started the game with six Spaniards to Valencia’s four, outshot the home side by a total of 19shots to six, in addition to dominating possession. Goals came from Wilfried Bony, Michu and Canadian-born Dutch international Jonathan de Guzman, who finished therout with an exquisite free kick.
“It was a fantastic game and I am very pleased,” Laudrup said after the match, “but I cannot say [it was Swansea’s best-ever game]: I have only beenhere for 15 months: you would have to ask the people who have followed Swansea their whole lives.” The Danish tactician added: “No one expected us to get three points here but it is only onegame so I do not want to talk about being favorites in anything.”
Understandably, Valencia coach Miroslav Djukic cut a dejected figure after the loss. “I understandhow the fans feel. I can’t ask for any support after what we have done, we haven’t deserved it,” the Serbian said in aninterview with AS. “I am ashamed to ask for it. It’s clear the players want to succeed, but the pressure is enormous and the fact that players of such quality cannot take more thanthree touches without losing the ball is a symptom that their minds aren’t right and the situation is getting to them.” Los Che have also had a poor run to open the La Liga season, having takenjust three points from four games so far.