published: thursday 7 november 2013, 21.24cet fc st gallen 2-3 valencia cf
valencia have one foot in the last 32 after shaking off their dogged hosts, twice having leads cancelled out before sergio canales struck late on.
sergio canales struck four minutes from time as valencia cf broke fc st gallen hearts in switzerland.
the home side, down to ten men since the 56th minute, looked set for a memorable point when canalas swooped to make it 3-2, ending their valiant effort. ıt was the third occasion the spanish side had taken the lead and this time there was no denying them as they sealed a win that lifts them to the group a summit and on the brink of the uefa europa league round of 32.
pablo piatti, an early replacement for the injured fede cartabia, had broken the deadlock on the half-hour mark, reacting first when canales hit the woodwork with a free-kick. yet a repeat of valencia's 5-1 when the sides met a fortnight ago was never on the cards. stéphane besle headed in from close range to make it 1-1 before the break and though philippe montandon was sent off after bringing down jonas, daniel lopar denied the brazilian from the spot.
goran karanovic briefly raised hopes of a famous win with a fine strike and though piatti equalised, a point looked st gallen's for the taking – until canales and his left foot intervened. the hosts were applauded off but, now five points adrift of second spot, their uefa europa league ambitions hang by a thread.
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