Valencia were beaten 3-1 by AZ Alkmaar in Spain on Thursday.

Valencia were off to a slow start to the game and just over the 10-minute mark, Jesper Karlson made it 0-1 to AZ Alkmaar.

But for Valencia, persistence paid dividends in the closing minutes of the first half when Ilaix Moriba netted the equaliser following a fine Dimitri Foulquier delivery that had crossed the line and the goal stood.

The first half finished 1-1 at the Antonio Puchades.

Valencia were off to the worst possible start to the second half as Jens Odgaard made it 1-2 to AZ Alkmaar just 15 seconds into the second half.

Later Karlson made it 1-3 to complete the scoring.