La Liga: Valencia, Rayo kick off 2024 with wins

MADRID, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Valencia got 2024 off to a perfect start with a comfortable 3-1 home win over Villarreal in their La Liga derby on Tuesday night.

Valencia enjoyed a flying start when Roman Yaremchuk fired home in the fourth minute following Jose Gaya's cross from the left.

Pepelu doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 25th minute after Roman Terrats' untidy challenge on Hugo Duro.