In one of the most shocking upsets of match day four in the UEFA Champions League, KAA Gent defeated Spanish opposition Valenica home without a point as Sven Kums scored from the spot four minutes into the second half.
Hosts impose themsevles early
From kickoff, there was a sense that Gent were really going to impose themselves as they set up in a 3-4-3 to overrun the middle of the pitch while giving Valencia's defenders a handfull with the three forwards wreaking havoc in their attacking third of the pitch. In just the fifth minute of the match, the hosts had their first opportunity when Kenny Saief had time and space to shoot inside the area but instead hit his effort first time and it went soaring over the top of the goal.
This was only the beginning. Off of a corner kick two minuts later, Sven Kums hit a vicious volley from inside the area only to see Jaume react well and stop it at full-stretch. However, Sofaine Feghouli had been pulled back and the refere stopped play as a result.
Valencia had one of their few chance come with only nine minutes off the clock. Jose Gaya sprinted down the right side of the pitch and hit a low cross towards the far post but Lasse Nielsen made a last ditch effort that cleared away the danger.
Again, in the 18th minute, Saief attacked and floated in a dangerous cross towards Brecht Dejaegere only to see the ensuing header bounce back off the right post. Eight minutes later, Dejaegere had another chance to send his side in front but did not get his free header at the top of the seven yard box on target.
As the first half wore down, the quality chances came few and far between with Gent still controlling the play pushing Valencia's defense further back. Once halftime rolled around, nothing separated the sides with the home side getting the better looks in front of goal.
Kums breaks the deadlock
Four minutes into the second half, Antonio Barragan used his hand to block a Saief cross. Sven Kums stepped up to the spot and even though Jaume got his hand on the ball, it was hit powerfully enough to find its way into the back of the net.
Enzo Perez won a free kick at the top of the 18 yard box and up stepped Dani Parejo. He sent his free kick in towards goal but it did not dip enough and the ball skimmed over the frame.
With ten minutes remaining, Paco Alcacer got involved in the play after winning the ball inside the area. He turned and shot at the near post before having his effort saved.
Even though an international break looms, Valencia face a tough Celta de Vigo squad away from home on Saturday in league play. Meanwhile Gent welcome Sporting Charleroi in this weekend's Belgian Premier League fixture as they will look to continue their unbeat run at home.