User blog comment:B214/Shin DxD 1 discussion/@comment-36663391-20180920083134/@comment-34061653-20180921214146

Is it really surprising that Vali couldn't beat Crom? Crom Cruach has been hyped up ever since volume 16 when Ddraig stated that Crom was possibly Heavenly Dragon-class. That's a big deal because at that point we all believed no other dragon could rival Ddraig and Albion or exceed them besides Ophis or Great Red since they are Dragon Gods. Until volume 20, Crom has always held back tremedously and in volume 20 we see everyone shock Crom's true power in his true form.

Vali had a struggle against Azi Dahaka so is it really that surprising couldn't beay somone even stronger Azi? Sure, Vali didn't Crom but at least Vali didn't lose so it ended in a draw.