Valencia grab two-goal advantage thanks to late Sofiane Feghouli goal

Feghouli has been in talks about a move to Fenerbahce recently, but he was the hero at the Mestalla on Wednesday night, initially for setting up Rodrigo for Valencia’s first in the fourth minute.

Elsewhere Valencia’s hopes of a return to the lucrative group stages after a three year hiatus look more assured after beating last season’s quarter-finalists Monaco 3-1 in Spain, the impressive Algerian international Sofiane Feghouli creating one and scoring the crucial third goal. Jose Gaya brilliantly picked out Sofiane Feghouli unmarked in the penalty box after both Monaco centre backs failed to pick out the dangerous winger.

That, though, appeared to be the kick in the pants Celtic needed for shortly afterwards they restored their two goal cushion as the alert Griffiths nipped in to lob the ball into the net after the visitors failed to clear their lines.

The Spanish side were on top but were unable to turn their control of the game into clear-cut chances and almost paid for that with 30 minutes on the clock when Monaco caught them on the break.

“We have a group of players who will improve their level, who will grow”. Outright odds favor Valencia at 1.83, while Monaco must come from behind at 5.00. The goal came from Martial, who did brilliant to take out two Valencia defenders down the left wing Martial’s cross wasn’t dealt with, and the on-loan midfielder from Chelsea took the defensive error well, and slotted the ball under Ryan, to equalise for Monaco.

Piatti turned a looping cross from the right back into the danger zone and Parejo’s deflected effort left Danijel Subasic helpless. Monaco added to their already impressive strike force by bringing on attacking players Fares Bahouli and Stephen El Shaarway for the final 15 minutes of the match. “If that had gone in, the goal would have changed the rest of the game”, Jardim was quoted as saying by UEFA.com. A draw is attractive at 3.60 and could be the best bet to make.

“We have to score two goals at home, we have the ambition to try and win this tie”.