Valencia believes it’s put Chelsea in the same situation as Inter Milan after Wednesday’s 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal series at Stamford Bridge. Valencia defeated Inter in the second round thanks to the away goals rule, after drawing 2-2 in the first leg in Milan and then holding them scoreless at home in the second. If Valencia can hold Chelsea scoreless at the Mestalla next Tuesday, Wednesday’s 1-1 away draw would be enough to see the Spanish side through to the semifinals.
Knowing this, Valencia certainly seemed the happier of the two in the post-game press conference. “It leaves a good taste,” midfielder David Albelda told reporters. “It puts us in a good position for the second leg.” Former Chelsea fullback Asier del Horno summed up the team’s sentiments: “It was the result we wanted.”
Chelsea was unable to find a winner after Didier Drogba’s header tied the match in the 52nd minute. Try though the Blues certainly did, a winner never looked on the cards for the English champions. Indeed, it was Valencia’s day, punctuated by David Silva’s stunning left-foot strike from 26 yards. Petr Cech, widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, had absolutely no chance. Chelsea, however, still has a good chance of progressing. All the team has to do is score to be in it, which hasn’t been much of a problem this season.