Aduriz relishing Valencia chance

Striker Aritz Aduriz believes Valencia can go to Schalke and win the second leg of their last 16 Champions League encounter.

The tie is finely poised after the sides drew 1-1 at the Mestalla on Tuesday, giving the Germans a slight advantage heading into the second leg.

But Aduriz believes Valencia are good enough to get a result away from home and earn their place in the last eight of the competition.

“It is an exciting game for ourselves and for everybody, as we have the chance to put ourselves among the top eight teams in Europe,” Aduriz said.

“We will try to keep on going. We have to go there (Veltins Arena) looking to score, and win the game. We will certainly do that.”

“I don’t know if I would call it the most important game of my life, but it is one of the better ties in my career. I hope to be lucky enough to play in more games like this.”

Roberto Soldado gave Valencia the lead after 17 minutes at the Mestalla on Tuesday, but a second-half strike from Spanish forward Raul gave Schalke a vital away goal.

But Aduriz said he thought the hosts deserved more from the match.

“They had chances and at times they were dangerous. We were superior for the most part,” Aduriz said.

“We had more possession and more chances, although we lacked a cutting edge. In football, goals are what count. They make the difference, and they were what we were missing yesterday.”

“We always try to be consistent for the whole game, in terms of intensity and pace. When you come up against a tough opponent, this is more difficult.”