Costa backs Valencia for away win

Valencia midfielder Tino Costa is confident his side can pull off a win at Bundesliga side Schalke in in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Schalke held Valencia to a 1-1 draw at the Mestalla in the first leg of the last-16 encounter on February 15.

Roberto Soldado had given the La Liga side the lead in the first half, only for former Real Madrid captain Raul – returning to Spain for the first time since departing to sign for Schalke in July 2010 – to score a second-half equaliser.

It could prove a vital away goal for Schalke, though Costa believes his side can overcome their German opponents to progress to the quarter-finals.

“I think that we have to be convinced that we can do this – that we are going to win in Germany,” the 26-year-old Argentine said.

“We have to believe this from the first to the last minute. I think that we all have this mentality, and this is going to be one of the things that helps us to get the win in Germany.”

“I don’t know if it is the best time, but we have had a good run up until the Barcelona game (a 1-0 lost on March 2) which we picked back up quickly. We are playing well and the team mentality is good. We all know what awaits us on Wednesday and the final run in the league.”

“I don’t think it matters how we set up the game. What is important is that we know what we are doing. Those on the pitch and on the bench know what we have to do, and I think that the first thing is how much desire we have, in whatever formation.”

“We are playing for a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. We know that it will be a very difficult game, but we are very focused.”