Valencia confident ahead of Chelsea showdown

Roberto Soldado thinks Saturday’s win over Espanyol perfectly sets up Valencia for their do-or-die Champions League clash with Chelsea.

Valencia beat Espanyol 2-1 on Saturday to remain third in La Liga, with Soldado scoring the winning goal late in the match.

The Spanish side are currently third in Champions League Group E, one point behind Bayer Leverkusen and level with Chelsea, meaning the winner of Tuesday’s match will qualify for the last 16.

But Soldado accepts that will be no easy task against a Chelsea side he considers one of the best in the world.

“This triumph (over Espanyo) allows us to keep on going, and continue our good form from recent weeks,” Soldado told El Mundo Deportivo. “We have been getting good results, and that has boosted our confidence.”

“Hopefully we will be able to maintain out form against one of the best teams in the world. They won their game 3-0 on Saturday. We face a very difficult match on Tuesday.”

Last time Valencia played Chelsea, a late penalty from Soldado forced a 1-1 draw at the Mestalla.