Paris Saint-Germain welcomed Valencia to Paris on Wednesday leading 2-1 from the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League.
Valencia dominated the possession in the first period, but neither side came close to opening the score for the evening.
The Spanish outfit did take the lead on the night after 56 minutes when Jonas thumped a fine effort into the bottom corner.
However, PSG levelled 10 minutes later when Ezequiel Lavezzi converted from close range.
Valencia pushed for the goal that would have taken the tie into extra time, but the home side held on to book a place in the final eight.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Champions League coverage continues as PSG welcome Valencia to France. The home side will be considered as the favourites having secured a 2-1 lead in the first leg, but there is much to play for with Valencia starting to hit some form in their domestic league. We could have fireworks on this mild evening in Paris.
Quite remarkably, the first leg last month was first ever competitive meeting between the two sides. That defeat ended a positive run of form for Valencia, however, with the Spanish outfit having won all six of their previous matches against French clubs. In addition, no French side has ever kept a clean sheet against Valencia in European competition. Right, the team news is just filtering in.
TEAMS:
PSG: Sirigu; Jallet, Alex, Silva, Maxwell; Matuidi, Motta, Chantome; Lucas, Pastore, Lavezzi
VALENCIA: Guaita; Barragan, Ruiz, Mathieu, Cissokho; Albelda, T Costa; Feghouli, Parejo, Jonas; Soldado
So there we have it. Surprisingly no David Beckham for the home side, while there is also no place for Kevin Gameiro despite the suspension of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Thiago Silva, however, does return to the team. Valencia, meanwhile, pair Jeremy Mathieu with Victor Ruiz in the middle of defence, but there is no starting role for fit-again Sergio Canales.
Looking back before the first leg once more, the only other time that Valencia had been beaten by a French side in European competition was in April 1980. The competition was the Cup Winners Cup and the team were Nantes. Since that evening, Valencia have won 13, drawn four and lost one of their competitive meetings with French clubs. That is some record.
So what happened in the first leg? PSG opened the scoring after 10 minutes when Ezequiel Lavezzi struck from close range before Javier Pastore made it 2-0 moments before the interval. The French outfit dominated most of the match, but a late strike from Adil Rami ensured that Valencia entered this match with a goal to their name.
The magnitude of PSG’s win in the Mestalla cannot be underestimated. Valencia entered that particular match having not lost a Champions League match at home since September 2010 when they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester United. Many have suggested that the French outfit are not quite ready to win the Champions League, but neither were Monaco or Porto.
PSG have not reached this stage of the Champions League since the 1994/1995 season, which was incidentally the last time they won the French title. They have won their last five Champions League matches and also have the best defensive record in the competition having conceded just four goals in seven matches.
The French outfit are also unbeaten in 22 home fixtures in Europe since losing 4-2 to Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2006. That is just some indication of the task facing Valencia this evening. The Spanish outfit should not be too worried with efforts from distance, however, with all 16 of PSG’s Champions League goals this season coming from inside the box.
PSG have also won 15 of their last 20 home games in the Champions League (75%). Only Monaco (76%) have a better ratio among teams with at least 10 home games in the competition. How is that for a statistic? Credit must be given to Eurosport for that one. Not many would back against them making it win number 16 this evening.
However, the omens are not too kind for Valencia entering this match. On the three other occasions that the Spanish outfit have suffered a first-leg defeat in European competition, then they have exited the tie. They have also not reached the final eight of the Champions League since the 2006/2007 season, where they were eventually eliminated by Chelsea.
Valencia will look to their front pair of Roberto Soldado and Jonas to continue their fine run of form in the Champions League this evening. Soldado has scored an incredible 14 goals in his last 15 Champions League starts, while the Brazilian Jonas has netted three goals in three European starts for the Spanish outfit this season.
PSG will be without their star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, however, with the Swede picking up a red card towards the end of the first leg. He is currently the top assist provider in the competition this season having laid on five goals for his team, but he has managed just four goals in the knockout stages of the competition.
Let’s take a look at how each team advanced to this stage of the competition. Valencia finished second in Group H behind Bayern Munich, with BATE Borisov and Lille exiting the tournament. They won four of their six matches, with their only defeat coming in their opener against Bayern.
PSG, meanwhile, topped Group A which also included Porto, Dynamo Kiev and Dinamo Zagreb. It was by no means the hardest group, but they impressed on their way to qualification. They won five of their six matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding just three times in the process. The only disappointment came in a 1-0 defeat against Porto in Portugal.
What about each team's league form entering this match? PSG were defeated by Reims last weekend, but they remain top of Ligue 1 having taken 54 points from 27 matches. Perhaps not too surprisingly, they have the best home record in the division, winning nine of their 14 matches, scoring 24 goals in the process.
Valencia, meanwhile, have hit some good form in recent weeks. They currently occupy fifth spot in the table, just one point off the top four with 12 matches to play. They have struggled on the road, however, with five defeats from their 12 matches. Despite their problems in the early part of the season, they are now odds-on to finish fourth in La Liga.
Here's a quick word from PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti prior to the match. He told reporters at a press conference: "The club has a great opportunity, as do the fans and the players – some of them could reach the quarter-finals for the first time. And for me also, it's very important. We need to forget the first leg and concentrate. Valencia have a very attractive style which I don't think they'll change, although they could be more defensive and attack on the break."
Meanwhile, Valencia boss Ernesto Valverde added: "The players know we'll have to score some goals. We'll have to be quick to attack while also defending well, because they have good forwards. We need to find the right balance. It's normal PSG are the favourites but we'll give 100 per cent to stay in the competition."
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Right, here we go then. The wonderful Champions League music erupts around the stadium as the two teams join us on the pitch. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, the action will get underway. My prediction? PSG to win on the night and make it through to the last eight.
A reminder that Valencia need to score at least twice this evening to make it through to the next round. A 1-0 win would not be enough with PSG having scored twice in the Mestalla in the first leg. If PSG score first, then it is a long way back. The away side get the action underway on this mild evening in Paris.
It must be said that there is a quite stunning atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Deafening noise each team a Valencia player touches the ball, which has been the case in the opening couple of minutes. You just get the feeling that the Spanish side need to start well in order to silence this crowd, who are expecting something special this evening.
Decent pressure from the away side in the opening stages of this match. Since that first-leg defeat, Valencia have scored at least twice in their three matches in the league. A reminder that is the bare minimum that they will need this evening. An early corner comes into the box from Jonas, but former Chelsea defender Alex is on hand to tower clear, before Lavezzi almost beats Guaita to the ball down the other end.
Just a few signs that the home side have started to take control of the possession. A half-chance does arrive as Pastore meets a free kick from Jallet before striking towards goal, but Barragan is across to make the challenge. The resulting corner also causes problems in the Valencia box, but the referee blows his whistle for a free kick. The official is not having any of the pulling in the penalty area.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the opening eight minutes of football, but there has been plenty to suggest that we will have goals this evening. Valencia attempt to force the issue once more down the right, but Alex is across to clear. Meanwhile, the rain is really falling in Paris at the moment.
Half-chance for the away side as Jonas beats the offside trap before driving into the box, but Jallet is across to clear at the final moment. The resulting corner is taken by Costa, but Lucas of all people is back to head clear. A long-range strike comes from Jonas moments later, but it was always travelling over the crossbar.
PSG force the issue with two corners of their own in quick succession, but Mathieu rises above Alex to clear the danger. The home side are almost going through the motions at the moment. The pressure is not on them this evening to come out and attack. You just get the feeling that Valencia need to score before the interval.
Half-chance for the home side as Lucas collects possession outside the box before darting inside and striking a low effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. The Brazilian was a real livewire in the first leg and has been inside the opening 14 minutes here.
Lucas is again involved for the home side as he dances past two players before striking towards goal, but Barragan is across to clear. The Brazilian turns provider moments later as he slides a low pass towards Lavezzi, but the offside flag is raised. Valencia are just struggling to keep the ball at the moment, with PSG very much in the ascendancy.
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CHANCE! Just about the clearest opening of the match for the away side as Soldado combines with Jonas before darting into the box, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Valencia really need to take those chances at this stage of the match. The atmosphere remains just sensational inside this wonderful stadium.
Decent possession from Valencia in the last couple of minutes as they continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area, but they just cannot find a way through this stern PSG defence. Jallet, Alex, Silva, Maxwell. That is some defence. The fact that Sakho cannot get a look in tells its own story.
Another half-chance comes to Valencia as Jonas strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Much of the attacking threat is coming from the away side, but aside from that Soldado chance, they have not really threatened to open their tally. A reminder that they need to score at least twice this evening.
Almost a costly piece of play from Ruiz as Lavezzi robs possession from the Valencia defender, but Mathieu is across to make the clearance. PSG enjoy a period of possession following that chance, but it is cut short as Albelda chops down Chantome, picking up a yellow card for his troubles. Slightly bitty match at the moment.
Valencia continue to pass and probe outside the PSG penalty area with Barragan and Costa prepared to join the attack, but they are playing in front of the French outfit rather than threatening to run in behind. Barragan does eventually force the issue with a pass towards Soldado, but Silva was always in control of the situation.
PSG are forced into their first change of the match as Jallet is replaced by Gregory van der Wiel. The skipper runs off the pitch, but he is not moving too well. No reshuffle needed with the defender slotting into the right-back position. Little over 15 minutes of the first period to play and the score remains 0-0 on the night, 2-1 to PSG on aggregate.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Pastore collects possession on the right before striking an effort towards goal, but Barragan comes across to block the danger. Pastore turns provider moments later as he slips a low pass behind the defence, but Guaita is out to clear at the vital moment.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in the final third. It does appear that PSG are not too concerned with attacking this evening as they continue to keep their shape. Unfortunately, it is not making for a good spectacle.
First sign of Van der Wiel as an attacking threat as the defender drives down the right before driving a cross into the box, but it is catching practice for Guaita. In fairness to the supporters they have maintained their volume in the first period, but there has not been too much to shout about as Jonas fires wide from outside the box.
Valencia are just shading the possession in the latter stages of the half, but the tempo continues to be broken up by a series of late challenges. It is a difficult one for PSG, they are not sure whether to attack and look for their third of the tie, or sit back and hold onto their lead.
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Pastore comes to life once more as he collects possession on the left before driving a low cross into the box, but Guaita is out to collect. Costa has a half-chance down the other end as he strikes from distance, but it was always moving wide of the post. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Ruiz becomes the second player to enter the referee's book as the Valencia defender fells Matuidi outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Maxwell, but it comes to nothing as Ruiz is on hand to clear the danger. Another free kick arrives moments later, but once more the delivery is far short of the required quality for this level of football.
Lucas is involved once more as he dances down the left before firing a low cross towards Pastore, but Ruiz comes out to clear the danger. Pastore collects the loose ball, but his cross is straight into the goalkeeper's arms. Neither manager will be too disappointed with this first period, but Valencia still have it all to do. They must score at least twice to have a chance of progressing to the final eight.
A certain David Beckham is being put through his paces on the touchline. I am certain that we will see him at some point this evening. Decent possession from Valencia in the latter stages of the half, but no end product. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play one additional minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: PSG 0-0 Valencia (2-1 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Truth be told, not a great half of football in Paris. Valencia have had plenty of the possession, but have not really threatened to open their tally for the evening. As it stands, PSG will advance to the final eight of the competition.
STATISTICS: Valencia have dominated the possession with 59%, while they have had five attempts to the home side's one. PSG have been stuck between attack and defence in the first period as they attempt to defend their lead. That has made for a fairly low-key 45 minutes of football.
BENCH WATCH: The home side do have attacking options on the bench in the shape of Kevin Gameiro and David Beckham. Meanwhile, Valencia have the likes of Pablo Piatti, Nelson Valdez and Sergio Canales in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of names.
Just a reminder that there is another Champions League tie taking place this evening with Juventus welcoming Celtic. The Italian side were 3-0 winners in the first leg, while they currently lead 1-0 on the night courtesy of a strike from Alessandro Matri. Sorry Celtic fans, that one is over. Right, the second period is just moments away.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. One change for the away side at the interval as Albelda is replaced by Ever Banega. A reminder that Valencia need to score at least twice if they are to advance. The home side get the half underway.
It's good work from Van der Wiel as the PSG defender picks up possession down the right before whipping a cross into the box, but once more Guaita is out to collect. Valencia attempt to break down the other end with a long pass towards Soldado, but the excellent Silva is across to clear. All-action start to this half.
Valencia take control of the possession once more as they pass and probe outside the penalty area, but much like the first period, there is no way through. A counter comes down the other end as Pastore finds Lucas outside the box, but his effort is blocked by Ruiz. For the neutral, this match could really do with a Valencia goal.
Valencia continue to spread the play at each opportunity with Cissokho coming forward from defence, but the quality of the final pass is short of what is required. It is almost like a training match at the moment as PSG continue to quell the pressure. I suspect that we could see a certain Mr Beckham in the next 10 minutes or so.
It is as plain as day to see that PSG miss Ibrahimovic. Everything they do goes through the big Swede, but they look a little bit lost this evening. I suspect that they could raise the tempo if needed, but they are going through the motions at the moment. Just about 35 minutes remaining and Valencia need to score twice without reply to advance.
Valencia threaten once more with two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over by Sirigu, before the referee blows for a foul on the second. If ever a match needed a goal then it is this one. I suspect that we will see Valdez at some point in the second period. He is always good for a goal in the big matches. Even the crowd have been quietened in the last few minutes.
GOAL! PSG 0-1 Valencia (Jonas)
Wow! That is some way to open the scoring! Stunning from Jonas as the Brazilian picks up possession some 30 yards from goal before thumping an effort into the back of the net. Well, that has certainly changed the feeling inside the stadium.
Suddenly it's all Valencia as Barragan joins in with Soldado before chipping a cross into the box, but the danger is headed clear by Alex. Meanwhile, the home supporters have been silence with those from Spain making the noise. Some 30 minutes of football on the cards here in Paris.
PSG respond by making their first change of the match as Kevin Gameiro - who has a surprise non-starter this evening - replaces Motta, who has never really got into the match. PSG really are playing a dangerous game at the moment. One goal for Valencia would take the Spanish side into the final eight of the competition.
First sign of Gamiero as the Frenchman collects possession out wide before driving into the box, but he just loses control at the vital moment. Valencia break with numbers down the other end as Soldado finds Jonas, but the moves breaks down. Much better tempo to proceedings as this second period gathers pace.
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PSG really need their supporters so start raising the noise once more with those from Spain creating the atmosphere inside the stadium. The away side continue to attack with pace and numbers, but once more the final cross into the penalty area is poor. Carlo Ancelotti does not look too comfortable at the moment as he parades the touchline.
Valencia make their second change of the evening as Feghouli is replaced by Pablo Piatti. One more change for the away side and I suspect that will be Valdez in the latter stages. Still no movement on the home side's bench with Beckham taking his seat. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining and Valencia lead 1-0 on the night, but they need another.
GOAL! PSG 1-1 Valencia (Lavezzi)
PSG finally have their goal, but it comes via a huge slice of luck. Gameiro advances into the penalty area before losing control, but it falls straight to Lavezzi who smashes his effort into the back of the net. Just what the doctor ordered.
That goal does not change too much. Valencia still need to score again but another goal would level the tie at 3-3 and force extra time. Half-chance for the home side as Lavezzi beats the offside trap, but Guaita is out to clear at the vital moment. Impressive goalkeeping from the Spaniard.
Suddenly we have a real contest on our hands. The first period was just about as poor as they come. But that is not the case anymore. End-to-end football as Soldado strikes a long-range effort just wide for Valencia, before Gamiero fires over the crossbar down the other end. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining.
Soldado is again involved for the away side as he collects a long pass from Jonas before advancing into the box, but Silva is across to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner is whipped into the box by Costa, but Alex rises to clear under pressure from Jonas. All hands to the pump in Paris.
Gameiro is once more involved for the home side as he darts into the box before finding Chantome on the edge of the box, the midfielder strikes a low effort on goal, but it never had enough power to trouble the goalkeeper. Still no sign of Beckham in this match. However, PSG have just started to enjoy a period of attacking pressure.
Valencia make their third and final change of the match as Jonas is replaced by Valdez. The striker is involved immediately as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. Little under 15 minutes to play in Paris and Valencia simply have to score in order to stay in the competition.
The pressure is relentless from the away side as they continue to fire high balls into the penalty area, but Alex is on hand to clear the danger once more. It's good work from Piatti as the winger drives a low cross towards the near post, but Maxwell is across to clear. PSG just cannot get out of their own half.
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Lucas hits the deck holding his shoulder but Valencia refuse to put the ball out of play. Why should they? Moments later, the Brazilian returns to his feet. Another corner from the Spanish side causes problems in the box, but once more Alex clears before Barragan fells Silva. What a final 10 minutes we have on our hands.
Good grief. If this match was decided on corners then there would be one clear winner. The latest corner is whipped into the penalty area by Costa, but this time van der Wiel clears the danger. Desperate defending from PSG, but they do indeed hang on. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining in this Champions League contest.
PSG make their third and final change of the match as Sakho replaces Moura. We will not see Beckham this evening. All hands to the pump as the French outfit defend their lead. A reminder that one goal for Valencia would take this match into extra-time. As it stands, PSG will advance 3-2 on aggregate.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Piatti spots the run of Banega, but the midfielder just could not connect at the vital moment. Time is running out for the Spanish outfit as we enter the final three minutes of normal time. It has not been pretty from the home side, but they are close to getting the job done.
Valencia continue to pass and probe outside the PSG penalty area in a desperate attempt to find that bit of space. A searching pass does come from Banega, but Soldado is in an offside position. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time.
Valencia continue to fire high balls into the PSG penalty area, but once more Alex and Silva clear the danger. Those two have been sensational this evening. A half-chance comes to the home side as Pastore dances into the box, but his effort is blocked. Little under a minute of football remaining and Valencia have possession just past the half-way line.
FULL-TIME: Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Valencia (3-2 on aggregate)
So there we have it. The referee blows the final whistle and with it PSG book their spot in the final eight of the competition. They were not at their best this evening, but they have just about got the job done. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for Europa League football tomorrow. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
