Valencia (1) v Chelsea (1):Chelsea last night issued a statement reassuring their fans that the Spanish police, whose reaction in dealing with Tottenham's supporters last week in Seville was so excessive, will be less intemperate in Valencia tonight.
There could be no similar declaration of security for the Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, however, whose position at Stamford Bridge seems to hinge on his club's success in the Champions League. Given the pressure of his situation, he might have preferred more forgiving surroundings than the Estadio Mestalla, where the fevered atmosphere has undone many English clubs.
In eight matches against Premiership opposition Valencia have gone unbeaten - the latest the 1-1 draw in west London last Wednesday that puts Chelsea's hopes of European success on a knife edge. Moreover, Los Che have not lost to an English team in 11 meetings at home.
Though history might stand in his way, Mourinho offered serene comments last night. "Pressure never killed anyone," he said. "The problem is to play well. I know Mestalla. I came here with Barca and the supporters are not so important because they don't get a goal. The relationships outside and the atmosphere (are good), and I want Chelsea to be proud of their own fans and have a beer together."
The prize for winning the match is likely to be an encounter with Liverpool in the semi-finals.
Chelsea know they must score to extend their European campaign, but again the statistics work against the visitors, since Valencia have not lost at home in the Champions League this season.
To Mourinho's chagrin Valencia's manager, Quique Sanchez Flores, further stacked the odds in his team's favour by resting seven of those who will start tonight during their 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
However, the Chelsea manager was keen to talk up his team's chances, having emerged unscathed from meetings against Porto, whom he led to Champions League success in 2004, and the reigning European champions, Barcelona.
"Valencia did (rest) some players but that is the difference between a team trying to win the Champions League and one trying to win everything," said Mourinho, reminding the world that even if tonight's result goes against his team there will still be life in Chelsea's season.
"We know this is not a points game. It's a game which is decisive and we need a result and that means to score a goal. Maybe one goal is enough but we know we have to score. Now Chelsea have done very well. We have played past champions and now we have one game against Valencia which was not a good result - to draw at home - but we have the chance to play better and go through."
Chelsea will be lifted by the return from injury of Michael Essien, but much will depend on the performance of Didier Drogba, whose goal last Wednesday ensured Chelsea have a platform on which to build. That goal came when Drogba beat Roberto Ayala to a high ball, but it has not diminished the Ivorian's respect for his opponent.
"Ayala is the best defender I have come across in my life, along with Terry, Carvalho and Gallas," he said. "In the air and on the ground he is incredible. He's always in the right place and he doesn't give you an inch."
Valencia conceded at Stamford Bridge after, having been strangled in midfield, Chelsea abandoned build-up play in favour of launching balls forward. But Sanchez Flores warned Mourinho that a repeat tactic tonight would backfire.
"Of course Mourinho thinks and when he thinks he can consider different options," he said. "Direct football is easier to defend against. What is important is that we push up from our back line. If we defend too deep they could benefit from a loose ball."
Guardian Service
