Centenary Challengers

Valencia visit Paradise in the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League ahead of their 100th birthday.

- Joe Donnelly

VALENCIA visit Paradise on February 14 for the first time in over 17 years, in the first leg of the last 32 UEFA Europa League encounter.

The teams last met in Glasgow on December 5, 2001, when the Spanish side overcame Martin O’Neill’s men 5-4 on penalties. A Henrik Larsson goal had pulled the Hoops level on aggregate during normal time, but an on-form Santiago Canizares in goal prevented the Scottish champions from progressing to the tournament’s knockout round of 16.

Brendan Rodgers’ side go into next month’s match having secured qualification from Group B in second place – taking nine points from home and away wins against Rosenborg, and a dramatic 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig at Celtic Park.

Valencia, on the other hand, enter the last 32 after finishing third in their UEFA Champions League group stage, behind second-place Manchester United and table-toppers Juventus.

Here, we take a look at our upcoming opponents’ history, star players and achievements throughout the years.

STADIUM