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Chelsea face Valencia at Stamford Bridge with the Blues finally returning to the Champions League

Credit:Reuters/Carl Recine

Europa League winners, Chelsea start their Champions League adventure with a tough game against Valencia.

The Blues have finally made their way back to the top European competition and in their first game back they host Valencia at Stamford Bridge.

Team news

Chelsea will miss Antonio Rudiger who is carrying a groin injury and also N’Golo Kante will likely also miss out with the French international carrying an ankle injury. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Reece James and Emerson will also not feature in this game.

Valencia have a full strength squad to play against Chelsea with the Spanish outfit likely to play a really strong side against the Blues.

Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side has what it takes to make it out of the group stages of the Champions League and into the knockout phase. That was the message from the boss as he addressed the media at Cobham ahead of tomorrow night’s opening group game against Valencia.

“It is different in its nature,” he said. “The main thing I found as a player is your concentration and focus levels throughout every game have to be absolutely spot on. Not to say you can get away with things in the Premier League but the higher level of player in the Champions League and the different style of game that comes sometimes can surprise you. There are teams that are fantastic on the counter-attack and can hurt you in one second when you feel like you are in control, so that focus throughout will be the main point I will make.”

Valencia manager Albert Celades spoke about the atmosphere in the team and about the game ahead.

“They are a great side with some fantastic individual players. It will be a big challenge but a fascinating one too. We’re sure they can cause us a lot of problems. We’re going to prepare for the game in the best way possible and try to get a result.

“The spirit is very good. Tomorrow is the start of the best club competition in Europe and that is ample motivation for the players to give their best. They want to play, taste the atmosphere. and be in the starting 11. No one wants to miss out and that, for me, is the most important thing.”

Head-to-head

In the last six fixtures between the two teams, Chelsea are unbeaten against the Spanish opposition recording three wins and three draws. The latest result was a 3-0 win in the Champions League in December 2011.