UEFA Europa League

Valencia 1 - Werder Bremen 1

Valencia: César; Miguel, David Navarro, Dealbert, Alexis (Jordi Alba 46'); Marchena, Banega; Pablo Hernández, Silva, Mata (Joaquín 56'); David Villa (Baraja 73'). 4-2-3-1.
Werder: Wiese; Pasanen, Mertesacker, Naldo, Fritz; Borowski, Frings; Hunt, Özil (Jensen 75'), Marin (Bargfrede 60'); Pizarro.

Goals:
0-1. 24. Frings (penalty). After Banega pushed Pizarro inside area.
1-1. 57. Mata. Slid ball in to net after shot from David Silva blocked.

Valencia could only draw 1-1 against Werder Bremen in their first leg tie, leaving them with an uphill battle for next week's second leg. The German side took the lead from the penalty spot midway through the first half, Frings converting the spot kick after English referee Martin Atkinson ruled that Banega had fouled Pizarro. Wiese did well to push an effort from Banega on to the post a few minutes later, but César also had some work to do as Werder came forward looking for a second.

Ten minutes after the restart things swung further in favour of the visitors after Banega was sent off for an off-the-ball incident with Frings, but only a couple of minutes later Mata equalised after Silva's shot was blocked by a defender. Not a bad result given the circumstances, but to add to Valencia's woes, David Villa picked up a shoulder injury late on which could keep him out of the return match, as well as the weekend clash with Barcelona.