Schalke 04 Vs. Valencia CF: Los Che Jump Out To Early, 1-0 (2-1) Lead

Los Che had pulled back the away goal and now lead Schalke 04 1-0 (2-1) early in the first half at Veltins-Arena. On a ball lined in from the left of the penalty area, defender Ricardo Costa leaded back and redirected from five yards out, giving Manuel Neuer almost no chance to prevent the vital Valencia goal.

Valencia had gone up 1-0 in the tie before Raúl scored a second half equalizer at the Mestalla. That gave the Royal Blues a crucial road goal, meaning the German club would go through in the event of a 0-0. That, however, is no longer possible, though a 1-1 result would bring on extra time and, potentially penalty kicks.

Now half-way through the first half, here are the teams:

Schalke 04, Starting XI: Neuer / Uchida, Metzelder, Howedes, Sergio / Farfan, Matip, Kluge, Jurado / Raul, Gavranovic

Bench: Charisteas, Karimi, Edu, Sarpei, Drazler, Papadopoulos, Schober

Valencia, Starting XI: Guaita / Bruno, Cota, Navarro, Mathieu / Joaquin, Topal, Banega, Hernández, Mata / Adurix

Bench: Costa, Albelda, César, Jones, Jordi Alba, Soldado, Vicente