Stoke will have to win in the Mestalla next week if their European adventure is to continue after Valencia shaded the first leg of their Europa League last-32 clash at the Britannia Stadium tonight.

Stoke 0 Valencia 1

THE last meeting between the sides has been playing on the mind of the Croatia coach, Slaven Bilic. That was in the quarter-final of Euro 2008. Turkey, having gone behind to Ivan Klasnic’s header in the final minute of extra-time, levelled through Semih Senturk in injury-time, a goal that seemed to shatter Croatia.

BARCELONA enjoyed another weekend of celebration as Lionel Messi reached another landmark with two more brilliant goals but it was tempered with some bad news on the injury front.

JEFFERSON FARFAN struck twice as Schalke fought back from an early deficit to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the expense of Valencia last night.

Germany 3 Turkey 2

Croatia 1 Turkey 1 (Turkey won 3-1 on penalties)

Switzerland 1 Turkey 2