Silva strike gives Valencia the edge

Internazionale 2 Valencia 2

Silva volleyed home with just four minutes remaining to give the Primera Liga side a psychological edge ahead of the Champions League last-16 second leg at the Mestalla in two weeks’ time.

It was a better result than performance for Los Che, who were second best for much of the contest against an Inter side which failed to capitalise on their superiority.

Esteban Cambiasso headed the hosts in front after 29 minutes only for David Villa to fire home a spectacular equaliser with a 30-yard free-kick 19 minutes into the second half.

Brazilian full-back Maicon looked to have won it for Inter when his marauding run and composed finish put the Nerazzurri back in front, but Valencia displayed the stubbornness which has seen them surge up the Primera Liga table recently by finding a second equaliser.

Inter dominated the opening half and the only surprise was the fact they did not score more than the one goal.

But Valencia’s top scorer Villa was a constant threat on the break and the Spain striker twice came close to snatching a priceless away goal.

Despite the flurry of activity at the other end, Inter soon regained control and took the lead approaching the half-hour mark.

Luis Figo whipped in a free-kick from the right which Ibrahimovic somehow directed on target with the sole of his boot and, when Canizares could only parry it, Cambiasso was on hand to nod home from close range.

The second half continued with Inter in charge and it required some fine defending from Miguel to prevent Figo from scoring.

Miguel’s efforts enabled Valencia to keep a foothold in the game and they strengthened their position after 64 minutes when Villa lashed home a stunning 30-yard free-kick.

Maicon restored Inter’s advantage but they could not hold on and, after they failed to clear Villa’s corner, Silva converted with a crisp shot.

INTER MILAN: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Cordoba, Materazzi, Burdisso, Stankovic, Cambiasso (Dacourt 31), Figo (Solari 89), Zanetti, Crespo (Cruz 68), Ibrahimovic.

VALENCIA: Canizares, Miguel, Ayala, Albiol, Moretti, Angulo (Joaquin 83), Marchena, Albelda, Silva (Jorge Lopez 90), Morientes (Hugo Viana 77), Villa.

Ref: Martin Hansson (Sweden).