World Champion Shkodran Mustafi is very close to his Champions League debut. Two-time finalists Valenica CF saw off AS Monaco 3-1 in the first leg of their play-off. Even a narrow loss next Tuesday in the Stade Louis II would be enough for the 23-year-old defender and his teammates to reach the lucrative group stage.
The centre half played in what was only his second European match, and showed good vision, alertness in tackles, and was largely a calming influence in Valencia’s defensive line. The defender, who boasts eight caps for Germany, was directly involved in the goal to make it 3-1.
An early goal from Rodrigo was cancelled out shortly after the restart by young Croat Mario Pasalic. Daniel Parejo quickly restored Valenicia’s lead, however, and Sofiane Feghouli sealed the win for Valencia late on.
World Champion Shkodran Mustafi is very close to his Champions League debut. Two-time finalists Valenica CF saw off AS Monaco 3-1 in the first leg of their play-off. Even a narrow loss next Tuesday in the Stade Louis II would be enough for the 23-year-old defender and his teammates to reach the lucrative group stage.
The centre half played in what was only his second European match, and showed good vision, alertness in tackles, and was largely a calming influence in Valencia’s defensive line. The defender, who boasts eight caps for Germany, was directly involved in the goal to make it 3-1.
An early goal from Rodrigo was cancelled out shortly after the restart by young Croat Mario Pasalic. Daniel Parejo quickly restored Valenicia’s lead, however, and Sofiane Feghouli sealed the win for Valencia late on.
