Valencia are within sight of the UEFA Champions League group stage after defeating Monaco 3-1 on Wednesday in the first leg of their playoff tie at the Mestalla.
The hosts started brightly and took the lead in just the fourth minute through Rodrigo, but Monaco equalized early in the second half when Mario Pasalic slammed in from close range. Dani Parejo restored Valencia's lead just before the hour mark, following an assist by Pablo Piatti, and Sofiane Feghouli added the third goal in the closing minutes to give his side a cushion heading into the second leg.
With Wednesday's win, Valencia know that anything better than a 2-0 loss next week in the principality will secure passage to the group stage for the first time since 2012-13.