Valencia vs Chelsea Player Ratings

On a night where it was literally a tale of two keepers, we take a look at the players who made a difference as Roberto Soldado's late penalty cancelled out Frank Lampard's opener.

Valencia

Diego Alves - 9.5

An outstanding display from the Brazilian custodian, who must be hoping his display convinces coach Unai Emery to give him a shot in La Liga.

Twice produced brilliant saves to deny Fernando Torres, while also keeping up a bagful of efforts from the other Chelsea players. Had it not been for Alves, Valencia would have been on the receiving end of a real thumping.

Miguel - 7

Nothing fancy by the veteran Portuguese full-back, who defended well and looked happy to support his midfielders when necessary.

Adil Rami - 8

Brave performance from the French international, who has hit the ground running since his summer transfer. Read the game very well, and often stuck a vital foot out to block a Chelsea through-ball.

Victor Ruiz - 5

Poor display from the 22-year-old Spaniard, who was had an absolutely torrid time keeping track of Torres' movement. Lucky not to be sent off as early as the fifth minute for a last-man sliding challenge. Was caught wanting on many occasions.

Jordi Alba - 6.5

The young prospect didn't really have much of an impact on the game. Brought the ball up well from the back, but seemed content to let Jeremy Mathieu do most of the work when it came to attacking.

Pablo Hernandez (off 72') - 7

A decent showing nonetheless from the Valencia star man, but much more was expected of him. Instead, he hardly put a foot wrong yet failed to carve upon the Chelsea defence on too many occasions.

David Albelda - 7

The Valencia skipper is the kind of player who never surprises - you expect a simple, dedicated game from him, and that's what you get week in, week out. Shielded his back four well, and was always quick to distribute the ball to his more creative team-mates.

Ever Banega (off 72') - 4

Absolute shocker of a game from the Argentine international. Was the one Valencia midfielder most involved in the game, yet failed to do anything with the ball when he did receive it. Tried to do much on almost every occasion, and it was no surprise to see him hauled off.

Should have kept things simpler.

Sergio Canales - 8

Showed why Real Madrid were so keen to bring him to the Bernabeu last summer with a probing display in attacking midfield. Valencia looked most likely to score whenever Canales was on the ball, and he didn't shy away from the defensive matters either, tracking back when Chelsea were on the attack.

A big season beckons for the talented youngster.

Jeremy Mathieu (off 59') - 7.5

An odd choice to make way for Pablo Piatti on the hour mark, especially considering the French wing-back was one of Valencia's most dangerous players in the first-half.

Put his strength and pace to good use by charging down the left flank and whipping in a number of dangerous balls.

Roberto Soldado - 7

Scored the penalty that earned Valencia a point with a composed finish, sending Cech the wrong way, but Soldado cut a forlorn figure in attack for much of the match.

Subs

Pablo Piatti (on 59') - 7.5

Definitely made an impact in the half an hour he was on the pitch. Twisted his way past a number of Chelsea defenders, and always looked dangerous. Would probably have scored if not for the heroics of Petr Cech.

Jonas (on 72') - 6.5

Lively display by the Brazilian, but doubts remain over whether he can last a full 90 minutes at the top level. Explains why he regularly starts from the bench.

Sofiane Feghouli (on 72') - 7

Valencia coach Emery got it absolutely spot on with all of his substitutes, who each came on and made their mark in one way or the other. Feghouli brought with him sheer drive when he was subbed on in the 72nd minute, and might even have guided Valencia to a win had he started in place of the woeful Banega.

Chelsea

Petr Cech - 9

Would have been a shoo-in for man of the match honours had it not been for the brilliance of opposite number Alves.

Never dropped a ball all night, and held on to ferocious shots as though they were kicked by a five-year-old. Clearly, Cech is still one of the best goalkeepers on this planet.

Jose Bosingwa - 6.5

Quiet game from the Portuguese right-back. Looked a little tired after he spent the entire first-half chasing Mathieu's shadow. Ventured forward more after his opponent was taken off in the second half.

John Terry - 7.5

Steady display from the Chelsea skipper, who might even be responsible for saving Chelsea a point if you consider his goal-line clearnace midway through the second half.

Made a mockery of the suggestions that the Chelsea squad is too old with a commanding game.

David Luiz - 7

Typical David Luiz once again on Wednesday night. Classy, composed and skillful enough to bring the ball forward, yet prone to the odd lapse in concentration, as well as a reckless tackler.

Will surely improve with time, but still, not a bad effort from a player on the recovery from injury.

Ashley Cole - 7.5

Steady as always from the veteran left-back. Hardly put a foot wrong.

Ramires (off 66') - 7

Worked his socks off for Chelsea as always, and would have been disappointed to see his number flashing on the fourth official's board in the 66th minute. Looked like he could have ran out the entire game with no difficulty.

Frank Lampard (off 82') - 7.5

Started slow but gradually came into the game. Hardly misplaced a pass as usual, and showed good awareness to find space in the Valencia box for his goal.

John Obi Mikel - 5

With Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas unafraid to drop underperforming first-teamers, Mikel will have to improve on Wednesday's game if he wants to retain his spot in the starting XI.

Looked a little lost at times when faced with Valencia's one-touch passing, and had to be bailed out a few times by his senior team-mates.

Juan Mata - 7

A fairly positive return to the Mestalla for the Valencia old boy, who showed a touch of class by applauding his old fans after the game.

Like Lampard, Mata took awhile to get into the game, but once he got started, every touch oozed class. Would however be disappointed he didn't get more of the ball.

Florent Malouda - 8

Another senior Chelsea player you suspect is desperately fighting to keep hold of his spot. Wednesday's performance was the Malouda of two seasons ago, where he took on players fearlessly. Brilliant piece of play to lay on a goal for Lampard, twisting his way into the penalty area, before putting in a pin-point cross on his weaker right foot.

Fernando Torres (off 72') - 8

He may have ended the game without a goal, but that is only due to the brilliance of Valencia keeper Alves, and by no means Torres' fault. The Spaniard had a fairly average first half, but burst into life in the second, and gave Ruiz an absolute nightmare.

First, he leapt highest to powerfully nod down a cross from the right, before he showed a brilliant bit of skill to control the ball on the turn, before firing a right-footed volley goalwards. Against mere mortals, he would have been celebrating a double. Unfortunately for him, he was up against Alves on the night.

Subs

Raul Meireles (on 66') - 6

Didn't really have an influence on the game. Will see better days for sure.

Nicolas Anelka (on 72') - 7

Lively display from the Frenchmen, despite only having around 18 minutes to make an impact. Could have netted a second for Chelsea when he capitalised on indecision by the Valencia defenders but his low shot was blocked by the right boot of - you guessed it - Alves.

Salomon Kalou (on 82') - 6

Most people would blame Kalou for Valencia's equaliser, and admittedly, he did look a little silly jumping for a header with his hand by his face in an upward angle.

Now to be fair. He had done nothing positive or negative up to that point, and it wasn't like he stretched out his hand to touch the ball. He jumped, had his eyes shut, and the ball hit his hand.

Silly, yes. But mistakes happen, and Kalou will learn from it.