Valencia held by Bremen

Valencia were held to a 1-1 draw by Werder Bremen in the first-leg of their last 16 Europa League tie.

Banega sent off as Mata rescues Valencia

Valencia were held to a 1-1 draw by Werder Bremen in the first-leg of their last 16 Europa League tie at La Mestalla. Torsten Frings fired Bremen in front from the penalty spot on 25 minutes to give the visitors an all-important away goal. Valencia were reduced to ten men ten minutes into the second half when Ever Banega was dismissed for violent conduct. However, two minutes later Valencia drew level when Juan Mata slotted home after David Silva's initial shot had been blocked. Worryingly, for Valencia star striker David Villa was forced off seven minutes from time with a shoulder injury. Bremen will be confident of finishing off the job on home soil next week in the second leg.