2001 hero Vicente remembers previous win against Celtic

The last time Celtic visited Mestalla was on November 22nd, 2001, in what was then the UEFA Cup. The hero for Valencia CF that night was Vicente Rodríguez, who scored the only goal of the game.

Hours away from kick-off, eighteen years on, the VCF legend remembered that magical European night.

"I have fond memories of that day. It was important to win without conceding goals, because we had the second leg coming up in Glasgow," Vicente recalls.

"It was a tight victory, despite us creating a lot of chances, but we struggled to break the deadlock. I remember Celtic closing up at the back and it didn't seem as if a goal was going to come; we hit the post, Aimar had a great shot... but in the end justice was done."

Vicente found the net in the 74th minute to make it 1-0, when the ball was cut back to him off a free kick. Valencia CF went on to win the tie and progress to the Round of 16.

As for Thursday's game, he believes that VCF will be keen to avoid any surprises.

"I expect a different game, as Celtic need to overturn the disadvantage, but I hope it has the same ending. We all trust that Valencia CF will go through, and we saw what a great game they had at Celtic Park. Even though Celtic are sure to push them, with the support of the fans I'm sure that VCF will be going for the win."