Mestalla's comeback culture

Mestalla will be closed off to fans on Tuesday night due to health restrictions, but that doesn't mean that there won't be a special aura about the stadium for the game against Atalanta.

Despite the 4-1 result from the first leg, and the absence of their supportive fanbase, Valencia CF are still confident of a comeback in the second leg of their Champions League tie. Legendary Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi told national publication 'Gazzetta dello Sport' after the first leg that "Valencia CF have a comeback culture," and with good reason.

On several occasions the club have turned around adverse results in Europe. They did so most recently in the 2013/14 UEFA Europa League, coming back from 3-0 down against FC Basel to win 5-0 in extra time and make it into the semifinals.

That night, Dani Parejo had a stellar performance, whilst Jaume Domènech watched on from the bench and José Luis Gayà from the stands.

Throughout their history, VCF have taken several results in Champions League action at Mestalla that would allow them to go through against Atalanta. This season they beat LOSC Lille 4-1 in the group stages, which would level the tie. Before that, they had spectacular wins against Genk (7-0), Bursaspor (6-1), Rangers (3-0), Elfsborg (3-0), Red Bull Salzburg (3-0), Spartak Moscow (3-0), Basel (6-2), Leeds United (3-0), Tirol Innsbruck (4-1), FC Barcelona (4-1) and Girondins (3-0).

When they lost 1-0 away to Red Bull Salzburg, they came back to triumph 3-0 at home. After losing 2-1 to Arsenal, they got a 1-0 victory at Mestalla to reach the semifinals.