UEFA Champions League: Carlos Soler stars as Valencia boost last-16 hopes

Image Credits: Twitter/@valenciacf_en

Valencia`s Carlos Soler had a hand in all three goals as they beat Young Boys 3-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, boosting their last-16 hopes with their first home win of the season. 

The La Liga side have been struggling domestically and sit 15th in the league, but they gave their home fans some cheer with a comfortable Group H win over the Swiss, who finished with 10 men after Sekou Sanogo was sent off late on for a high tackle. 

Valencia`s joy, however, was somewhat tempered by a surprising result in Turin where Manchester United came from behind to beat group leaders Juventus 2-1. 

Valencia, who briefly occupied second spot, are third on five points ahead of their own trip to Italy later this month. 

The Spaniards took the lead after 14 minutes at the Mestalla when Soler surged through on goal and saw his angled chip come back off the post to be put in by Santi Mina.

Young Boys struck back in the 37th minute when Roger Assale took a quick, clever touch in the box to put the ball on his right foot and drove it into the far bottom corner. 

They were level for only four minutes, however, as Mina got his outstretched foot on to a cross from Soler, who finally got on the scoresheet to wrap up the win 10 minutes after halftime with a low strike from the right of the area.

Marcelino`s side trail second-placed United by two points and travel to Juventus knowing they must get something from that game as the Premier League side will be heavy favourites to beat the now eliminated Young Boys at home.