Fernando Torres: ‘Valencia is a tough place to play for Chelsea’

Fernando Torres believes that it will be “difficult” for Chelsea to get a result at Valencia’s home turf as the Blues head into the Champions League clash at the Mestalla tonight.

The 27-year-old, who has scored three goals in his Chelsea career since joining from Liverpool in January, experienced the “hostile” atmosphere in Valencia when he used to play for Atletico Madrid.

“It's a very difficult place to play away,” Torres told the club’s official website. “Every time I went with Atletico, I can't remember once winning there. Valencia is one of the big teams, but hopefully it can be different this time.

“It is a massive stadium with a very good atmosphere. It will be very hostile playing there as the away team, which is good for Valencia.”

The Spain international is expected to start for the Blues since he is suspended for the club’s next three Premier League matches after receiving a red card for a two-footed lunge on Mark Gower during the side’s 4-1 win over Swansea City last weekend.