With 33 Champions League games to his name thus far, Eliaquim Mangala is amongst the current Valencia CF squad members with the most experience in the competition. The centre back has featured for three clubs in the tournament, and played minutes against Atletico Madrid last Friday in preparation for a potential appearance in the Last 16 showdown against Atalanta this week.
Mangala has previously reached the knockout stages of the Champions League with FC Porto in 2012/13 and Manchester City in 2015/16. In the latter campaign, City reached the semifinals for the first time in their history, triumphing over Dinamo Kiev and Paris Saint Germain -and Mangala played all 180 minutes of the game against the French team.
“Details make the difference in the type of game that we will have against Atalanta," he told VCF Media. "Each team has their moments during the tie, and you have to be prepared. Details and mentality are key."
Should Mangala play on Wednesday, he will be entrusted with stopping dangerous attackers such as Zapata and Ilicic, as Valencia CF attempt to carry over an advantage for the return leg at Mestalla.
Latest news Ver todas
Latest news Ver todas
Baraja: "We want to dedicate the victory to the victims and those affected by the 'DANA'"
The coach previews the game against Real Betis
L'INFORMATIU DEL VALENCIA CF - 22/11/24
22 November 2024BEST PICTURES FROM VALENCIA CF TRAINING SESSION 21/11/2024
21 November 2024L'INFORMATIU DEL VALENCIA CF - 21/11/24
21 November 2024Joaquín: "Valencia CF-Real Betis will be a special match. Feelings are going to run deep"
The former Valencia CF player, protagonist of L'Informatiu on VCF Radio