Inter enjoy Spanish superiority

Having met for the third time in four years, FC Internazionale Milano once more showed that they have the upper hand when it comes to facing Valencia CF, recording a 5-1 away success at the Mestalla on UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 this season.

Recent meetings
That win aside, Inter have won both of their other ties against the current Spanish champions in their two recent meetings in European club competitions, where a place in the semi-finals of either the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Cup was at stake.

Vieri decisive
Their most recent duel came in the 2002/03 Champions League, Inter winning the home leg thanks to Christian Vieri's early goal. Although Valencia would win at the Mestalla, once Vieri had put the Italian side ahead, Rafael Benítez's side required three goals without reply to maintain their interest in the competition. Although Pablo Aimar and Rubén Baraja put Valencia ahead on the night, Inter held on to win on away goals.

Ventola winner
Twelve months previously Inter qualified for the UEFA Cup semi-finals by winning in Valencia after the two sides drew 1-1 in Milan, Marco Materazzi putting the home side in front and Valencia equalising through Francisco Rufete. However, despite having a coveted away goal, Valencia lost their way at home as Nicola Ventola's early effort proved sufficient for Inter to qualify. Despite those wins, Inter lost out to the eventual winners in the semi-finals on each occasion, going down to neighbours AC Milan in the 2002/03 Champions League having lost to Feyenoord in the previous season's UEFA Cup.

Inspired Alavés
Although historically Inter have a weak record away to Spanish teams, to date only Deportivo Alavés have ever defeated the Milan giants on their home patch, a 2-0 victory in the 2000/01 UEFA Cup quarter-finals. In total, Inter have played host to Spanish teams on 13 occasions, winning seven, drawing five and losing only once.

Solitary victory
Valencia, for their part, have visited Italy on seven occasions, winning once, drawing once and losing the remaining five matches. Their only victory to date came in the second group stage of the 2002/03 Champions League when a John Carew goal provided them with three points at AS Roma's expense, although the Italians would comfortably win the return match six days later as Francesco Totti scored twice in a 3-0 win.