Valdez sees Valencia's PSG trip as perfect gauge

Valencia CF striker Nelson Valdez is relishing the prospect of going to the French capital to take on Paris Saint-Germain FC next Wednesday.

Valencia head for Paris for their UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg having conceded two away goals at Mestalla, but nevertheless boosted by Adil Rami having halved the arrears in the last minute. The game will be Valencia's first in the city since their 2000 final defeat by Real Madrid CF and is one Valdez feels will serve as a gauge of the Spanish club's current continental standing.

"We know how important this is for the club, to continue participating in European competition," said the Paraguayan international, on loan at Valencia from FC Rubin Kazan. "I think the PSG match will be crucial for us to discover what level we are at. There are only strong teams left in the Champions League now, so we have to show we belong here. It will be a nice game and hopefully we can get a result.

"I think the Champions League is what everyone dreams about," continued the 29-year-old former SV Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund forward. "The best music I know is the Champions League anthem. Personally, it always gives me goose bumps, listening to that music and standing in line before the game – even sitting on the bench. It means I am at a good club and I am a part of this."

View the video above to hear more from Valdez.