Valencia held draw by Werder Bremen

Valencia were held to a 1-1 draw by Werder Bremen in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League clash at La Mestalla.

Torsten Frings shoot off Bremen in front from penalty on the 25 minutes of the first half to give the German side a priceless away goal.

Valencia were deductd to ten men in the middle of the second period when Ever Banega was sent off for violent conduct.

Ironically, a little later the Spaniard side drew level when Juan Mata scored after David Silva's autochthonal strike had been blocked.

Unfortunately, Valencia star David Villa was drawn-out seven minutes from time with a shoulder trauma.

Bremen will be positive of finishing off the task on home ground next week in the second leg tie.