Valencia just about scrapped through into the UEFA Champions League group stages with a 4-3 aggregate win. Despite an earely opener, a late goal from Elderson made the final 15 minutes a real struggle for the Spaniards.

Monaco knew that the task at hand was a sizeable one, and Leonardo Jardim was well aware that he had to attack from the off to have any chance of overturning the first-leg deficit. He made two changes from last week's tie in Spain, bringing in Layvin Kurzawa and Nabil Dirar for Wallace and Elderson. The team also changed into a more attacking formation, in a bid to claw their way back into the tie.

For Valencia, they would have been forgiven for going on the defensive to grind out the result they needed. This was not the thinking of coach Nuno Espirito Santo, however. He matched Monaco with a 4-3-3, while also making two alterations from the previous meeting at the Mestalla; he replaced Paco Alcácer and Rodrigo De Paul with Javi Fuego and Álvaro Negredo.

Both sides trade early goals

It was the Spaniard's who started strongest and a series of corners very nearly gave them a three-goal cushion. Shkodran Mustafi somehow managed to volley an effort towards goal from six yards out, only to see Danjiel Subašić make a quite marvelous save.

Parity wasn't to last long and Fabinho's critical mistake allowed Negredo to open the scoring. The latter picked up on his loose play and executed an exquisite chip over the helpless Subašić; the 'keeper was caught out cold by his brilliance just inside the box.

Despite Negredo having further chances to score, and he was made to pay for passing up said opportunities. A corner was poorly cleared and fell to Andrea Raggi, probably one of the last players that the hosts would want a chance to fall for. He made no mistake and finish with aplomb, turning and rifling a shot in at Mathew Ryan's near post to give his side some hope to cling on to.

The goal had caused a little lull in proceedings but the game was still being played at a terrific pace. Kurzawa's free-kick went well-over from a good position and, in his quest to make up for the early mistake, Fabinho drove a shot wide on the angle. Valencia looked like they were finally beginning to settle but still looked dangerous on the break.

Stale second half livens up towards the end

Neither side made a huge impact in the early moments of the second half but Jardim did make an early change. Mario Pašalić was replaced by Lemar, in a bid to freshen up the middle of the park. Negredo was also beginning to tire and his night was cut short on the hour mark, with Paco Alcácer coming on in his place. Soon the Monaco manager had shown his head; Guido Carrillo and Elderson had came on in the hope of sparking a revival.

Pablo Piatti was another fresh face and he went closest to opening the scoring in the second half action, with his shot skidding into the hands of Subašić. Lemar had a chance of his own soon after but a brace block from Mustafi snuffed out the danger and protected his goalkeeper.

But finally, after half an hour of little or no chances, there was something for the home fans to cheer. Carrillo's free-kick was palmed out by Ryan, who reacted late to his drilled effort. The ball cannoned off an unsuspecting attacker before falling at the feet of Elderson, who gleefully tapped in to make for a nervy final 15 minutes.

The Australian stopper made two more crucial interventions to halt the charge of their opponents, and Valencia could breathe a sigh of relief after almost giving up a three-goal aggregate lead. Monaco, on the other hand, will be keen to show their worth in the Europa League.