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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Lawrence Ostlere

Valencia vs Chelsea, player ratings: Mateo Kovacic and Kepa Arrizabalaga star in Champions League draw

Mateo Kovacic celebrates scoring Chelsea's first goal ( Getty )

Chelsea came away with a point from the Mestalla after an enthralling contest with Valencia to leave their Champions League group in the balance. 

The Blues started brightly but could not make their early pressure count, and paid the price when Carlos Soler put Valencia in front shortly before half-time.

But the outstanding Mateo Kovacic replied almost immediately with his first Chelsea goal to level the score going into the break.

Frank Lampard suffered a blow with an injury to Tammy Abraham, who seemed in pain clutching his ribs and was replaced by Michy Batshuayi, but it didn't slow Chelsea's momentum and they took the lead shortly after half-time via Chrstian Pulisic. 

Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga then saved a penalty from the captain Dani Parejo, yet Valencia had the final say when Daniel Wass's overhit cross looped over the head of the stranded Kepa and in off the far post in a bizarre moment of fortune. 

The result leaves both teams on eight points with five games played, ahead of Ajax's meeting with Lille later this evening.

Take a look through the gallery above to see how every player rated. 

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