20 years since Valencia CF's first Champions League appearance

September 15th marks 20 years since Valencia CF's first ever appearance in the UEFA Champions League. A magical night at Mestalla back in 1999 was their debut in the top European club competition, as they beat Glasgow Rangers through a Kily González brace.

Two decades on, the club begin their twelfth campaign in the tournament. They start off their Group Stage fixtures against Chelsea FC this Tuesday, meeting the reigning UEFA Europa League champions in London.

During their time in the Champions League, Valencia CF have reached two finals, doing so in consecutive years: On May 24th, 2000 in Paris (Real Madrid 3 – VCF 0) and May 23rd, 2001 en Milán (Bayern Munich 1 – VCF 1).

To date, they have played 104 games in the current European Cup format, with a record of 45 wins, 30 draws and 29 defeats. Amongst their highest scoring wins are a 7-0 win over Genk at Mestalla (2011) and 0-5 away against Sturm Graz (2001). Roberto Soldado (15 goals), Juan Sánchez (11) and Gaizka Mendieta (9) are the Valencia CF players with the most strikes in the competition.

The Champions League is the pinnacle of European football, and all the big sides want to play in it. This season Valencia CF do so for the second consecutive year, and are targetting a positive start when the campaign gets underway on Tuesday.