Javi Fuego has revealed his delight after Valencia secured their spot in the Champions League group stage on Tuesday night.
Leading 3-1 from the first leg of their tie with Monaco, the La Liga side made the perfect start at the Stade Louis II when Alvaro Negredo scored an early away goal but they were forced to hold on to secure a 4-3 aggregate triumph after goals from Andrea Raggi and Elderson.
"We knew it would be a very complicated knockout and knew they would put huge pressure on us after the first leg," Fuego told reporters. "It seemed we would have it easier after Negredo's goal, but they levelled the game and then went ahead.
"But we managed to get through and this is now the icing on the cake after last season's success.
"We remember the teammates that are not with us today, and of course all the supporters that made a long bus journey to be with us."
The draw for the group stage will take place on Thursday.
