If BATE Borisov are going to make it into the knockout rounds of the Champions League, this is where they're going to have to do it. Considering that that involves a trip to the Mestalla, things don't look great for the Belorussian outfit, who managed to earn six points from their first two matches but were dispatched by Valencia 3-0 at home two short weeks ago.
Valencia vs. BATE Borisov, 2012 UEFA Champions League: Preview and TV schedule
Roberto Soldado scored a hattrick in Belarus the last time these two teams met. What are the odds that BATE will be able to get a result in Spain? Hint: They’re low.
Manuel Queimadelos Alonso
Do BATE have any chance of progressing? No, probably not. They’re almost certainly making it to the Europa League ahead of Lille, but despite a strong showing against Bayern Munich it’s difficult to see them as better than the third best team in the group. A result against Valencia at the Borisov Gradski would have given them some hope, but Roberto Soldado blew a big old hole in that with his hattrick, and we should probably be expecting more of the same in Spain on Wednesday.
Valencia injuries and suspensions
Out: Sergio Canalas (knee), Pablo Piatti (arm). In doubt: N/A.
BATE Borisov injuries and suspensions
Out: Alexander Pavlov (suspended). In doubt: N/A.
Pavlov is a major loss for BATE, having started all three Champions League games and scoring once with one assist, but the midfielder’s omission is unlikely to make much of a difference to the result. They’re getting steamrolled with or without him.
Match Date/Time: 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Mestalla, Valencia, Spain.
TV: Yeah, did you really think this one was going to be on TV?
Online: FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.)
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