Valencia were staring at an early exit from the UEFA Champions League after they lost to Norwegian side Rosenborg 0-2 at the Mestalla Stadium on Tuesday. The Spanish side had fired their coach Quique Sanchez Flores and replaced him with Ronald Koeman. The latter has not had a good beginning and will be aware of the magnitude of the task facing him.

By contrast Rosenborg new coach Trond Henriksen wore a happy look at the end of the game. The Norwegian team defended resolutely at the start of the match as Joaquín's corners tested their defense initially. Ivan Helguerra managed to get at the end of one of these superb corners, but Rosenborg goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld saved superbly.

Valencia were boosted by the return of David Villa from injury and he did make an impact, but was unable to finish. His response to a long pass from Luis Miguel was wonderful, but his finishing looked rusty.

Rosenborg made a breakthrough in the 31st minute when Per Ciljan Skjelbred sent a pass to Marek Sapara, who pushed the ball in the path of Stefan Iverson. The latter expertly shot beyond the reach of Timo Hildebrand in the Valencia goal to give the visitors a deserved lead.

On 45 minutes, Villa again tested Hirschfeld, who was equal to the task. After the break, Valencia surged ahead giving Rosenborg enough space to attack. Fernando Morientes was replaced early on as he seemed to have taken a knock.

Valencia found themselves exposed at the back because they needed to attack and Rosenborg took advantage of this in the 58th minute, when Hildebrand missed Mikael Dorsin's corner. Iverson was on hand to nod home his second goal of the game and seal the match in Rosenborg's favor.

Valencia are at the bottom of Group B with 3 points from four games, while Rosenborg are second with 7 points from 4 games.

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