Feghouli the hero as Valencia down Elderson's Monaco

Algerian winger Sofiane Feghouli emerged as Valencia's hero on the night, setting up the opener, before scoring the vital third goal in a 3-1 win over Monaco at he Estadi de Mestalla on Wednesday evening.

Los Che got off to a barnstorming start with Rodrigo converting from close range within four minutes in what was the club's first competitive game of the season.

The Spanish forward left with an easy finish following an expert cut back from Feghouli.

FEGHOULI OUT TO DOWN MONACO, ABDENNOUR INJURED

The visitor dominated the late exchanges of the first-half and found their reward through Mario Pašalić  who leveled matters following a defensive mistake four minutes into the second stanza.

Valencia captain Daniel Parejo restored the hosts lead just before the hour, the ball finding the back of the net via a deflection.

ELDERSON MAY STILL HAVE MONACO FUTURE

Feghouli netted a vital third with four minutes of regulation time remaining, steering home from the edge of the area to make the Spanish side's trip to the Principality, for the UEFA Champions League playoff second-leg, more comfortable.

Nigeria fullback Elderson Echiejile  played the full 90 for Monaco, Moroccan Nabil Dirar came on as a second-half substitute.