Strand strikes fear into Valencia

Rosenborg BK's Roar Strand says Valencia CF "should not be looking forward" to visiting Trondheim with the Norwegian club hoping to give them "a real scare".

Famous victories
The 37-year-old Rosenborg captain has been on the winning side against Spanish opposition several times at the Lerkendal Stadium, memorably scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 victory against Real Madrid CF in the 1997/98 UEFA Champions League – when Madrid went on to win the competition. "Valencia should not be looking forward to this game. We plan to give them a real scare," said Strand, who has also claimed the scalps of RC Deportivo La Coruña and Athletic Club Bilbao.

No peace
Valencia are on a decent run in the Primera División, occupying third place having beaten Deportivo 4-2 away this weekend, yet Strand is sure Rosenborg have the ability to unsettle their guests. "Of course Valencia are a very good side – they have brilliant individuals but at the same time play strongly as a unit," he said. "It will be very difficult but we don't intend to give them time to do their patient passing in their own half. We will work extremely hard together and will not give them any peace."

'More attack-minded'
Rosenborg sit bottom of Group B with one point from two games, but all is not lost. Midfielder Strand, though, is adamant that they must improve on the form shown in the 2-0 home defeat by FC Schalke 04 on Matchday 2 if they are to trouble Valencia. "It was very disappointing to lose to Schalke but we really think we can do better this time," he said. "We will be aggressive from the word 'go' and more attack-minded than in the last match."