Stoke will have to win in the Mestalla next week if their European adventure is to continue after Valencia shaded the first leg of their Europa League last-32 clash 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium.
Mehmet Topal netted the only goal of the game in the 36th minute with a stunning 30-yard strike that gave Asmir Begovic no chance.
Sofiane Feghouli also hit the post in the second half while Stoke, who have lost their last four Barclays Premier League games, were limited to half-chances.
They had only a couple of real glimpses of goal in the first half, with Jon Walters firing wide in the first minute and Peter Crouch sending an acrobatic volley just over.
Robert Huth stabbed a shot wide from Matthew Etherington's corner after the break before Ryan Shotton's 25-yard effort deflected off a defender but Vicente Guaita recovered just in time.
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