Jonas: Valencia must take final UCL spot

Valencia midfielder Jonas called on his team-mates to secure a vital win at Atletico Madrid on Sunday in order to boost their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

Los Che are currently in fifth place and two points adrift of fourth-placed Real Sociedad in the league standings. They know that a fourth-place finish is the best they can hope for as Atletico are currently 15 points ahead and are virtually assured of third place.

Moreover, the club face stern competition from the likes of Malaga, Real Betis and Getafe for the final Champions League qualifying spot as the battle for fourth place is rather heavily-contested this season.

Jonas still believes in his club's chances although many have tipped them to struggle against high-fliers Atletico in the match at the Vicente Calderon.

"There is one more spot and it is important [we take it]," Jonas told reporters on Thursday. "We cannot afford to lose games anymore because there is very little to go until the end of the season."

"It's a special match against a tough opponent with great potential. If we win we will add more points to achieve the goal and scoring away is important.

"They have a lot of quality from last season and are very strong. We know we have to score and win if possible and no team is unbeatable."

The Brazilian midfielder also stated that star striker Roberto Soldado, despite a dip in form of late, remains key for their chances of beating the side from the capital. The striker has failed to score against Real Madrid and Barcelona with many of his goals having come against poorer sides this term.

"He's [Soldado] a great player and very important to us," he said of Soldado to reporters. "With him on the field we have more chances to win a game."

"He's very important to have the player in the final phase of the season."

Valencia won the reverse fixture 2-0 at the Mestalla earlier in the season.