OF SPANISH ARMADA

but as players you want to put yourself up against the best teams in the world. Valencia are certainly one of those.”

Pulis has enlisted the help of former Valencia and Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez to boost his hopes of a major upset.

And the Stoke boss admitted he was given a stark reminder of the task he faces after a spying mission at the weekend.

Pulis watched Valencia crush Sporting Gijon 4-0 to stay third in La Liga behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.

He said: “We’ve had some great results in Europe this season but this opposition is a step up from what we’ve faced so far.

“They have got players from Brazil, Italy and Argentina. They are technically very good, well drilled and powerful.

“They are a Champions League team, really, and the third best team in Spain, but are not too far behind Barcelona and Madrid.

“These two ties will be tough but we are all looking forward to this challenge.

“It’s the first time our club has gone this far and I know our fans will be up for it. It’s a mountain we have to climb but we still believe we’ve got a good chance.”

Pulis welcomes back Robert Huth as his three-match ban only counts in the Premier League.