Frank Lampard scored a smart second half goal in the Mestalla tonight to ensure Chelsea got a point against Valencia in the Champions league to stay top of Group E.
The midfielder, 33, restored to the starting line-up arrowed home a right footer from a tight angle on 56 minutes which should have given them a third win against the Spanish side in their home stadium.
But a late penalty by Soldado after sub Salomon Kalou needlessly handled in the area gave Valencia a share of the spoils.
Both goalkeepers were in excellent form but it was the Spanish Diego Alves who was the star - stopping point-blank efforts twice from Fernando Torres - a fine stop from a diving Torres header and a brilliant block from a right-footed half volley from the Spanish forward.
Alves also denied Ramires from scoring and was on hand with a minute remaining to deny substitute Nicolas Anelka.
Chelsea now has four points from two games with Bayer Leverkusen a point behind following their 2-0 home win against Genk.
Questions have to be asked about Chelsea manager Andres Villa-Boas's decision to replace Lampard with Kalou with eight minutes remaining and a goal to the good.
Quite what was expected of Kalou and why he gave away a rash penalty by handling the ball is anybody's guess.
Chelsea return tonight from Spain and have a day off before heading up north on Friday afternoon to prepares for the early afternoon kick-off against Bolton Wanderers.
Torres is suspended for the game following his sending off on Saturday against Swansea City.