Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas hailed the character of his players after victory over Valencia.

While relieved to secure victory and stem the tide of negativity, Villas-Boas had to sacrifice his ideals for a place in the Champions League knockout phase.

Chelsea defended uncharacteristically deeply and invited the Spanish side on, hoping to grab goals on the counter-attack.

"I think there is a phrase that is interesting: the person that you are is a triumph in the person you want to be," Villas-Boas said.

"Today it was a win of personal values and human values.

"I think in the way we set out our philosophy, there are human values that you cannot put away.

"Today they showed themselves to an unbelievable expression.

"Yes, I think it is a different strategy, but the same philosophy in human values."