Valencia head coach Nuno has refused to criticise his players after they lost 3-2 to Group H rivals Zenit St Petersburg at the Mestalla.

It was a disastrous start to Valencia's Champions League campaign as they fought back from two goals behind before Axel Witsel's strike condemned them to defeat.

However, Nuno believes that his side were unfortunate to walk away from the game without a point on a night when Zenit's clinical edge made the difference.

"There was one team that wanted to go for the game, and that was us. From the first minute to the last," the Valencia boss told reporters.

"We always prepare players for all aspects of the opposition. We knew the danger posed by Hulk; we made a mistake allowing him to shoot, but I value what we tried to do more.

"We were the better team, dominating the match, and we controlled things. We will work on individual aspects because what we want is to grow and improve."

Valencia return to action against Real Betis on Saturday.