After winning their opening three games Valencia turned up at Donetsk knowing a share of the points would virtually see them through depending on how their main Group D rivals AS Roma fared against Olympiakos.

And with the Italians being held to a 1-1 draw Argentina defender Roberto Ayala's 68th minute leveller left Valencia guaranteed of at least second place and into the last 16.

Bottom-side Shakhtar's hopes are all but dead and buried.

The Ukrainians, beaten by the 2004 UEFA champions 2-0 in Spain last month, raced into a two minute lead when Brazilian midfielder Jadson curled in a finely taken free-kick from the edge of the penalty area around the Valencia wall and past keeper Santiago Canizares.

On 18 minutes Valencia were back on level terms off another setpiece.

David Villa, the author of both goals which sank Shakhtar a fortnight ago, sent the ball low into the area with Fernando Morientes extending his boot to divert the ball past Bohdan Shust.

That was the former Real Madrid, Liverpool and Monaco striker's fourth goal in the competition this season.

The status quo lasted just ten minutes when another Brazilian, Fernandinho, restored Shakhtar's lead.

The versatile midfielder, who arrived at the Ukrainian champions on a 7.5 million euro transfer from Paranaense last year, stung Canizares with a 30m drive which clipped the Valencia stopper's hand on the way into the net.

In an open encounter Shakhtar managed to hold on to their supremacy up to the 68th minute when combative Argentina centre-back Ayala came up with Valencia's vital equaliser.

The former AC Milan defender, who has over 100 caps for his country, celebrated his 30th Champions League appearance when heading in Emiliano Moretti's pass from barely a metre off the ground.