Valencia were in freefall after picking up just one win in 11 matches in all competitions recently, during which time they slumped to eighth in the Primera Liga standings and were also eliminated from both the UEFA Cup and Copa del Rey.

However, the team's 1-0 win at Racing Santander just prior to the international break - Valencia's first away victory since November - has renewed hope they can still salvage something from the season and get into the Champions League.

Unai Emery's troops are currently in sixth spot ahead of Sunday's visit of Getafe to the Mestalla, five points behind fourth-placed Villarreal, and Villa is confident they can still overhaul their local rivals in the race for the coveted Champions League places.

"Of course, if you didn't think this you wouldn't go out and play and would just go home," said Villa in El Mundo Deportivo.

"After beating Racing, which was a very important victory, we are only five points from the Champions League and we will give it absolutely everything to be in it next season."

The Spain striker also insists the team are focused on the task at hand despite the financial problems that have stricken the club and badly affected both players' wages and construction work on their new stadium.

"It's true that if things are going badly institutionally then you do notice it on the sporting side of things, but the team are only thinking about playing, giving it all on the pitch and winning games," he added.