Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his players after they battled past Valencia to join the continent's elite in the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the first time in 18 years.

Leading 2-1 from the first leg of its last-16 tie, PSG appeared at real risk of blowing it when Jonas put Valencia in front on the night early in the second half.

However, Ezequiel Lavezzi's equalizer calmed the nerves and helped the French capital club go through, with a 1-1 draw ensuring a 3-2 aggregate triumph.