Valencia’s growing appeal as a prime location for real estate and for important international events could soon be boosted as the city bids to host another important sporting event.

Hopes are now high that Spain’s third city will host the Champions League final in 2011, after a Uefa delegation conducted a full review of the city’s suitability for one of football’s biggest events.

A new premium was placed on property in Valencia in recent months as the interest of sports enthusiasts was aroused by the Formula One decision to hold a circuit in the city from 2008.

But the likes of Lewis Hamilton could be accompanied on their Valencian visits by Europe’s top football stars – as city representatives claimed that the Uefa visit helped to show the strength of Valencia’s claim.

Competition for the honour of hosting the event will be stiff, with London’s Wembley Stadium, Berlin’s Olympiastadion, and fellow Spanish location, Real Madrid’s Bernabeu, also in the running,

But Valencia’s famous Mestalla stadium is a strong contender, located at a close distance to the city centre and served by metro links, while the city’s airport is well connected by various budget airline routes.