Swansea's stunning 3-0 Europa League victory over Valencia last Tuesday was nothing less than historic. True, the Spanish hosts played with 10 men for 80 minutes after Adil Rami was dismissed.

But the defender saw red because he couldn’t handle Swansea striker Wilfred Bony, who smashed home the opener just four minutes later.

Michu then made sure that some incisive, two-touch passing counted with a thunderous close-range strike on 58 minutes.

And Jonathan De Guzman sweetened the scoreline with a dipping free kick that couldn’t have been saved if Valencia had 11 men on the goalline, nevermind the pitch.

Thousands of Swansea fans perched in the heights of the massive open-top Mestalla Stadium were no doubt overjoyed, if partly unsurprised.

The slick possession-based play they have come to expect from their side is exactly the style of football which tends to triumph in Spain.

Roberto Martinez can be credited with initiating Swansea to that brand of football as far back as 2007.

That’s illustrated by the fact that Martinez graduate Leon Britton was the top passer in Europe last season — beating even Barcelona pass-masters Xavi and Messi.

The progression of Swansea’s Iberian initiave meant they were able to field more Spanish players than Valencia and, in Michael Laudrup, have a boss who conquered La Liga with both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

All of that makes them ideal candidates to represent Wales in Europe.

However, Swansea qualified for the Europa League by beating Bradford City 5-0 in last season’s English League Cup final.

Despite their talented squad, Swansea are unlikely to win a cup or finish in the Premier League’s top six each season.

Similarly, Cardiff came close to European qualification by reaching the finals of both the English FA Cup and League Cup in the past five seasons.

But two narrow losses for the Bluebirds have meant their long wait for a first European tie since 1993 continues.

That’s a shame because Swansea’s adventure has raised the mood of Welsh football when the national side’s form has slumped.

Don’t get me wrong, the majority of Wales’s European qualifying places should go to Welsh Premier League sides.

Prestatyn’s Europa League qualifying round victory over Latvia’s FK Liepajas Metalurgs earlier this summer was the latest example of the ability in our national league.

Welsh football also needs more nights like last Tuesday to raise the mood and, crucially, the expectations of our next generation of footballers.

It must be made possible for all Welsh teams playing in the English pyramid to qualify for European competition through the Welsh Cup.

Swansea’s victory over Valencia stands alongside Cardiff’s 1971 win over Real Madrid — but Wales cannot wait that long for history to be made again.