UEFA Cup - first round, second leg

Valencia 5 - Chernomorets 0

Valencia enjoyed themselves in the second leg of this tie, building on their away win with a five goal drubbing of Chernomorets who appeared to be a group of Russian tourists on holiday rather than a serious footballing side. Rafa Benítez gave a chance to players who had not appeared much this season, and Juan Sánchez for one took his opportunity with two well taken goals in the opening half hour. In between Adrian Ilie got his first of the season, and in the second half Salva and Rufete added two more for the final scoreline. The only downside was a serious injury to Mista after he clashed with the keeper, and he was rushed off to hospital for tests. (27.09.01)

Sigma Olomouc 4 - Celta 3

A Celta side full of reserves qualified comfortably for the second round of the UEFA cup against Sigma Olmouc. With a four goal lead from the first round this was always going to be a formality, and when Benni McCarthy and then Cáceres put them two goals up by half time it seemed to be a matter of how many the Spanish side could score. However after the break the Czech team came back with some inspired football, scoring no less than four times in the 20 minutes from the restart through Siegl, Kotris and two from Mucha. And even then Pinto had to stop them from adding a couple more before Coira made it 7-4 on aggregate in the last minute. (27.09.01)

Silkeborg 1 - Zaragoza 2

Zaragoza were never in danger as they played out the formality of the second leg following their three goal victory at home against Silkeborg. Txetxu Rojo was taking no chances though after the club were eliminated last year in the first round under similar circumstances, and although he made some changes to the starting line up, he stuck to his usual central block. Any worries they had were allayed when Yordi headed them in front in the first half, although Larsen levelled the scores from the penalty spot before the break. Either side could have scored in the second half, but with the fog closing in and time running out, Jamelli rose to meet a cross from substitute Juanele to give the Spanish side a late victory on the night. (27.09.01)