Champions league - second phase, day 7

Valencia 1 - Ajax 1

Valencia drew 1-1 with Ronald Koeman's Ajax in a game which they should have won but almost ended up losing. Rafa Benítez's side dominated the game throughout, but without the inspiration of the injured Aimar, Kily and Rufete, they could not find a way past the excellent Australian keeper Didulica. Then just as everyone was expecting a scoreless draw, Ajax broke away and substitute Zlatan rounded keeper Cañizares to score with virtually their first shot at goal. Valencia came back though, and in the second minute of injury time Angulo pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the area to turn and fire a low shot wide of Didulica to save a point. Valencia really needed to win this one though, and they now face a difficult visit in a fortnight's time to Arsenal, who produced one of the surprises of the day by beating Roma away from home. (27.11.02)

Leverkusen 1 - Barcelona 2

Barcelona came from behind to beat Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 and record their ninth victory in a row in the competition. Van Gaal lined up with six natural midfielders in his side, but the Germans started strongly and Brdaric got the ball in the net in the second minute only to see it ruled out for offside. Then six minutes before the break they took the lead, Berbatov rising above the defence to head home Babic's corner. Van Gaal made two changes at half time, bringing on Saviola and Riquelme, and within three minutes his side were level, the two combining for Saviola to roll the ball under Butt. A quarter of an hour later the visitors had a chance to take the lead when Placente brought down Kluivert in the area, but Butt dived to save Riquelme's kick. However with three minutes to go substitute Marc Overmars scored the winner on a quick breakaway to give his side the best possible start. (27.11.02)

Deportivo 2 - Juventus 2

Deportivo La Coruña threw away an early two goal lead and ended drawing 2-2 at home to Juventus. The Spaniards got off to the best possible start, with Capdevila setting up two goals in quick succession with only ten minutes on the clock. Both came from left wing crosses, the first finding Diego Tristán for him to head down past Buffon, and the second two minutes later for Makaay to volley first time in to the net. The Italians showed why they are heading their league though, and came back with a spectacular shot from outside of the area by Birindelli which flew over Juanmi and entered the net off the crossbar. Twelve minutes in to the second half Nedved had levelled the scores, hitting a shot low from the edge of the area into the bottom corner of Juanmi's goal. Manchester United's victory in Basel means that Depor really need to get a result in Old Trafford in two weeks' time to keep in touch with their rivals. (26.11.02)

AC Milan 1 - Real Madrid 0

Real Madrid lost their first game in the second phase, and have now gone three matches since they last scored a goal. Shevchenko's strike late in the first half from a Rui Costa through ball was enough to give AC Milan a 1-0 victory over the European Champions, and get the Italians off to a best possible start. The tie merited more than one goal though, with both sides creating several scoring chances in a fast moving match. Morientes, replacing the indisposed Ronaldo, missed a good chance and Dida dealt well with efforts from Zidane and Salgado before Shevchenko put his side in front. Milan could have gone further ahead after the break when Casillas just tipped over a long Rui Costa shot and Cambiasso cleared off the line from Seedorf. But Madrid came back in the last few minutes, and Raúl forced the ball over the line only to see the goal ruled out for offside. After that the Italians ran down the clock, happy to have the first three points in the bag against their most dangerous rival. (26.11.02)