UEFA cup - quarter final, first leg

Málaga 1 - Boavista 0

A single Dely Valdés goal was enough to give Málaga a 1-0 victory in this first leg tie against Portugal's Boavista. It was the Panamanian striker's 36th birthday the day before the match, and he celebrated in style when he turned in Darío Silva's cross in the eighteenth minute. Referee Pierluigi Collina ruled out a second goal by Silva a few minutes later for offside, and visiting keeper Ricardo saved from substitute Canabal near the end. The important thing for Joaquín Peiró's side though was not to let in an away goal, and with Contreras a safe pair of hands at the back that was never really in doubt. The Spaniards must now be favourites to go through, although they will not have it easy in next week's return leg in Porto. (13.03.03)