Villarreal 2 - Steaua Bucharest 0

Villarreal: Reina; Javi Venta, Gonzalo Rodríguez, Peña, Arruabarrena; Riquelme (César Arzo 90'), Josico, Marcos Senna, Sorín (Cazorla 53'); José Marí (Héctor Font 85'), Figueroa. 4-4-2.
Steaua: Khomutovski, Ogararu, Radoi, Ghionea, Marin; Munteanu (Nicolita 75'), Oprita (Dinita 83'), Dica, Lovin; Cristea (Ciocoiu 75'), Bostina. 4-4-2.

Goals:
1-0. 05. José Marí. Header from Riquelme corner down through legs of keeper.
2-0. 61. Riquelme (penalty). After Cazorla tripped in area by Marin.

Villarreal saved the day for Spanish football, beating Steaua Bucharest 2-0 in their second leg match to go through to a quarter final tie with Alkmaar. The Spaniards were the only side remaining from La Liga in either of the European competitions, and with a score-less draw from their delayed first leg match midweek they were hopeful of victory. After an early scare when Dica headed over, José Marí gave his side an early lead when he headed Riquelme's corner down through the legs of the keeper. And although Oprita went close for the visitors soon afterwards, José Marí and Figueroa could have added to the scoreline before the break.

The Romanians were being spurred on by four thousand visiting fans, and Cristea came close to giving them something to cheer about when he shot wide and then headed over the bar soon after the restart. But on the hour mark substitute Cazorla was brought down in the area by Marin, and Riquelme (who missed the first leg through suspension) stepped up to beat Khomutovski with a penalty which had to be taken twice. Visiting coach Walter Zenga threw on all his attacking force after that, but Villarreal's defence held on for what was their nineteenth clean sheet in a row at the Madrigal stadium in European competitions.

There was sad news after the final whistle though when Cazorla was told that his grandmother, who had come to the ground to watch her grandson play, had collapsed and died of a heart attack during the match. The club dedicated their victory to her.