UEFA Cup, league stage, day 4
Valencia are the only
Spanish side to be sure of a place in the last 32 despite being held to a 1-1
draw by Club Brugge in the Mestalla stadium. With an important league
match against Barcelona in two days' time, coach Unai Emery put out a line-up
packed with reserves. They went behind though when Alcaraz headed in a Vargas
free kick late in the first half, and only a Zigic header on the hour mark
saved a point.
Deportivo still have
some work to do after a 1-1 draw at Lech Poznan. Colotto turned in
Guardado's corner with only two minutes on the clock, but Rengifo equalised
shortly before half time, and only some good saves from Aranzubia prevented a
defeat. A draw at home to Nancy in the last match should see them through
though, provided that Poznan do not win at Feyenoord. (04.12.08)
Sevilla moved up to
second in their group after beating Partizan Belgrade 3-0 on Wednesday
night. Luis Fabiano opened the scoring from the penalty spot on the half hour
mark after Jesús Navas was fouled. And after Renato fired home another
just a couple of minutes after the restart, the Brazilian striker got his
second of the night later on. The Andalusians still need a point in their last
match at Sampdoria to be sure of going through.
Racing Santander did
not play this week, but they need to beat the already qualified Manchester City
in their last game in a fortnight's time to have any chance of reaching the
next round. And if Paris Saint Germain win the other group A game against
Twente, they need to match or better the French side's result to take third
spot on goal difference. (03.12.08) |