UEFA Cup - first round, first leg

Celta 4 - Sigma Olomouc 0

Celta dominated this game from start to finish to open their new European campaign with a resounding victory against the Czech side. Karpin opened the scoring shortly before half time with a scrambled goal, and after that there was no looking back. Catanha added the second from the penalty spot in the second half after Sergio was fouled, and substitute Edú got the third only three minutes later. Then in the final minute Karpin got his second of the night on a counter attack. Víctor Fernández used the game to give an opportunity to some members of his squad who had not had a chance in the league so far. (20.09.01)

Zaragoza 3 - Silkeborg 0

Three goals in the second half gave Zaragoza a comfortable lead for the second leg in Denmark next week. They started nervously though, missing several chances and leaving themselves open to the counter attack before the break. However within two minutes of the restart Yordi headed them into the lead, and Juanele added a second later on with a shot which bounced just over the line off the crossbar. José Ignacio finished things off with a header near the end. (20.09.01)

Chernomorets 0 - Valencia 1

A much changed Valencia side did enough to take a one goal lead back from the windy Crimea. Rafa Benítez left some of his star players at home and kept others in reserve on the bench against a Chernomorets side who were not expected to cause too many problems. Mista was given a rare chance to prove himself up front and was the man of the match for Valencia, scoring the only goal of the game in the second half and creating several chances for his team mates. Afterwards it was a long haul home for the second time in a week and back to prepare the weekend's league match. (19.09.01)