|
Valencia were knocked out of the UEFA cup after losing by a single goal to Inter Milan. With a hard fought 1-1 draw under their belts from the first leg in Italy, and an unbeaten home record in Europe that stretches to 33 games, Valencia were favourites to go through. However they were up against a master tactician in Héctor Cúper, the man who took them to two Champions League finals, and they were unable to break down his defensive web. Inter took the lead with the game only just under way, Ventola running on to Kallon's pass to chip over the advancing Cañizares in the second minute. From then on the visitors gave up any pretext of attack, pulling at times eight men back to help out a magnificent Toldo. Carew shot just wide on a couple of occasions before the break, and only frantic defending stopped the Spaniards from levelling the scores in the second half. There was a near riot ten minutes from the end when substitute Mista got the ball in the net only to see it ruled out for offside, and Toldo blotted his copybook getting himself sent off for time wasting with five minutes to go. With all three changes made ex Valencia midfielder Farinós took over in goal for the Italians, but Inter hung on to keep up Cúper's incredible record of never having lost a two leg tie in Europe. (21.03.02) |
|
 News archive |