Spanish Super Cup, first leg

Deportivo La Coruña 3 - Valencia 0

The domestic season kicked off officially today with the first leg of the Spanish super-cup, which is played each year between the league champions (this year Valencia) and the cup-winners (Deportivo).

The Gallicians got off to a fantastic start, and inspired by Spanish international Juan Carlos Valerón they raced to a three goal lead by half time. Valerón opened the scoring himself, running on to a long ball from Scaloni, and then had a hand in the second goal which was finished off by Víctor after Cañizares saved from Makaay. Then with just over half an hour gone Valerón sent Makaay away on a long run, and the Dutch striker rounded Cañizares before sliding the ball across for Naybet to tap in.

The introduction of Carew and particularly Baraja at half time steadied the ship for the visitors, although Cañizares had to save from Makaay immediately after the break. There were no more goals though, and Depor now take a comfortable lead into the second leg at Mestalla next Sunday. (18.08.02)