Champions league - first phase, day 5

Liverpool 0 - Valencia 1

Valencia beat Liverpool for the second time this season to qualify for the second phase of the competition as champions of group B. Rafa Benítez's side came in to the game only needing a point to be sure of going through, but a goal from Rufete ten minutes before half time gave them a 0-1 victory. Both sides could have taken the lead in an exciting first half, with Baraja shooting over from close up and Cañizares pulling out a good save from Gerrard. The Valencia keeper put in an excellent performance throughout the match, and after the break he kept out efforts from Michael Owen, Hamann and Baros. Rufete's goal was fortunate when it came, his shot taking a wicked deflection off Hyppia to deceive Dudek. But it gave the Spaniards their first win in England in 41 years, and leaves Liverpool probably needing a win in Basel in two weeks time to be sure of joining their opponents in the second round draw. (30.10.02)

Real Madrid 0 - Roma 1

Real Madrid qualified for the second phase of the Champions League despite losing 0-1 at home to Roma. The European champions put in a disappointing performance, but with AEK Athens drawing with Genk in the other group match, Madrid are at least assured of second place. Del Bosque lined up with his all-star team for the first time after Figo and Cambiasso passed late fitness tests. However Figo did not look fully match fit, and with Ronaldo also not on great form the Italians gave them the run-around in the first half. The only goal came just before the half hour mark from Totti, who latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the area to fire a shot wide of Casillas. Only two minutes earlier Raúl got the ball in the net but was correctly ruled offside by referee Hugh Dallas, and Antonioli saved shots from Ronaldo and Raúl after the break. With a goal in their favour though, Roma put up the shutters and relied on counterattacks, and they held on to go level with the Spaniards on points. (30.10.02)

Deportivo La Coruña 2 - Bayern Munich 1

A last minute goal by Roy Makaay kept Deportivo La Coruña on track for the next round and left Bayern Munich out of Europe competitions this season. The Dutch striker got on the end of Capdevila's cross in the 89th minute to volley the ball past reserve keeper Wessels and give his side a vital 2-1 victory. It was his fourth goal against the Germans in two games, and left Bayern bottom of their group with no chance now of even qualifying for the UEFA cup as third placed team. Víctor had given Irureta's side the lead ten minutes into the second half from a set piece free kick, but as the rains fell, substitute Santa Cruz headed a long cross from Scholl wide of Juanmi to level the scores before Makaay's late strike. A victory by Lens against a depleted AC Milan side meant that Depor are not yet sure of a place in the second phase, but with a two point advantage for the Spaniards, the French side will have to win in Munich to have any chance of going through. (29.10.02)

Brugge 0 - Barcelona 1

A moment of genius from Juan Román Riquelme was enough for Barcelona to take the three points against a grey Club Brugge. Already assured of top spot in their group, Van Gaal lined up with Puyol, Riquelme and nine reserves, leaving the rest of his first team squad at home. Neither side made much of an impact in the first half until the final minutes, when referee Graham Poll turned down a penalty appeal after Fernando Navarro tripped Verheyen. Riquelme struck though midway through the second half, shaking off two defenders before firing a long dipping shot into the bottom corner of the net. Dani and Iniesta came close to making it two, but Enke had to make a fingertip save from Martins in injury time to ensure Barça's fifth straight win. (29.10.02)