Leeds Utd 1 - Málaga 2

Leeds: Robinson; Mills, Woodgate, Duberry, Kelly; Bowyer, Bakke, Okon, Wilcox; Smith, Bridges (Fowler 07'). 4-4-2.
Málaga: Contreras; Josemi, Fernando Sanz, Roteta, Valcarce; Manu (Sandro 58'), Gerardo, Romero, Musampa (Miguel Angel 78'); Darío Silva, Dely Valdés. 4-4-2.

Goals:
0-1. 14. Dely Valdés. Shot inside near post following Musampa cross.
1-1. 23. Bakke. Crashed ball into net after Fowler turned back Kelly cross.
1-2. 79. Dely Valdés. Beat Woodgate and hit shot across Robinson.

Málaga were the only Spanish side to qualify for the fourth round of the competition after beating Leeds United 1-2 at a wet and freezing Elland Road. Peiró's side were at full strength, although their two Uruguayan internationals Darío Silva and Romero were both carrying knocks, the former with strapping on his damaged ribs and the latter wearing headgear to protect the twelve stitches put in his head the week before. Leeds were missing several of their key players, with Kewell also dropping out, but Mills and Bridges were back in the side. The unlucky Bridges had to be carried off though early on, a not fully match fit Robbie Fowler being forced into action earlier than expected in his place.

Dely Valdés put the Spaniards ahead on the quarter hour mark with a vital away goal when he connected with Musampa's cross to push it inside Robinson's near post, but Bakke levelled the scores a few minutes later after Fowler laid back a cross from Kelly. The visitors went close twice later in the half, Dely Valdés putting a shot wide after Robinson had failed to hold on to Gerardo's shot, and the keeper did better soon afterwards, pushing Romero's shot away from the top corner of the net. The game was starting to get bad tempered though, with a series of fouls by both sides, and Bowyer was lucky not to get sent off when he trod on Gerardo's head after the two clashed.

The home side started better after the break, with Bowyer sending a low header just wide of goal. Peiró brought on Sandro for Manu to get a grip on midfield, looking to protect their lead in the tie. Venables pushed his men forward to try for the winner, but they could not get through a well ordered defence, and Dely Valdés struck again ten minutes from the end to put the result beyond doubt. Málaga, in their first year in Europe, were the only Spanish club to make it through to the fourth round of the competition, where they will meet AEK Athens. It was a sixth home defeat for Venables' side, and the result could spell the end for the ex Barcelona and England manager.