UEFA cup final

Valencia 2 - Olympique Marseille 0

Valencia have done it! Rafa Benítez's side became the first Spanish club to win the UEFA cup in 18 years after defeating Olympique Marseille in Gothenborg. Once again it was a competent, if not particularly pretty performance from the Chés, who could have gone behind early in the first half before they finally settled down. The turning point came though on the stroke of half time when Fabien Barthez crashed into Mista as the striker pushed the ball past him, leaving referee Pierluigi Collina no alternative but to award a penalty and send the French keeper off. Vicente converted the kick, and the game was almost over. Mista added a second after the break, controlling Vicente's cross on a rapid breakaway to beat number two keeper Gavanon (and take the man of the match award into the bargain), and after that it was the usual gritty defence until Collina called it a day. After two defeats in European finals Valencia had their trophy, and it will sit nicely next to the league title which they won a few days ago. No doubts this season who are the best side in the country! (19.05.04)