Valencia 1 - AIK Solna 0

Valencia: Palop; Curro Torres, Ayala, David Navarro, Carboni (Garrido 85'); Rufete, Albelda, Aimar, Canobbio; Juan Sánchez (Mista 65'), Oliveira (Xisco 80'). 4-4-2.
AIK Solna: Svensson; Tamandi, Björk, Sundgren, Tjernström; Ishizaki, Nordin, Kah, Aslund; Boateng, Corneliusson (Hoch 80'). 4-4-2.

Goals:
1-0. 75. Mista. Headed cross from right by Curro Torres wide of keeper.

A workmanlike display from Valencia against AIK Solna saw Valencia comfortably through to the next round. Defending a one goal lead from the first leg, Rafa Benítez put out a surprisingly attacking side with Oliveira, Juan Sánchez and Aimar all in the side. By contrast, Solna manager Richard Money preferred a more defensive formation, although his side did come out fighting and pushed into the Valencia half in the opening minutes.

It did not take long though for the hosts to get a grip, and Oliveira, Canobbio and in particular Juan Sánchez all had chances to open the scoring. Belgian referee Johan Verbist turned down a penalty appeal before the break when the ball hit Nordin's upraised hands from behind, Aimar got free but was closed down by the keeper.

The crowd were starting to get restless though as the scoreline remained unchanged, and Benítez finally reverted to Mista. Almost immediately he connected with Aimar to cause problems for the Swedish defence, and soon afterwards he was in the right place to head a long Curro Torres cross wide of Svensson and in to the net.

That was all they needed, and with the game in the bag Benítez gave a run out to his young striker Xisco, who had returned to the club from Recreativo this summer but who had not played due to an injury. Nothing to get too excited about, but Valencia are through to the next round.