UEFA cup, league stage day 3

A better day for Spanish sides on week three of the league stage, and all four are in a good position to qualify for the knock-out stage. With Athletic Bilbao and Zaragoza both resting, only Villarreal and Sevilla were in action, and both produced good results to move up into the qualifying positions.

Sevilla were the first to kick off in sub zero temperatures against Zenit Saint Petersburg, and although Baptista headed against the post early on, the Russians took the lead after Aitor Ocio failed to clear and Arshavin took advantage to beat Esteban from close up. However Baptista got on the end of a Carlos cross midway through the second half to level the scores at 1-1.

Villarreal beat Middlesbrough 2-0 later in the evening to record their first win in the league stage. With most of their forwards missing, Guayre led the local attack, and he opened the scoring ten minutes before the break after Riquelme put him through. And Javi Venta got the second goal after the restart after a quick passing move, also with Riquelme. (25.11.04).