UEFA Cup, fourth round second leg

Another bad night for Spanish football, with two of La Liga's representatives getting knocked out of the competition at the last 16 stage. Zaragoza were hopeful of pulling off a victory exactly one year to the day since they won the Copa del Rey, but they were caught out by an Austria Vienna side who had already eliminated Athletic Bilbao in the last round. The visitors scored twice through Papac and Dosunmu in the opening twelve minutes, both coming from headers from Sionko free kicks, leaving Víctor Muñoz's side needing three to win. The sending off of Austria's keeper Didulica on the half hour mark gave them hope, and Villa and Galletti levelled the scores on the night after the restart. They were unable to get the one more they needed though, and exit the competition on the away goal rule.

Sevilla are also out after a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Parma. With a goal-less draw in the first leg a week ago, the Andalusians needed at least a score draw to go through to the quarter finals for the first time in their history. And they almost went ahead when Adriano curled a free kick against the bar on the quarter hour mark. Four minutes later though Cardone scored what was to prove the only goal of the tie after the ball fell at his feet following a corner, and local keeper kept out efforts from Baptista, Renato and Navas before the break. Baptista went close a couple of times after the restart, but in the end they could not find a way through a well ordered defence. Their defeat leaves Villarreal as the only Spanish side in tomorrow's quarter final draws, but they still have to win their postponed game against Steaua on Sunday if they are to make it in to the last eight. (17.03.05)

News archive