Fuente : UEFA (English)
http://www.uefa.com/

Intertoto Cup: Stalemate suits Hamburg

/noticias.info/ A goalless draw was enough for Hamburger SV to clinch one of the three UEFA Intertoto Cups and progress to the UEFA Cup at Valencia CF's expense thanks to a 1-0 aggregate triumph.

Aimar recalled
Valencia coach Quique Sánchez Flores made changes to the side that lost the first leg 1-0, choosing creative playmaker Pablo Aimar and young talent Raúl Albiol in midfield while Emiliano Morretti ousted Carlos Marchena in central defence. Visiting coach Thomas Doll, without the suspended scorer of the solitary first-leg goal Sergej Barbarez, named Bastian Reinhardt among his substitutes.

Kluivert close
There was no shortage of anticipation at the Mestalla, where Valencia counted on the support of a full house who were in feisty spirits. Aimar entertained from the start, dodging past two Hamburg defenders before delivering a precise pass for Rufete, whose potent shot bounced off the legs of goalkeeper Stefan Wächter. Minutes later, the visitors' crossbar shuddered on receiving a powerful header from Patrick Kluivert.

Clever corner
The game gradually lost its early vibrancy and Valencia struggled to find ways of breaking down a well-organised Hamburg defence. The German outfit were able to make the occasional advance into Valencia's box and looked dangerous whenever they attacked. Mehdi Mahdavikia whipped in a corner that took everyone by surprise, including Emile Mpenza, who could have scored - but his side had already done enough. notas_de_prensa_archivo