Santos double delights Toulouse at last

Toulouse FC ended their UEFA Cup campaign on a winning note as Santos struck either side of half-time to secure victory against an FC Spartak Moskva team who had already booked their place in the Round of 32.

First win
The French club had failed to win in seven previous matches in European competition this season, losing both games against Liverpool FC in UEFA Champions League qualifying before ousting PFC CSKA Sofia on away goals in the UEFA Cup first round. Elie Baup's men then lost their opening three Group E fixtures to end their hopes of progress, before enjoying the consolation of this triumph on Matchday 5.

Early excitement
By contrast Spartak were already assured of qualification but nonetheless were in lively mood in south-west France, with Aleksandr Prudnikov blazing over and Rudy Riou producing a smart stop to keep out a close-range Welliton header. Toulouse had chances of their own, Achille Emana forcing Dmitri Khomich into two solid stops with long-distance efforts while Mohamed Fofana's angled attempt flew just wide.

Santos double
The Ligue 1 outfit did break through four minutes before half-time, however, Bryan Bergougnoux picking out Santos for the Tunisian international striker to drill a low shot into the bottom corner. The lead was doubled through the same source eight minutes into the second period, Santos rising highest to nod a Laurent Batlles cross beyond goalkeeper Khomich from near the penalty spot.

Dzyuba penalty
The Russian side pushed forward in a bid to get back into the game and were given a lifeline a minute past the hour, Riou bringing down Artem Dzyuba inside the box and the Spartak striker getting up to send his spot-kick into the corner of the net. The Toulouse keeper redeemed himself in the 74th minute, reacting sharply to tip over Welliton's fierce effort, as the home team held on for that elusive, if fruitless, victory.