Melli swoops to revive Betis

Melli scored an extra-time winner as Real Betis Balompié held off a stunning AZ Alkmaar comeback in the Netherlands to book a date with FC Steaua Bucuresti in the UEFA Cup Round of 16.

Absorbing opening
The Spanish side were seemingly cruising going into the game, after Brazilian pair Diego Tardelli and Robert handed them a two-goal first-leg lead. But AZ started with fervour in front of an expectant Alkmaarderhout crowd and had drawn level inside the opening 35 minutes courtesy of strikes from Shota Arveladze and Kew Jaliens. Captain Denny Landzaat also missed a penalty and that proved crucial as Melli's goal three minutes into the additional 30 minutes saw Betis through.

Penalty miss
It brought a sad end to an evening which had started so promisingly for AZ. The game burst into life after barely four minutes when Juanito Gutiérrez was adjudged to have handled in the area. Up stepped the usually reliable Landzaat, but the Netherlands midfielder struck his spot-kick wide of the left-hand post. It was a blow for the home team, but failed to dampen their enthusiasm. Midway through the half, Arveladze reduced the arrears, collecting a pass from Kenneth Perez and firing in with his left-foot.

Tense finale
Perez was again the creator on 35 minutes, his free-kick finding defender Jaliens, who drove the ball in. Until then Betis had been restricted to long shots and dead-ball situations, but they came to life after the interval and fit-again Capi was unlucky to see his shot cannon back off the post just before the hour mark. Melli did not suffer the same fate at the start of extra time, however, when he directed Joaquín Sánchez's free-kick in as Betis edged a thrilling tie. Tim de Cler then compounded AZ's disappointment with a red card just before the final whistle.