Valerón fires Depor through

A Juan Carlos Valerón strike gave RC Deportivo La Coruña victory over Israel's Bnei Sakhnin FC to confirm their qualification from the UEFA Intertoto Cup third round.

Goal quest
After losing the first game at home 2-1, Bnei Sakhnin were in search of goals from the off and could have taken the lead in the 12th minute. However, after creating space for himself, Yaniv Luzon fired a weak effort which was easily saved by Depor goalkeeper Fabrizio Agosto Ramirez. The hosts took control of the second leg shortly afterwards but it was not until the 40th minute that they made their territorial advantage tell.

A happy return
Valerón – who has been out of action for much of the last three years through injury – converted a cross from first-leg goalscorer Riki and then almost immediately doubled his side's lead but saw his shot well saved by visiting keeper Omri Alon. Despite the home side continuing to dominate possession after the break, it was Bnei Sakhnin who created the most dangerous chances. A left-footed effort from Hamed Ganayem was tipped to safety by Fabrizio before the same player was once again denied by the home team's custodian.