We deserve our success - Benítez

By Andy Hall

Valencia CF coach Rafael Benítez said his players fully deserved the 2-1 victory over FC Girondins de Bordeaux at the Mestalla which saw them advance to the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup as 4-2 aggregate winners.

'Notice of quality'
"We knew Bordeaux were going to start the match on the attack, but after the first goal we were comfortable and from that moment we gave notice of our quality," he said. "I am very proud of our players. They have done superbly and I'm sure that have enjoyed tonight."

Perfect week
Victory capped a perfect week for Valencia who followed up last Thursday's 2-1 win in Bordeaux by knocking Real Madrid CF off top spot in the league at the weekend, and Benítez praised his side for another fine win.

'Effective match'
"It was an effective performance from us," said Benítez, who kept to his tactic of rotating his side by making three changes - and again dropping top scorer Mista to the substitutes' bench. His decision paid off, with goals from Mauricio Pellegrino and Francisco Rufete setting up the win. "We have done very well to reach the semi-final and deserve to be here," Benítez added.

Slow start
The game started at a pedestrian pace with both sides struggling to create chances during the first 45 minutes. Valencia resorted to long-ball tactics that were dealt with comfortably by Bordeaux, while at the other end, Michel Pavon's side were unable to trouble a tight home defence.

'Lacked concentration'
Benítez admitted his disappointment at the poor opening period. "The first half wasn't easy because, obviously, Bordeaux came out quite fired up and we lacked concentration and lost our ability to control the situation," he said.

'More options'
Just seven minutes into the second half, however, Pellegrino gave Valencia breathing space with a superbly taken header from a corner and Benítez conceded the importance of that strike. "As soon as that first goal went in we had more options, they took more risks and we were able to score another," he said. The second goal came from Rufete, who had also scored the winner in France in the first leg, before Eduardo Costa pulled one back for Bordeaux.

'Very happy'
With an auspicious semi-final date against neighbours Villarreal CF lined up, the Valencia region has plenty to celebrate. "The nice thing is that we don't have to travel too far," Benítez said. "Villarreal have qualified on their own merits and I am very happy with the way things have turned out. The semi-final against Villarreal is an important event for the Valencia region."

'More intensity'
A disappointed Pavon said only: "I'm satisfied with my players' performance but in the first leg we should have given more to prevent Valencia winning."