Villa double undoes Utrecht

Two late goals five minutes apart from striker David Villa got Real Zaragoza off to a winning start in their opening UEFA Cup Group C match against FC Utrecht.

Double strike
In this contest between the Spanish and Dutch Cup winners, Villa struck first on 77 minutes before making sure of the points in a tight encounter of few chances eight minutes from time.

Luis García out
Zaragoza coach Víctor Muñoz started with Luis García in goal as César Laínez continues to work his way back to full fitness after knee surgery. Defender Luis Cuartero, however, was missing because of broken ribs as Zaragoza looked to follow Sunday's 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad de Fútbol with another three points here. For Utrecht, Belgian international Stéphane Tanghe played despite a broken hand and Dutch international Dave van den Bergh returned to the side after a hamstring injury.

Cagey opening
Utrecht started strongly as they looked to prevent Zaragoza from finding an early rhythm with some quick counterattacks, Tanghe shooting over from the edge of the area early on. For Zaragoza, Javi Moreno teed up Luciano Galletti who missed the target.

Villa double
Utrecht grew in stature as the match continued and they pressed Zaragoza further back in the second half, but the away defence was rarely troubled. At the other end, Sávio Bortolini, Villa and Javi Moreno continued to look dangerous for the home side, and it was Villa who turned the game Zaragoza's way with his double burst.

Austria challenge
Zaragoza continue their Group C campaign away to FK Austria Wien on 4 November, while Utrecht will look to pick up their first points at home to FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, who beat Club Brugge KV 3-2 in the night's other match.