Deportivo demonstrate Split personality

A goalless first-leg draw in Spain proved to be of no avail to HNK Hajduk Split as a strike from Riki and a late Joan Verdú penalty sent RC Deportivo La Coruñathrough.

Promising situation
A lively crowd at the Poljud Stadium in Split seemed to promise much for the Croatian contenders as they attempted to build on the stalemate at the Riazor, but they were stung by Riki's goal in the run-up to half-time and further hobbled by the dismissal of captain Srdjan Andrić. A late spot-kick finally settled this UEFA Cup second qualifying round tie, though there was still time for Deportivo to have a man sent off.

Open goal
Patience proved to be the key for the Spanish Liga side as they kept Hajduk at bay before opening their account two minutes before the interval. Andrés Guardado received a ball on the left of the penalty box, headed for the byline and delivered a low cross through the legs of goalkeeper Danijel Subašić which winger Riki was only too eager to tap into the unguarded net.

Fiery mood
Hajduk returned after the break in fiery mood as they searched for the two goals needed to regain the initiative, but the ambitions of Goran Vučević's team would be frustrated. Matters became desperate after 66 minutes when midfielder Andrić received a second yellow card for a challenge on Deportivo keeper Daniel Aranzubia. Down to ten men, Hajduk lost much of their momentum, and their guests from Galicia were to profit.

Penalty converted
Deportivo had passed up several opportunities to add to their tally before Mario Maloča presented them with an offer they could not refuse, fouling Verdú in the area in the 87th minute. The same player converted from the spot, although some of the shine was taken off Deportivo's victory in added time when Julian De Guzman earned his second booking for a rash tackle.