Valencia cruise to victory in Trondheim

Valencia CF look in good shape to progress from UEFA Cup Group G after turning up the heat on Rosenborg BK on a freezing night in Norway.

Late goals
Juan Mata's fortuitous opener gave the visitors the half-time lead and in the last 14 minutes Pablo Hernández and substitutes Rubén Baraja and Joaquín boosted Valencia's goal difference as well as their points tally. Second-placed Valencia know a home win against Clube Brugge KV next Thursday would send them through while Rosenborg must prevail at FC København and hope other results go their way.

Bizarre opener
The 2004 UEFA Cup winners had been held at home by København in their opening game but things started to go their way on 21 minutes, albeit in bizarre fashion. Edu's cross was met by the head of Mata and the ball struck the crossbar and then the arm of luckless Rosenborg goalkeeper Rune Jarstein before deflecting in. Mata had another goal disallowed for offside, and it was not until the 76th minute that Valencia struck again. Pablo picked up the ball on the left and burst past two defenders into the box before firing into the top corner.

Victory sealed
Rosenborg had struggled to create chances and two further goals in the last three minutes ended any hopes of a comeback. Baraja made it three when he shot in after a corner from Joaquín, who grabbed the fourth himself after being set up by Fernando Morientes.