Due diligence leaves Depor in arrears

The impressive Anders Due struck twice as Aalborg BK registered three second-half goals to take a vice-like grip on their UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie against RC Deportivo La Coruña.

Memorable opener
Due's double put AaB in control before he was substituted to a standing ovation late on. Full-back Michael Jakobsen then added a third from the penalty spot in the 90th minute to give the Danish side's new Swedish coach Magnus Pehrsson a tremendous victory in his first game in charge.

Dangerous chances
Playing their first competitive match since mid-December, AaB showed no signs of their lay-off, and might have been ahead inside two minutes had Brazilian forward Caca not fluffed his finish when a left-wing cross left him with the goal at his mercy. While Depor had plenty of possession, it was Jakobsen who had the next sight of goal, going agonisingly close from a Due free-kick.

Clever skills
Due broke the deadlock eight minutes into the second half, collecting a deep cross into the visitors' area and cleverly cutting inside the sliding Adrián López before lashing in a low shot that took a slight deflection off Alberto Lopo on its way past goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia.

Off the bar
The Spanish Liga team almost drew level within two minutes as Mista's overhead kick from a corner came back off the underside of the crossbar, but AaB were also creating chances and Thomas Enevoldsen was denied by the feet of Aranzubia after more good work by Due.

Cool finish
Those two combined again two minutes later to more dramatic effect, with Due slotting into an empty net after Enevoldsen had unselfishly laid the ball across to his team-mate. AaB then secured a huge advantage for the second leg when Jakobsen coolly fired his penalty high into the net after Aranzubia had fouled Jeppe Curth.