Metalist make short work of Sampdoria

FC Metalist Kharkiv eased into the UEFA Cup Round of 16 as they added two goals to the 1-0 aggregate lead they held after last week's win at UC Sampdoria.

First-half goals
Not tempted to sit back on their slender advantage, Metalist pushed from the start and Serhiy Valyayev and Jajá struck before the break to end Sampdoria's hopes of progress. Metalist will take on either Valencia CF or domestic rivals FC Dynamo Kyiv in the next round on 12 and 18/19 March although they will previously face Dynamo next Wednesday when they resume their domestic campaign six points adrift of the capital club.

Lead increased
Metalist had the first chance when Olexandr Rykun dragged a shot wide from just inside the box. Sampdoria responded with a Claudio Bellucci effort that sailed over the bar and Daniele Dessena's left-footed attempt, which Metalist goalkeeper Olexandr Goryainov parried away. The home side went ahead on the half-hour when Valyayev, who had earlier missed from a header, struck from close range. Ten minutes later Jajá doubled the advantage with a curled free-kick from 20 metres after he was fouled by Daniele Gastaldello.

Victory secure
After the break, Sampdoria tried to drag themselves back into the tie but Bellucci twice missed the target from long range and Dessena's similar effort was comfortably saved by Goryainov. Indeed, the visitors were restricted to shots from distance, while at the other end Jajá was only denied by a brave Hugo Campagnaro block and from the resulting corner, Denys Oliynyk headed over. Nonetheless, his side's progress was assured.