Latest La Liga News

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BROWN 'HOPEFUL' ON NEGREDO

Hull manager Phil Brown is looking to hold transfer talks with Alvaro Negredo on Wednesday.

The Tigers boss is hoping the Real Madrid striker will be at the KC Stadium to watch Hull's Premier League clash with Tottenham.

And while in England, the 23-year-old is set to discuss a proposed £12million switch.

Hull have been chasing the Spanish ace for some time, but face stiff competition from a number of other sides.

Italian giants Roma have been strongly linked with a move for Negredo, while Primera Liga outfit Real Zaragoza are also keen.

Brown admits he remains cautious as to his prospects of completing a deal, but will be hoping to persuade Negredo that his future lies at Hull.

"We're hoping that he'll be at the game," Brown told the Hull Daily Mail.

"I can't make a comment on speculation from Spain, we haven't heard anything.

"There will always be a concern until the deal is done but we're hopeful."

 

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ATLETICO PRESIDENT CONFIDENT OF SUCCESS

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo is confident his team can see off Panathinaikos and make it through to the Champions League group stages.

Abel Resino's men take on Panathinaikos tomorrow in the first leg of their play-off before welcoming them back to Madrid next week and Cerezo hopes they can get their European campaign off to a flyer in Greece.

"We're going into a game that's very important for us," he said. "I think we have a great chance of being in the group stages of the Champions League.

"We're going there with the intention of winning.

"We know that all the games are very difficult but we have a lot of hope, we're facing the game with desire and with the intention to return with the victory."

Speculation has been rife all summer that star striker Sergio Aguero is set to leave the Vicente Calderon, despite the club's repeated claims he is not for sale.

Interest would wane should the Argentina international become cup-tied but Cerezo insists that will not have any effect on the line-up tomorrow.

"Whether he plays or not is the coach's decision," he said. "I have said it a thousand times. Aguero will play for Atletico Madrid.

"There are always offers, but I repeat what I have always said, Aguero will continue here.

"What's fundamental for us now is the game we are about to play."

Mariano Pernia and Ignacio Camacho are injured while Resino has opted to leave Luis Perea, Leandro Cabrera and Juan Valera behind.

The last time the two sides met, in the UEFA Cup group stage two years ago, Madrid won 2-1 in Spain, but Panathinaikos will be a tricky prospect at home.

The Greek outfit reached the play-offs by overturning a 3-1 first-leg deficit with a 3-0 defeat of Sparta Prague.

And coach Henk Ten Cate insists he will be urging his players to be as attack-minded tomorrow.

"A goalless draw wouldn't be a bad result," he said. "In fact, in a certain way it would be better than winning 1-0.

"That could have an effect on the psychology of the players who might only be thinking about defending in the return leg if we won 1-0 at home.

"So if we score a goal I will push the players to go all out for the second."

Jose Sarriegi, who scored Pana's first goal in their victory over Sparta, is suspended.

 

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BARCA BOSS CALM OVER QUIET SUMMER

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola insists he is unconcerned by the club's lack of movement in the transfer market this summer.

Bitter rivals Real Madrid have been busy, splashing out over 250million euros on players such as Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso, while it has been a much quieter summer at the Nou Camp.

Barca have brought in just Maxwell and Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Inter Milan and sporting director Txiki Begiristain revealed on Monday the club may not make any more signings.

Although Guardiola admits the treble winners are lacking in key areas he feels they can still have a successful season.

"There are still a couple of pieces missing," he said. "Txiki also thinks we're missing a couple of pieces.

"There would be disagreements if I believed we were missing a few pieces and he believed we weren't and that's not the case.

"Last year I had a great squad and this year it will continue to be so. I can't complain and that's not my style neither.

"I'm not worried, if it's possible some reinforcements will arrive and if not they won't.

"This is a squad you can rely on. Just as I felt last year, I feel that we will be competitive this year as well."

Guardiola confirmed that Ibrahimovic will make his long-awaited debut in Wednesday's Gamper trophy against Manchester City.

The Sweden striker has been unable to play after undergoing a hand operation the day after completing his move from Inter.

But both Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi, who has been recovering from a thigh injury, have been given the green light to return to action by the club's medical staff.

 

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BAGGIES CONFIRM VALERO INTEREST

West Brom 11/8, Peterborough 2/1, Draw 9/4

West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed two Spanish clubs have shown an interest in signing unsettled midfielder Borja Valero.

The 24-year-old has expressed a wish to leave The Hawthorns before the close of the transfer window following the Baggies' relegation.

He is keen to rejoin former club Real Mallorca, who he left for West Brom in a £4.7million deal 12 months ago.

Valero has not even made the bench in the club's opening two league matches this season and Di Matteo appears willing to listen to offers.

However, while Di Matteo has revealed there is interest from teams back in Valero's homeland, there have yet to be any firm bids.

"There is some interest in Spain about Borja," Di Matteo told the club's official website.

"A couple of clubs are interested, but nothing has been agreed.

"When we get written confirmation of it then we can think about it."

 

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HUGHES REVEALS BARCA REGRET

Mark Hughes has admitted he should have made more of his time at Barcelona.

The Welshman returns to the Nou Camp with his Manchester City side on Wednesday night, 23 years after signing for Barca from Manchester United.

It did not prove to be a successful venture.

While Gary Lineker prospered under Terry Venables, Hughes struggled to settle in Spain and ended up joining Bayern Munich for the majority of what should have been a two-year spell on loan.

Hughes eventually returned to Old Trafford, where he went on to enjoy plenty of success.

And, while Hughes does not regret the move, he knows the experience should have been far more enjoyable.

"With hindsight, maybe I could have made more of the opportunity that was given to me," he told mcfc.co.uk.

"But at the time you tend to have a different mindset.

"I did come back as a better player and a better person, and I came back married as well.

"But the football did not go as well as I would have liked and it was difficult at times because I was out there on my own for long periods."

 

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BARCA BOSS CALM OVER QUIET SUMMER

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola insists he is unconcerned by the club's lack of movement in the transfer market this summer.

Bitter rivals Real Madrid have been busy, splashing out over 250million euros on players such as Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso, while it has been a much quieter summer at the Nou Camp.

Barca have brought in just Maxwell and Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Inter Milan and sporting director Txiki Begiristain revealed on Monday the club may not make any more signings.

Although Guardiola admits the treble winners are lacking in key areas he feels they can still have a successful season.

"There are still a couple of pieces missing," he said. "Txiki also thinks we're missing a couple of pieces.

"There would be disagreements if I believed we were missing a few pieces and he believed we weren't and that's not the case.

"Last year I had a great squad and this year it will continue to be so. I can't complain and that's not my style neither.

"I'm not worried, if it's possible some reinforcements will arrive and if not they won't.

"This is a squad you can rely on. Just as I felt last year, I feel that we will be competitive this year as well."

Guardiola confirmed that Ibrahimovic will make his long-awaited debut in Wednesday's Gamper trophy against Manchester City.

The Sweden striker has been unable to play after undergoing a hand operation the day after completing his move from Inter.

But both Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi, who has been recovering from a thigh injury, have been given the green light to return to action by the club's medical staff.

 

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AGENT: NO BARCA SWITCH FOR VIDIC

Nemanja Vidic's agent has moved to reject claims he suggested the Manchester United defender would be interested in seeking a 'dream' move to Barcelona.

The Serbia international has impressed since arriving at Old Trafford from Spartak Moscow in 2006 and his great displays has led to speculation that several European clubs are interested in securing his services.

Barca have been mooted as possible suitors for Vidic, and quotes emerged from the player's agent intimating that he would be keen on a deal.

Paolo Fabbri was reported to have told Catalan radio station RAC-1 and El Mundo Deportivo: "It would be a dream for Vidic to play for Barcelona. He would be delighted to join them, as he wants to play in La Liga.

"We have to take a close look at the situation. But things are complicated at the moment. Manchester United have just lost Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, and they do not want to lose another important player."

However, Fabbri has since denied he made such comments and has instead insisted Vidic is settled at Premier League champions United.

"This is not true," he said. "I never said these things. Nemanja is happy in Manchester. If Barcelona do make an offer for him then it is up to United to make a decision."

 

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EVERTON MAKE CASE FOR BANEGA SIGNING

Everton will attend a Home Office hearing in London on Friday to try to acquire a work permit for Argentina international Ever Banega.

Manager David Moyes wants to sign the 21-year-old on a season-long loan from Valencia with a view to a permanent transfer.

However, the Toffees are aware there could be complications with the application because the winger has not played in 75 percent of Argentina's full internationals over the past two years.

Banega is highly-rated having been signed by Valencia for around £15million 18 months ago, although a failure to settle meant he spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid.

Everton will hope for a better outcome than last year, when their attempts to sign Inter Milan striker Victor Obinna on a similar deal floundered when the work permit application for the Nigerian was rejected.

Moyes is also determined to bring in another centre-back, with Middlesbrough's Robert Huth overtaking Philippe Senderos of Arsenal as the main target.

Everton still insist they have had no further contact with Manchester City over Joleon Lescott, although Eastlands sources are now suggesting former Everton defender Richard Dunne could be offered in part-exchange.

 

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NEGREDO REJECTS HULL OFFER

Hull City chairman Paul Duffen has confirmed Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo has turned down a move to the KC Stadium.

Negredo had been lined up as a club record £12m signing by the Tigers, but he has opted against a switch to the Premier League side.

Tigers boss Phil Brown had been hoping Negredo would be at Wednesday's game with Tottenham Hotspur and would also hold talks over personal terms.

However, Duffen has revealed that the 23-year-old will not be joining the club and was trying to remain upbeat despite missing out on another target.

"It's one of those things - it doesn't make any difference to us at all," said Duffen.

"In the nicest possible way it would've been something good to do.

"You move on, there's no time to shed tears for these things, it's just a reality."

Negredo is the latest in a lengthening line of strikers to reject a move to Hull over the summer, with Michael Owen, Fraizer Campbell and Marc-Antoine Fortune all opting for deals elsewhere.

Reports in Spain claim that Negredo will now join Sevilla, who appear to have pipped Real Zaragoza to his signature.

 

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SALGADO COMPLETES BLACKBURN SWITCH

Spanish full-back Michel Salgado has joined Blackburn on a two-year deal.

Capped 53 times, Salgado had his Real Madrid contract cancelled by mutual consent earlier this month..

During his time at the Bernabeu, the 33-year-old helped the club to two European Cup triumphs and four league titles.

Blackburn are now waiting for international clearance before Salgado can make his debut.

He is heading back to Madrid next week to say goodbye at a match arranged in his honour against Rosenborg on Monday.

Salgado is relishing the challenge that lies ahead after revealing he almost moved to England five years ago.

He told rovers.co.uk: "I had a chance to come to Chelsea but I was lucky too because my team was Real Madrid.

"I love the club, I was there 10 years - it is a lifetime. I am proud of playing for them for so long.

"Now I want to enjoy the next two years, playing in the Premier League. It is one of the best in the world.

"Not only that it is pure football - fantastic games and a fantastic atmosphere. This will be a good experience for me, my wife and children. I have joined a historic club."

 

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LYON OVERPOWER ANDERLECHT

Lyon are almost assured of playing in the group stage of this year's Champions League after they recorded a thumping 5-1 win against Anderlecht in the first leg of their qualifying play-off.

The French side floored their cross-border neighbours with four first-half goals, three of which were scored by summer signings.

It was a familiar name, however, that got the ball rolling when teenage midfielder Miralem Pjanic netted after 10 minutes before Lisandro Lopez, signed from Porto last month, fired home a penalty with 15 minutes gone.

Fellow new boys Michel Bastos (39) and Bafetimbi Gomis (42) then struck in a four-minute period just before half-time to virtually end the tie as a contest.

Matias Suarez gave Anderlecht some reason to cheer with a goal after 58 minutes, but Gomis ensured their joy were short-lived with his second of the game five minutes later.

Atletico Madrid held the advantage in their tie against Panathinaikos after an entertaining 3-2 win in Athens.

Maxi Rodriguez gave Atletico a half-time lead which Dimitris Salpigidis cancelled out two minutes after the restart, before Diego Forlan put the Spaniards ahead again.

Sergio Aguero extended the advantage after 70 minutes but Sebastian Leto kept his side in the tie with a fierce strike four minutes later.

FC Zurich and Debrecen are both on course to reach the group stage for the first time after they recorded away wins against Ventspils and Levski Sofia respectively.

Zurich have struggled in their domestic league so far this season, winning just twice in their opening six games, but they had few problems in Latvia tonight winning 3-0.

Goals from Switzerland international Johan Vonlanthen (12), Silvan Aegerter (55) and Dusan Djuric (75) were enough to give them a firm advantage.

Debreceni, the Hungarian champions, were indebted to a 76th-minute winner from Peter Czvitkovics for their 2-1 success against Levski in the Bulgarian capital.

Laszlo Bodnar had opened the scoring for the visitors after 12 minutes and while Levski's French midfielder Cedric Bardon (51) equalised, Czvitkovics had the final say when he turned Tibor Dombi's cross home.

Maccabi Haifa were also away winners, beating Austrian champions Salzburg 2-1.

Substitute Shlomi Arbeitman's scored the decisive goal six minutes from the end.

Teenage striker Mohammad Ghadir (22) had put the Greens ahead before former Germany striker Alexander Zickler equalised with 57 minutes played.

 

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HUGHES HAPPY WITH BARCA EXPERIENCE

Manchester City coach Mark Hughes says Wednesday night's 1-0 win at the Nou Camp represented a "great learning experience" for his players.

City ran out 1-0 winners in the Joan Gamper Trophy thanks to Martin Petrov's first-half strike.

And Hughes, who spent an unsuccessful spell at the Nou Camp as a player, says the experience gained from playing against the European champions was priceless.

"One of the main reasons I agreed to the game was because I felt it was an experience we needed," he said.

"We are a young team, we are developing as a team and the opportunity to come to the European champions, compete with them, was vitally important.

"I wanted them to enjoy the experience and that's why I gave most players the opportunities; for the young players, the opportunity of playing at the Nou Camp was a great experience for us," he said.

Hughes was impressed with Barcelona's young side, but said City's Slovakian starlet Vladimir Weiss was better than any of the Catalan prodigies on show.

"Barcelona have great depth, great young talent, but I thought Vladimir Weiss was the best young player out there tonight," he said.

And Hughes was happy with his side's performance.

"We also had seven or eight senior players unavailable, so we were not at full strength, but it was an evenly matched game," he said.

"You always expect to concede possession against teams of the quality of Barcelona, but we were happy to do that and we did well," he said.

Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said he was not too disheartened by his side's defeat.

"The first priority was to win the game, but unfortunately we couldn't do that," he said.

"It was the chance to give some youngsters and different players that sometimes don't have the chance to play a run-out, so all in all quite happy and satisfied with the performance," he added.

And the Barcelona coach was impressed with City.

"City are a team with big stars and we knew it would be difficult.

"They scored a goal and almost scored another at the end, but we had our chances too and it was a good match," he added.

Guardiola handed a second half debut to summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and although the Sweden striker looked ring-rusty following a spell on the sidelines, his new coach is confident the player will soon settle and rediscover his best form.

"Ibra needs some time to get to know the other players to be able to play as he did at Inter, but I was satisfied with his performance today," he said.

"He hasn't been fit enough until today and hasn't had enough time with his team-mates, but he has signed for five years so there will be plenty of time to see the best of Ibrahimovic.

"He has had a hand injury and had an operation, but he is moving well and little by little, with patience, he will become a great player for this club," he added.

 

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PETROV STRIKE SECURES CITY WIN

Martin Petrov scored the only goal of the game as Manchester City beat Barcelona 1-0 in a prestigious friendly at the Nou Camp.

The European champions dominated for long spells of the game, but were caught out by a goal from Bulgarian winger Petrov in the 28th minute.

Barca handed summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic his debut and he had a late chance cleared off the line by City.

The result means City win the Joan Gamper Trophy and it provides Mark Hughes' side with another fillip after a successful start to the Premier League season last weekend.

Meanwhile, Barca's domestic rivals Real Madrid crushed Borussia Dortmund 5-0 in a friendly to celebrate the German club's 100th anniversary.

Esteban Granero scored after just three minutes for Real, while Dutch winger Arjen Robben increased the lead moments after half-time.

Gonzalo Higuain and Kaka from the penalty spot scored within the space of three minutes before Raul netted a fifth a minute from time.

 

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AGENT: SNEIJDER COULD JOIN INTER

Wesley Sneijder is thinking over a move to Inter Milan after the midfielder's agent revealed Real Madrid have agreed a deal with the Italian champions.

Holland international Sneijder has been tipped to leave Real over the summer following the Spanish giants' lavish spending spree to capture the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has hinted at an interest in the playmaker, but Inter have long been mooted as favourites to sign the former Ajax player.

The Serie A champions now appear to have agreed a fee with Real, with reports putting the figure in the 18million euros bracket (£15.5million).

Sneijder's agent Soren Lerby has confirmed the player is now considering whether to move to Serie A after last week stating his intention to fight for his place at Real.

"I have received a phone call from Real that a deal has been done," Lerby told De Telegraaf.

"I have spoken to Wesley, but at the moment he doesn't know what he wants. He will think about that now.

"If he is interested in a move, we will have a meeting and look if they can meet his demands."

 

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BROWN ADMITS NEGREDO DEFEAT

Hull boss Phil Brown has admitted his disappointment at his failure to sign Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo.

The Tigers had a £12million bid accepted by the Spanish giants but were unable to tempt to the 23-year-old to move to the KC Stadium.

Reports in Spain suggest Negredo is now poised to join Sevilla after also attracting strong interest from Real Zaragoza.

Brown said: "The lad has decided to stay in Spain.

"We did everything we possibly could and I take my hat off to the chairman for the things he did in getting a world-class player to even talk to us.

"But that's dead now, it's on the wave behind and we'll try to get the next one.

"I'm very disappointed. There was a lot of effort and energy, not just from myself - for the last six weeks we were working hard at it."

Brown has made strengthening his strikeforce a top priority but is also keen to bring in a right-back before the closure of the transfer window.

Brown's need was highlighted on Wednesday night as Hull were beaten 5-1 by Tottenham at the KC Stadium.

New signing Stephen Mouyokolo, a centre-half, lasted just 45 minutes as a makeshift full-back before Bernard Mendy was switched from the wing.

Brown will this week give a trial to Bosnian right-back Sanel Jahic of Greek club Aris Thessaloniki.

The manager said: "He is going to join us for a couple of days training and we'll have a look at him."

 

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AGUERO HAPPY TO STAY AT ATLETICO

Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero has ruled out a move away from the club before the close of the transfer window.

Chelsea have been strongly linked with a swoop for the Argentina international as they look to make a marquee signing.

However, Aguero's appearance for Atletico in their Champions League play-off against Panathinaikos looks set to end Chelsea's pursuit of the striker in this transfer window as he is now cup-tied for European competition.

Aguero, who scored in the 3-2 win over the Greek side on Wednesday night, insists he always wanted to stay at Atletico and hopes the speculation over his future will now end.

"I've always said I wanted to stay at Atletico and this is what has happened," said Aguero.

"I am very happy for the goal, but especially for the triumph."

 

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VALERO SET FOR MALLORCA SWITCH

West Brom midfielder Borja Valero has expressed his excitement ahead of a possible return to Real Mallorca.

Valero joined the Baggies in a £4.7million deal last summer but he was unable to keep them in the Premier League.

Mallorca recently confirmed they were keen to bring the 24-year-old back to the club for a second spell.

A move now appears to be imminent, with reports in Spain suggesting the two clubs have agreed on a season-long loan deal.

It is also claimed that Mallorca would then have the option to sign Valero on a permanent basis for €4million (£3.5m).

Valero admits he would rather seal a switch to Mallorca than stay in the Championship.

"For me this is big news because to play in La Liga is better than playing in the second tier in England," he said in the Spanish press.

 

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NEGREDO SIGNS FOR SEVILLA

Sevilla have won the race to sign highly-rated striker Alvaro Negredo, with the club confirming he had penned a five-year deal to move to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium from Real Madrid.

Negredo will undergo a medical on Friday following which he will be unveiled at a lunchtime press conference.

The 23-year-old joins from Real where he had found first-team opportunities hard to come by and, following a spending spree this summer that has seen the capital club sign the likes of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, he was expected to fall further down the pecking order.

Negredo impressed while on loan at Almeria last season, scoring 19 league goals, to inspire a chase for his services this pre-season.

Hull had looked in the box seat to sign him when they had a £12million offer accepted by Madrid earlier this month, however, the player declined the move after revealing he wanted to remain in Spain.

And while Real Zaragoza were also apparently keen on acquiring his services, Sevilla have won the race to tie down one of Spain's most promising talents.

"Sevilla FC and Real Madrid CF have reached an agreement for the striker Alvaro Negredo to join for the next five years," a statement on Sevilla's official website read.

"The player is expected to arrive in the city tonight, and Seville will spend Friday morning having his medical examination.

"His presentation will then be held at 1pm."

The statement added: "With the completion of this transaction, the club closes a difficult and complex negotiation that has become one of the soap operas of the summer.

"As it is known in football nothing is black and white and it is only when the pen ink is on the contract that anything is confirmed."

A statement from Real Madrid tonight also confirmed Negredo's departure, although they revealed the deal included a buy-back clause.

"Real Madrid CF and Sevilla FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Alvaro Negredo to the latter club," the statement on www.realmadrid.com read.

"Real Madrid CF has the right to purchase the player back in the next two seasons."

 

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ROMA HELD; BREMEN HIT SIX

A late Jan Novak brace saw MFK Kosice battle back from 3-1 down to earn a draw against Roma in the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie.

Marko Milinkovic had opened the scoring for the Slovakian outfit but the Italian giants turned the match on its head thanks to two goals from captain Francesco Totti (one penalty) and one from Jeremy Menez.

But Novak notched twice in the last 20 minutes, the first from the spot, to ensure there will be all to play for in the Eternal City in next week's second leg.

Roma's arch rivals Lazio had a much more comfortable evening, putting themselves in pole position for a place in the group phase with a 3-0 triumph over Elfsborg. Aleksandar Kolarov, Mauro Zarate and Stefano Mauri were the men on target.

Galatasaray and Ajax all but booked their places in the group phase with 5-0 romps in the home legs of their respective ties against FC Levadia Tallinn and Slovan Bratislava.

Kader Keita struck a brace with Milan Baros (penalty) and Harry Kewell also on target before a Vitali Leitan own goal completed the rout for Gala.

Luis Suarez struck four goals for Martin Jol's Ajax with Mitchell Donald putting the icing on the cake in stoppage time.

Pablo Hernandez, David Villa and Joaquin were on target in Valencia's 3-0 victory at Norwegian side Stabaek.

Dinamo Bucharest look to be in hot water after their match against Slovan Liberec was abandoned due to trouble among the disgruntled home fans with their side 2-0 down late on.

Jiri Liska set the visitors on their way after five minutes and Jan Blazek's 84th-minute second proved too much for the home fans to take.

Mladen Petric struck a hat-trick for Hamburg in an emphatic 5-1 win at Guingamp. Jose Paolo Guerrero and substitute Marcus Berg were also on the scoresheet.

A Ruiz Gonzalez double helped Steve McClaren's FC Twente overturn an early deficit to prevail 3-1 against FK Qarabag in Enschede.

Andre-Pierre Gignac's double helped guide Toulouse to a 3-1 win at Trabzonspor, while Lille were 2-1 winners at Genk.

Hertha Berlin have it all to do next week after Nemanja Pejcinovic's own goal handed Brondby a 2-1 win and the initiative ahead of the second leg.

Claudio Pizarro celebrated his permanent move to Werder Bremen from Chelsea this week by scoring in the German side's 6-3 win over FK Aktobe.

Naldo notched twice with Sebastian Boenisch, Hugo Almeida and Mesut Ozil (penalty) also among the goals.

Oscar de Marcos and Fernando Llorente struck in the final five minutes to give Athletic Bilbao a 3-2 win over Tromso.

Joseba Llorente's stoppage-time strike sealed a 3-1 win for Villarreal at NAC Breda, adding to earlier goals from Giuseppe Rossi and Ariel Ibagaza.

Luciano Figueroa bagged a double to also ease Genoa to a 3-1 triumph over Odense.

Goals from Olexiy Gai, Ilsinho and Vasyl Kobin earned last season's UEFA Cup winners Shakhtar Donetsk a 3-0 victory at Sivasspor.

Ibrahim Afellay's strike midway through the first half was enough to secure PSV Eindhoven a slender 1-0 advantage in the away leg of their clash with Bnei Yehuda Tel-Aviv.

PAOK FC and Heerenveen shared a 1-1 draw to leave their tie finely poised for next week.

Also, Zenit St Petersburg went down 4-3 at Nacional and Red Star Belgrade were beaten 3-0 at Slavia Prague.

Basle won 3-1 at FK Baki, Hapoel Tel-Aviv prevailed 2-1 at FK Teplice and Litex Lovech triumphed 1-0 at BATE Borisov.

Fenerbahce won 2-0 at Sion, Vaslui overcame AEK Athens 2-1, Lech Poznan beat Club Brugge 1-0, Sparta Prague won 2-0 at Maribor and Benfica triumphed 4-0 against Vorskla Poltava.

The matches between Sarajevo and CFR Cluj, Partizan Belgrade and MSK Zilina, and Sturm Graz and Metalist Kharkiv all finished 1-1.

Metallurg Donetsk and Austria Vienna drew 2-2 while CSKA Sofia and Dinamo Moscow shared a goalless stalemate.

 

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RAYO: DIAME COMPLETES WIGAN SWITCH

Rayo Vallecano have confirmed Wigan have completed the signing of Mohamed Diame.

Wigan have been chasing the midfielder for the last few weeks and now a deal has been finally agreed.

The move was expected to go through last week only for the move to be held up following a medical concern, but all has been cleared up and Diame will now make the switch to the DW Stadium.

The midfielder will help fill the void left by Lee Cattermole's departure to Sunderland and his signing will come as a welcome boost to Latics boss Roberto Martinez as he looks to finalise his squad before the close of the transfer window.

Wigan are now hoping to receive international clearance from the Spanish Football Federation in time for Diame to make his debut against Manchester United this weekend.