Ten-man Roma win again, Udinese thump Lens (Reuters) Updated: 2006-02-16 08:57
LONDON, Feb 15 (Reuters) - AS Roma, the team of the moment in Italy,
demonstrated their European pedigree with a battling 2-1 win at Club Bruges in
their UEFA Cup first knockout round first-leg tie on Wednesday.
Roma,
one win away from equalling the Serie A record of 10 successive victories, had
midfielder Daniele De Rossi dismissed for elbowing after 27 minutes but went
ahead right on halftime when defender Gunther Vanaudenaerde headed Christian
Panucci's cross into his own net.
However, Spanish striker Javier Portillo, on a season-long loan from Real
Madrid, drilled in the equaliser on the hour.
Roma took the control of the tie, though, when Simone Perrotta struck from
close range and held on for victory despite Portillo heading against a post in
the final seconds.
Roma's Serie A rivals Udinese also carved out a fine victory, handing new
coach Loris Dominissini a winning start in Europe as his side brushed aside
Racing Lens 3-0.
Brazilian striker Paulo Barreto scored twice after Antonio Di Natale had
swept Udinese, who sacked Serse Cosmi on Friday, in front late in the first
half.
Lille, who managed just one goal in six Champions League games before
dropping into the UEFA Cup, put three past Shakhtar Donetsk but after apparently
cruising at they conceded two goals in the last two minutes to turn the
complexion of the tie.
First-half goals from Nicolas Fauvergue and Geoffrey Dernis and a third from
Nigerian Peter Odemwingie put Lille in control but late strikes from Brazilian
Brandao and substitute Ciprian Marica made the score 3-2 and stunned the home
side.
Schalke 04 came from behind to edge Espanyol 2-1, Germany midfielder Fabian
Ernst netting the winner with a crisp strike from 25 metres two minutes from
time.
Luis Garcia had fired the Spaniards ahead from a tight angle in the first
half but Brazilian Marcelo Bordon headed in a Lincoln cross for the equaliser in
the 67th minute.
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