Ten-man Roma win again, Udinese thump Lens
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-02-16 08:57

HERTHA SUFFER

Hertha Berlin had two players sent off as they went down 1-0 to Rapid Bucharest at the Olympic Stadium.

Valentin Negru put the visitors ahead with a penalty in the 68th minute after Alexander Madlung had tripped Daniel Niculae.

Hertha's Kevin Boateng was sent off seven minutes later and the Bundesliga side's night went from bad to worse when Madlung picked up a second booking for handball five minutes from time.

Steaua Bucharest capped a great night for Romania's two representatives by coming from behind to win 3-1 at Heerenveen.

City rivals Sevilla and Real Betis secured first-leg leads.

A 75th-minute effort from midfielder Jordi Lopez handed Sevilla a 1-0 win at Lokomotiv Moscow while Real Betis, with goals from Brazilian strikers Diego Tardelli and Robert, won 2-0 at home against AZ Alkmaar.

Bolton Wanderers could not find a way to break down a resolute Olympique Marseille at the Reebok Stadium and had to settle for a 0-0 draw.

The English Premier League side were denied a clear penalty when Federic Dehu handled in the first half.

Three first-leg ties take place on Thursday. The final is in Eindhoven on May 10.