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Rediff.com  » Sports » Valencia on a double mission

Valencia on a double mission

May 06, 2004 16:39 IST
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Valencia have the possibility of a first domestic and European double to spur them on when they face regional rivals Villarreal for a place in the UEFA Cup final on Thursday.

Tension is sure to be high at the Mestalla after the Spanish Primera Liga rivals fought out a goalless draw in the first-leg of their all-Spanish semi-final.

Valencia, close to securing the league title, will look to playmaker Pablo Aimar, back from injury, for inspiration.

Rafa Benitez's side are without suspended defender Amedeo Carboni and injured winger Francisco Rufete while versatile midfielder Miguel Angel Angulo is doubtful.

UEFA Cup debutants Villarreal, who have beaten Galatasaray, AS Roma and Celtic on their way to the last four, should be at full strength.

The winners meet either Olympique Marseille, beaten finalists in 1999, or Newcastle United in the final in Gothenburg on May 19.

That tie also awaits its first goal after the first meeting at St James' Park in which former European champions Marseille went closest to scoring through leading marksman Didier Drogba.

Marseille coach Jose Anigo believes his side can overcome the English premier league side at the Stade Velodrome and reach their second UEFA Cup final in five years.

"If we play as well as against Liverpool and Inter (in previous rounds), we'll go through," said Anigo.

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Source: REUTERS
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