Barthez off as Valencia clinch UEFA
(sportinglife.com)
Updated: 2004-05-20 16:05

Fabien Barthez was sent off as Valencia claimed the UEFA Cup with a 2-0 victory over Marseille in Gothenburg on Wednesday night.

Valencia's team coach Rafael Benitez holds the UEFA Cup after wining the final match 2-0 against Olympique Marseille's in Gothenburg May 19, 2004. [Reuters]

The former Manchester United keeper saw red for a cynical 45th-minute challenge on Mista which enabled Vicente to set the Spaniards on their way to victory from the spot.

Mista put Valencia further ahead with a crashing 58th-minute second after a superb right-wing cross from Vicente.

The striker chested the ball down before hitting an unstoppable right-foot shot past substitute keeper Jeremy Gavanon from 12 yards.

Mista's strike effectively ended any hopes Marseille had of adding to their 1993 European Cup success.

Striker Didier Drogba was allowed few opportunities to add to his 11 goals in the competition this season.

His best chance came in the 65th minute as the French at least refused to give in without a fight.

Victorious coach Rafael Benitez, speaking immediately after the final whistle, told TVE television: "This prize is for all the fans who made the trip. It has been really worth the effort for them.

"The penalty was the key to deciding the game. We said last night we could not let this final escape us."

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