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Today, on Wednesday, matches of the fourth round of the highest Spanish league ("La Liga") were played. The biggest surprise was the stunning victory of the defending champions "Valencia" against the local "Deportivo" in La Coruna. Another somewhat unexpected result was recorded in Valencia, where the local "Levante" managed to beat one of the strongest clubs in Spain, Madrid's "Atletico", 1-0.
The match at La Coruna's "El Riazor" stadium was eventful until the 16th minute, when newcomer to "Valencia", Italian Bernardo Corradi, managed to redirect Marco di Vaio's cross into the goal after two of their stars - defender Ayala and goalkeeper Aimar - were sidelined due to injuries. Although the hosts tried to resist afterwards, the 35th-minute marked the beginning of a goal feast into "Deportivo's" net: the second goal of the match was scored by Marcas di Vaio after a great pass from Rufete on the right wing, and that was his fourth goal in as many matches. Eight minutes later, the score was 3-0. "Valencia" leader Vicente scored a goal, showcasing his signature move - an individual run into the penalty area and a powerful strike into the far corner of the goal despite the defenders nearby. Just a minute later, the score became 4-0 - Rufete scored after a pass from Baraja.
During the break, "Deportivo's" coach Javier Irureta made some tactical changes, which slightly altered the game on the field - the hosts' attacks became sharper. However, just five minutes into the second half, "Valencia" captain Ruben Baraja extinguished any hopes the hosts had of achieving something in these matches, redirecting the ball into the goal after a pass from di Vaio from the end line. In the 63rd minute, "Deportivo" managed to score a consolation goal - Walter Pandiani, standing between two defenders, was able to stop his teammate's cross and send it into the goal.
Yesterday, Madrid defeated Pamplona at home with a score of 1-0. The only goal of the match was scored by Englishman David Beckham in the 61st minute. Tomorrow, the last match of the fourth round will be played, where they will host another Pamplona team at home.
Other Wednesday results:
Draw 0-0
Barcelona 1 - 0
11' [1 - 0] Francisco Gallardo
Valencia 1 - 0 Madrid
21' [1 - 0] Alberto Rivera (11m.)
4 - 1
4' [1 - 0] Miguel Angel
9' [2 - 0] Paulo Cesar Wanchope
17' [3 - 0] Marcio Amoroso
68' [3 - 1] Juan Ochoa
90' [4 - 1] Jose Juan Luque
41' Patricio Graff ("Numancia") sent off
Seville 2 - 1
37' [1 - 0] Juanito
38' [1 - 1] Ismael Urzaiz
57' [2 - 1] Fernando
San Sebastian 0 - 1
42' [0 - 1] Mario Ignacio Regueiro
45' Pierini ("Santander") sent off
Draw 0-0
