!["Valencia" - Winner of the UEFA Cup [Updated]](https://www.eurofootball.com/img/uploaded/w900/2023/08/56545.jpg)
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The champion of Spain also became the winner of the UEFA Cup, defeating 2-0 in the final.
The first goal was scored during added time of the first half. At the end of the half, "Marseille" goalkeeper Fabien Barthez roughly brought down Mista in the penalty area and referee Pierluigi Collina had no choice but to award a penalty kick and show the Frenchman a red card. "Valencia" leader Vicente Rodriguez successfully converted this penalty kick.
The second goal of the match was scored in the 58th minute by Mista - receiving a pass from the shining Vicente during a counterattack from the left, an unmarked Mista sent the ball into the net from about 14 meters with his left foot.
The last time "Valencia" won the cup was in 1980. Back then, they won the Cup Winners' Cup.
[Additional information]
"Valencia" veteran defender became the oldest player to ever win the UEFA Cup. This 39-year-old Italian played the entire match in yesterday's final. It was also his 100th match in European club competitions.
Spanish team coach Rafael Benitez spoke after the match: "At the beginning of the season, few believed that we would win two such important trophies."
"From the very beginning, we emphasized team play above all. We always declared that this is our main weapon. Every player knew perfectly well what to do, and he did it," said the 44-year-old coach. "Now we will just celebrate this victory, but we should not forget about those who worked hard behind the scenes, as well as the team's fans who did not hesitate to come here to support us."
"I am very proud of the team," said Benitez. "But we will not stand still, we will improve and win more trophies."
Meanwhile, "Marseille" coach Jose Anigo was in a completely different mood. Regarding the incident that led to Barthez's expulsion, Anigo said: "There are rules and Mr. Collina applied them. Perhaps they were a bit too harsh, but Fabien roughly brought down a player who had a great opportunity to score."
Anigo said that after Barthez's expulsion, the winner of the match became clear: "I tried to motivate them (the team players) to fight, but they were shocked."
