Football United

Sonny Anderson's penalty gave UEFA Intertoto Cup holders Villarreal CF a 1-0 victory against Hamburger SV in the first leg of their semi-final, but stubborn defending ensured the home team could not build up more of a lead.

Early chance
The match rolled into a slow start as both sides fought for possession in midfield. Three minutes in Anderson was sent clear by Roger García and headed towards the Hamburg goal but defender Daniel Van Buyten proved equal to the task.

Wicky denies Anderson
Roger was proving the pick of the players in the Levante heat, and in the eleventh minute he again found his Brazilian team-mate. But although Anderson lobbed the ball over Hamburg goalkeeper Martin Pieckenhagen, the ball was drifting wide and although the striker was able to direct it back towards goal, Raphaël Wicky cleared off the line.

Hamburg chance
Despite some more fine play by Roger and Anderson, Hamburg refused to be broken down before the break. Four minutes into the second half they nearly caught Villarreal off guard, but although Emile Mpenza's cross cleared the surprised home defence, recipient Bernardo Romeo could not take advantage.

Penalty converted
Villarreal finally made their intense pressure tell in the 51st minute. José Mari was brought down by Björn Schlicke in the Hamburg box and Anderson made no mistake from the spot. Ten minutes later, Roger and Anderson were withdrawn by Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini, but 19-year-old substitute Santiago Cazorla proved a worthy replacement as he ran the show late on, only for Pieckenhagen to repel all efforts.

Close tie
Villarreal will take their lead to Hamburg next Wednesday, but especially considering a late miss by Víctor Fernández, will feel they will still have plenty of work to do if they are to keep alive their dreams of progressing through this competition to the UEFA Cup for the second season running.

Source: Uefa.com