IT'S A MIRACLE

Last updated : 31 August 2004 By editor
Valencia edged out Villarreal 2-1 in a nervy Mediterranean derby on Monday to get their Primera Liga title defence off to a positive start.Claudio Ranieri's side took the lead in the 27th minute when Carlos Marchena rose highest to head in a Vicente free kick. Ruben Baraja was left unmarked to score a similar goal 11 minutes later for 2-0.

Diego Forlan, Villarreal's new signing from Manchester United, was left alone at the far post to pull a goal back after 79 minutes but Valencia managed to hold on.