Deportivo take command in Israel

Two goals in four second-half minutes allowed RC Deportivo La Coruña to establish control of their tie in Israel. Ángel Lafita broke the deadlock in the 54th minute and Riki doubled the score three minutes later but Alberto Lopo's deflection within moments gave Bnei Sakhnin FC hope in Haifa.

Lafita warning
The hosts came close to scoring just four minutes in as Haim Banoon carved open the Spanish side's defence to release Mosa Sha'ban but Fabri charged out of his area to clear the danger, while five minutes after the restart Lafita signalled his intent by striking the crossbar from close range. He made no mistake, though, when he broke from the left, charging into the area and riding a tackle before finding the corner of Omri Alon's net with an accurate shot. Three minutes later, Juan Carlos Valerón began a counterattack which culminated with Riki converting the simplest of chances. Bnei Sakhnin's fans were given some cheer as veteran defender Bassam Ghanayim struck a powerful drive which deflected off Lopo to make it 2-1.

Pressure withstood
Depor's coach Miguel Lotina said: "There was nothing separating both teams in the first half. We dominated the first 20 minutes of the second period and were put under pressure in the final 25 minutes. We want to reach the next stage and there are still 90 more minutes to play." His Bnei Sakhnin counterpart, Freddy David, added: "Deportivo stepped up the pace at the start of the second half and we were missing several players. But we will use this as a learning experience and good practice ahead of the forthcoming domestic season."