Flying start for Alavés

The 2001 UEFA Cup finalists Deportivo Alavés eased into the second round of this season's competition with a comfortable 3-0 win over the Turkish side MKE Ankaragücü which secured a 5-1 aggregate success.

Perfect start
The Spaniards got off to the best possible start when Iván Alonso pounced, after Adrian Ilie's shot rebounded off a post, to open the scoring just six minutes in. The goal seemed to settle Alavés's nerves and with a 3-1 advantage in the tie they were content to play keep-ball and invite the Turks to force the issue.

Political protest
Any rhythm they may have built up was lost, however, when two supporters ran on to the pitch carrying flags as part of a political protest. The referee halted the game for over a minute as the intruders were led away from the playing area.

Shot-shy attack
The visitors seized the initiative and began to dominate midfield but despite their increasing spells of possession they failed to trouble Richard Dutruel in the Alavés goal. And the hosts capitalised on their opponents' shot-shy attack to wrap up the points with a second on the night, four minutes into the second half.

Clinical finish
Ankaragücü defender Stephen Baidoo lost out to Jesús Angel Turiel and the striker raced through to finish clinically past Ozgultekin Zafer.

Interruption
After another brief interruption by a flag-wielding pitch invader, Alaves added a third 15 minutes from time. Ibon Begoña made a terrific run down the left and his pin-point cross was met by Turiel who powered a header past Zafer.