Gelsenkirchen, Germany (My Sportsbook) - Schalke and Villareal both are on pace to repeat last year's Intertoto triumphs when each posted wins at home in the first leg of its final match-ups. Schalke earned a 2-1 win over Czech Republic club Liberec at Aufschalke Arena on Tuesday night. Liberec, though, gave itself some hope with a late road goal from Tomas Zapotocny. The strike put Liberec in decent position to earn a spot in the UEFA Cup competition with a solid effort at home in the return leg in two weeks' time. Brazilian Ailton and Gerald Asamoah each scored in the first half for Schalke. Ailton, who came over from Bundesliga champions Werder Bremen this summer after leading the league with 28 goals, had several other quality chances in the match, but had one hit off the upright and carom out of harm's way and several others just missed. Meanwhile, Villareal won the battle of Spanish sides on Tuesday night when they defeated Atletico Madrid by a score of 2-0. Garcia Roger and Gonzalo Rodriguez each scored in the second half as Villareal continued to enjoy success in Intertoto action. Villareal now enjoys a hefty advantage heading into the second leg in Madrid on August 24. Portuguese club Uniao Leiria played to a scoreless draw at French side Lille in the third final. The winner's of each tie will earn a spot in the UEFA Cup competition. |
