7 March 2007, by Sean Gillen

Post-match free-for-all mars Valencia triumph

Valencia 0-0 Inter (Agg. 2-2, Valencia win on away goals)

Valencia qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions League on away goals following a goalless draw with Inter at the Mestalla, on a night overshadowed by violent scenes at the end of the match.

Members of both sides were involved in physical altercations after the final whistle, which led to several Inter players, including Portuguese legend Luis Figo, attempting to force their way into the Valencia dressing room to continue the confrontations.

The first half was a cagey affair, with Inter arriving in Spain with a somewhat conservative tactical approach and Valencia, knowing that they had two away goals in the bank, cautious of conceding early on.

Ruben Baraja drew a decent save from Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar and Hernan Crespo’s effort was blocked on the line by Valencia defender Raul Albiol as chances in the first half were rare.

The second period saw Inter adopt a more open approach in search of the crucial goal they needed, and manager Roberto Mancini introduced Portuguese Figo for defensive midfielder Olivier Dacourt to give his side a better goalscoring threat.

However, Inter’s Dejan Stankovic fired wide and Moretti headed straight at Cesar for Valencia as the game headed towards the final whistle with neither side able to break the deadlock in an open and entertaining close to the game.

Brawl breaks out

Seconds after the referee brought an end to proceedings, a scuffle broke out between Inter’s Nicolas Burdisso and Valencia defender Carlos Marchena.

Just as other players, including Miguel and Hugo Viana, appeared to have separated the pair, Valencia substitute David Navarro raced into the fracas and punched Burdisso in the face, provoking a furious reaction from the Inter players, several of whom tried to hack down the fleeing Navarro.

Tempers continued to flare as television pictures captured Inter players such as Esteban Cambiasso, Francesco Toldo and Figo trying to force their way into the home dressing room to confront Navarro.

The result is a bitter blow to Inter, who had invested a lot of hope in a good Champions League run following their comfortable cruise at the top of Serie A. Meanwhile, Valencia’s season continues to flourish, with Los Ches having recently put themselves firmly in the race for La Liga.

Massimo Moratti (Inter owner)

“Burdisso has a broken nose, so he’s certainly not in good shape. I am sorry for the player and everything that happened after the match. The UEFA delegate came into the locker room to examine the situation, but I don’t think we will take any action.”

“Inter played well during the game and missed a few chances. We knew it was going to be tough, but we can hardly blame anyone for this exit.”

“But there is a massive difference from last season. At Villarreal we had no character, but here we played an attacking game and tried until the final whistle to turn the result around.”

David Navarro (Valencia defender)

“I saw that they were trying to attack my team-mate and I lost my nerve. I have never done something like this before, and I will never do it. I am very sorry and ashamed.”

“I have not seen the images, or the reaction of the players in our dressing rooms, because I was in another room, where I was accompanied by several team-mates. On Wednesday, I want to apologize to all those who have been affected by my action.”

Roberto Mancini (Inter coach)

“In the last five minutes, Valencia didn’t have many chances. If we had scored at the start of the game we would be talking about a different match. But Inter are out because of the two goals we conceded in the first leg. We didn’t make the most of our chances but will carry on working in the league.”

Quiqe Sanchez Flores (Valencia coach)

“I knew it was going to be a match that wasn’t suitable for supporters with a heart condition. My idea was not to counterattack because it would have been a mistake to let Inter near our goal. At the end of the game when Inter pushed forward we made the most of it.”

“I wouldn’t highlight any player’s individual performance as they all played a great match. It was a very tough game and I still can’t believe we’re through. Our quarter-final will be very difficult and it won’t be easy to be among the top eight.”

Valencia:
Canizares, Miguel, Ayala, Albiol, Moretti, Angulo (Joaquin 77), Baraja (Hugo Viana 36), Marchena, Silva, Morientes (Vicente 67), Villa
Yellow Cards: Canizares (30), Angulo (69)

Inter Milan:
Julio Cesar, Maicon, Cordoba, Materazzi, Maxwell (Grosso 75), Zanetti, Burdisso, Dacourt (Figo 64), Stankovic, Crespo (Cruz 58), Ibrahimovic
Yellow Cards: Ibrahimovic (30), Materazzi (73), Cordoba (79), Maicon (88)