Boro oust Roma to reach UEFA Cup quarter-finals
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-03-16 08:39

The match passed off without major incident following disturbances between rival fans the previous evening. At least three Middlesbrough supporters were stabbed during clashes late on Tuesday in central Rome.

BUGA STRIKES

Striker Mugurel Buga's ninth goal in the UEFA Cup this season proved decisive for Rapid Bucharest who last progressed to this stage of a European competition in 1973.

With the tie against Hamburg all-square, after well taken first-half goals from Benjamin Lauth and Bosnian international Sergei Barbarez had cancelled out Rapid's 2-0 first-leg win, Buga struck six minutes after the break with a header.

His goal left Hamburg needing two more to qualify for the quarter-finals. Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart got one back just past the hour from Barbarez's pass but the Romanian side clung on despite sustained pressure.

Victory eased the financial blow on Rapid who earlier on Thursday were told to pay $400,000 in taxes after failing to register $1.65 million worth of striker Florin Bratu's move to Galatasaray in the club's accounts.

Goals from Frederic Kanoute and Luis Fabiano put Sevilla into the last eight in Europe for the first time.

Lille, 1-0 up from the first leg, were dealt a huge blow when midfielder Mathieu Bodmer was sent off for elbowing on 26 minutes.

Sevilla took immediate advantage with Mali striker Kanoute sidefooting the equaliser from a Jesus Navas cross.

Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano made it 2-0 in first-half stoppage time, converting Kanoute's pass from close range. Sevilla were reduced to 10 men for the final 19 minutes with Navas red-carded for raising his hands to Kader Keita.

The five remaining ties take place on Thursday.