Noprwegian representatives in the UEFA Cup, first round
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Deportivo La Coruna (Spain)- Rosenborg 4-1 (0-0) a.e.t. (agg. 4-2)
Riazor stadium.
Att: 25.000.
1-0 Bebeto (81)
1-1 Brattbakk (93)
2-1 Bebeto (98)
3-1 Donato (pen. 106)
4-1 Bebeto (115)

- RBK have never been closer to knocking out a big club, but in a dramatic
  game they once more lost it at the end. However contrary to other
  years, this time they showed that they can play a defensive game as well.
  Kaasa had two big chances to give Rosenborg the lead in normal time, but
  he missed. Instead, Deportivo got a dubious freekick just outside the area, 
  which Bebeto beautifully placed outside By Rise's reach. That happened just
  as it looked as the game would end in a 0-0 draw, and sending RBK through.

  In extra time RBK got the all-important away goal by Brattbakk, which meant
  that Deportivo now had to score twice to advance. Unfortunately, the home
  side regained the lead only 5 minutes later, again by Bebeto, but RBK were 
  still through as the second period of extra time started. One minute into
  that period, Bebeto (who else?) was fouled inside the area, and the penalty
  was knocked in by Donato. RBK then had to push more forward to get another
  goal, but as often happens it was Deportivo who struck instead, and again
  by Bebeto. The Brazilian was clearly the man of the match, and really the
  main difference between the sides. Why didn't he manage to buy himself off 
  his contract and return to Brazil, instead of troubling RBK? :-)

Lillestrøm - Bordeaux (France) 0-2 (0-2) (agg. 1-5)
Ullevaal stadion.
Att: 2003.
0-1 Zidane (2)
0-2 Dugarry (14)

- This match was virtually over before it had even begun. It was scheduled 
  to start at 17.15, at least that was what all the advertisements said.
  However, those few souls who arrived at that time missed both the opening
  goal and two shots at the posts, as the match started at 17.05. Appearantly
  because the French television company (TF1?) was worried that the game
  would not be over by 19.00. But what a way to treat the few spectators..:-(
  As Bordeaux scored another goal inside the first quarter, the rest of the
  game was pure academic. LSK were really pathetic throughout, and probably
  played one of their worst games of the season. Bordeaux, didn't do more
  than necessary to go through, but were still a few classes above LSK.
  This match was a major setback for Norwegian football, and unfortunately 
  reminded of all those games in the 80s with a Norwegian side being 
  outclassed by a far superior opponent. 

Thus, both of the Norwegian entrants were knocked out, and they will probably
be joined by Bodø/Glimt on Thursday when they go to Genova to play Sampdoria
with only a 3-2 lead from the first game. Let's hope they are not humiliated
too much.