Europa League: Swans take flight

The opening group stage matches produced another shock in Eindhoven where PSV,one of five teams in action who have previously won the UEFA Cup or Europa League,were beaten 2-0 by Bulgarian champions Ludogorets Razgrad in Group B.

England striker Jermain Defoe struck twice in Tottenham Hotspurs 3-0 home Group K win over Tromso,his 19th and 20th goals in Europe for the London club.

Substitute Kevin Gameiros goal lifted twice UEFA Cup winners Sevilla to a 2-1 win at Estoril in Group H and a second-half goal from Brazilian Hernanes secured Lazio three points with a 1-0 home victory over Legia Warsaw in Group J.

Swanseas record signing Bony continued his prolific start after joining from Vitesse Arnhem in July for 12 million pounds ($19.27 million) with a powerful first-time finish from Michus centre,just minutes after Valencia had been reduced to 10 men.

Ivorian international Bony,with four goals in Europe this season,was set to race clean through before last man Rami impeded his progress and was shown a straight red card.

Spaniard Michu,whose first campaign in English football yielded 18 Premier League goals last season,again displayed his clinical finishing by doubling Swanseas lead after 58 minutes from Alejandro Pozuelos pass.

A woeful night for Valencia,who won the 2004 UEFA Cup and were beaten finalists in successive Champions League finals at the turn of the century,was capped when De Guzman curled in a delightful free kick from 30 metres just past the hour.

Laudrup,who fielded six Spaniards in his starting lineup – Valencia only had four – said Swansea had dominated from start to finish. It could have been more than three and Im very pleased to beat a club like Valencia, said the Dane.

HISTORIC MOMENT

PSV goalkeeper Jeroen Zoets misplaced clearance on the hour handed Ludogorets the opening goal in Eindhoven. Zoet rushed out of his area to clear a long ball but found only Roman Bezjak who stroked it into the empty net.

Phillip Cocus side conceded a second goal after 74 minutes when Virgil Misidjan put away the rebound after his shot struck a post.

Former Netherlands midfielder Cocu told reporters he had not underestimated the Bulgarians. We knew that Ludogorets could play well and would aggressively defend. They are also a team who can create opportunities, he later said.

Ludogorets,who won their maiden league title last year and then retained their crown,were competing in the domestic third division only three years ago.

Coach Stoicho Stoev hailed a victory he described as historic. We came to Eindhoven with a lot to offer, he said. But we did not expect to win.

TIMELY REMINDER

Tottenhams Defoe,yet to start a Premier League match this season with their Spain striker Roberto Soldado preferred up front,gave manager Andre Villas-Boas a timely reminder of his finishing abilities. His dinked goal broke the deadlock after 21 minutes and he struck again just before the half-hour mark to end a slick passing move. His record speaks for itself,he has been keeping himself sharp and fit and he has been excellent again tonight, Villas-Boas said.