Toni returns to hand Bayern 1-0 win

A first-half strike by Luca Toni proved enough to earn Bayern Munich a narrow 1-0 lead in their UEFA Cup first round first leg tie against Belenenses, of Portugal.

The Italy international had been doubtful to start due to ongoing thigh problems but with striker Miroslav Klose suspended for the first leg, coach Ottmar Hitzfeld decided to play Toni.

The Italian justified selection when he met Mark van Bommel's cross on 34 minutes for the only goal of the game.

AEK Athens led the way on a good night for Greek sides as they, Larissa FC and Panionios all claimed impressive first-leg victories.

Rivaldo shone as AEK defeated Salzburg 3-0 at home while Panionios claimed a 2-0 lead away to Sochaux.

Second division Larissa, however, perhaps eclipsed them both by beating Blackburn Rovers 2-0.

The Greek side marked their return to European competition after a 19-year absence with a comfortable victory at the Panthessaliko Stadium in Volos.

Larissa took the lead on 33 minutes thanks to Ibrahima Bakayoko's powerful long-range strike and, within 60 seconds, they were 2-0 up as Cleyton finished with his left foot.

Bosko Jankovic's last-minute goal gave Palermo a slender advantage as they beat Mlada Boleslav 1-0 in the Czech Republic.

The game looked destined to finish goalless before the Serbian midfielder turned home Cristian Zaccardo's cross.

Until then Palermo, who were without rested strikers Fabrizio Miccoli and Amauri, appeared subdued and nearly fell behind on 49 minutes only for goalkeeper Federico Agliardi to deny Ivo Taborski.

The hosts failed to turn their territorial advantage into goals and must now win in Sicily next month to progress.

Dennis Rommedahl chose an opportune moment to score his first goal for Ajax as the Dutch side earned an impressive 1-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.

Stefan Kiessling scored twice as Leverkusen ran out convincing 3-1 winners over Portugal's Uniao Leira in Germany.

Tottenham cruise

Tottenham Hotspur cruised to a 6-1 victory over Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta at White Hart Lane.

Spurs were 4-0 up at the break, with Younes Kaboul's fifth minute header providing the opening goal.

Michael Dawson scored the second with a close-range finish, Robbie Keane's volley made it 3-0, before Darren Bent slid in for the fourth soon afterwards.

Substitute Jermain Defoe scored with a sublime chip and then a superb strike, while Anton Zlogar netted for Famagusta.