Third round ties delicately poised

The final edition of the Intertoto Cup comes to a close this weekend with most of the third round ties still open following last week's first legs.

Of the 11 fixtures, only Grasshopper (3-0) and Braga (2-0) enjoyed victories by two goals or more to put themselves in commanding positions, while Napoli, back in Europe after a 14-year absence, and Spain's Deportivo will also feel confident of progress after away victories against Panionios and Bnei Sakhnin respectively.

Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast and Neftci are among a quintet of sides who will be looking to protect their one-goal leads when they travel away.

The 11 winners of the final summer competition take their place in the UEFA Cup second qualifying round draw which takes place next Friday.

Today: Deportivo vs B. Sakhnin (2-1); Chernomore Burgas vs Grasshopper (0-3); Vaslui vs Neftci (1-2); Tavriya vs Stade Rennes (0-1); Honved vs Strum Graz (0-0); Aston Villa vs Odense (2-2); Napoli vs Panionios (1-0); Braga vs Sivasspor (2-0).

Tomorrow: FK Riga vs Elfsborg (0-1); Rosenborg vs NAC Breda (0-1); Stuttgart vs Saturn (0-1).