Football: Valencia beat Barcelona

A stunning volley from outside the area by Carlos Mendieta earned Valencia a 3-2 victory over Barcelona in an enthralling Spanish Cup quarter- final first leg at the Nou Camp last night. The tie exploded into life early in the second half, with four goals in 11 minutes. Patrick Kluivert, the Dutch striker, gave Barcelona the lead with a clever flick, before two quick goals from Claudio Lopez, the Argentinian international, put the visitors ahead. The Brazilian Rivaldo equalised direct from a free- kick before Mendieta's winner 10 minutes from time.

Carmine Esposito, deputising for the injured Gabriel Batistuta, scored a spectacular 33rd-minute goal to set Fiorentina on the way to a 2-0 Italian Cup semi-final first leg win at Bologna last night. Rui Costa, the Portuguese international, added the second in the 56th minute direct from a free- kick.