Carew double sends Valencia through to quarter-finals

John Carew struck twice to earn Valencia a 2-1 victory at home to Arsenal on Wednesday and send the Spaniards through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the English side's expense.

Carew gave Valencia the lead after 34 minutes of a tense Group B clash as he ran on to an astute pass from Pablo Aimar, motored past the Arsenal defence and beat Stuart Taylor with a precise shot low at the keeper's near post.

Arsenal, needing just a draw to make it through to the last eight, were briefly knocked from their stride but they came hurtling back after the break and Thierry Henry curled in the equaliser from a Robert Pires pass after 49 minutes.

Valencia, beaten finalists in the Champions League in 2000 and 2001, were not to be denied, though, and Carew restored their advantage with a header from Vicente's cross after 57 minutes.

That left Arsenal a little over half an hour to find a second equaliser but they created few clear chances.

Valencia goalkeeper Santiago Canizares was replaced by Andres Palop with a little under 20 minutes left after he was caught in the head by Fredrik Ljungberg but the substitute was impeccable for the remainder of the game as the Spaniards safeguarded the win that also secured them top spot in the group.