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Bayern 3 Vs 2 Manchester City
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Benfica 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain: Gaitan goal not enough for Jesus' men
Benfica missed out on a place in the Champions League last 16 despite a 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
A penalty from Lima and a close-range finish from Nicolas Gaitan sealed a win after Edinson Cavani had put the visitors ahead, but Olympiakos' win over Anderlecht consigns Jorge Jesus' men to the Europa League.
It comes as a cruel blow to Jorge Jesus' men after they produced an excellent display against the Ligue 1 champions, recovering from Edinson Cavani's 37th-minute opener to claim the points on home soil.
Lima levelled with a first-half spot-kick, awarded following what appeared to be an accidental clash of heads between debutant Kalifa Traore and Silvio, before Nicolas Gaitan struck the winner 13 minutes into the second half.
But, despite inflicting PSG's first Champions League defeat in 14 matches, Benfica's inferior head-to-head record against Olympiakos saw their dreams of reaching the final, which will be hosted at their own ground, dashed.
PSG coach Laurent Blanc left Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva out of the squad altogether, with Cavani handed a starting berth.
The hosts featured Lima and Lazar Markovic in attack as Rodrigo, whose last-gasp goal earned the vital 3-2 triumph over Anderlecht last time out in the group stage, was named on the bench.
Enzo Perez underlined Benfica's positive intent with an early long-range drive that forced a flying save from Salvatore Sirigu.
And Sirigu was called into action again with seven minutes on the clock, getting down low to his right to palm away Nemanja Matic's near-post effort.The visitors fired a warning shot on the counter attack as Jeremy Menez raced down the left before seeing his low strike well kept out by Artur.
It was the Portuguese side who carried the greater threat, however, and when Gaitan cut inside, he sent a curling left-footed effort just wide of the stranded Sirigu's right-hand upright as Benfica piled on the pressure.
But eight minutes before the interval, Blanc's charges took the lead as Menez raced to cut back a ball that appeared to be going out of play, with Cavani pouncing to turn home from point-blank range.
However, the response was swift, Lima converting from the spot following Traore's challenge on Silvio.It should have been 2-1 to Benfica just two minutes into the second half but Gaitan shot woefully wide after Lima's blocked shot bounced to him eight yards out.
Jesus' men continued to press, the lively Lima testing Sirigu's reflexes again with a rising 20-yard strike after 52 minutes, and Luisao heading over two minutes later.
And they got their reward when Gaitan stabbed over the line from deep inside the area following excellent work from Maxi Pereira just before the hour mark.
Substitute Ezequiel Lavezzi almost grabbed an equaliser for PSG but saw his shot go just wide as Benfica held on for the win, only to be left disappointed by the news from Olympiakos.
Benfica missed out on a place in the Champions League last 16 despite a 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
A penalty from Lima and a close-range finish from Nicolas Gaitan sealed a win after Edinson Cavani had put the visitors ahead, but Olympiakos' win over Anderlecht consigns Jorge Jesus' men to the Europa League.
It comes as a cruel blow to Jorge Jesus' men after they produced an excellent display against the Ligue 1 champions, recovering from Edinson Cavani's 37th-minute opener to claim the points on home soil.
Lima levelled with a first-half spot-kick, awarded following what appeared to be an accidental clash of heads between debutant Kalifa Traore and Silvio, before Nicolas Gaitan struck the winner 13 minutes into the second half.
But, despite inflicting PSG's first Champions League defeat in 14 matches, Benfica's inferior head-to-head record against Olympiakos saw their dreams of reaching the final, which will be hosted at their own ground, dashed.
PSG coach Laurent Blanc left Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva out of the squad altogether, with Cavani handed a starting berth.
The hosts featured Lima and Lazar Markovic in attack as Rodrigo, whose last-gasp goal earned the vital 3-2 triumph over Anderlecht last time out in the group stage, was named on the bench.
Enzo Perez underlined Benfica's positive intent with an early long-range drive that forced a flying save from Salvatore Sirigu.
And Sirigu was called into action again with seven minutes on the clock, getting down low to his right to palm away Nemanja Matic's near-post effort.The visitors fired a warning shot on the counter attack as Jeremy Menez raced down the left before seeing his low strike well kept out by Artur.
It was the Portuguese side who carried the greater threat, however, and when Gaitan cut inside, he sent a curling left-footed effort just wide of the stranded Sirigu's right-hand upright as Benfica piled on the pressure.
But eight minutes before the interval, Blanc's charges took the lead as Menez raced to cut back a ball that appeared to be going out of play, with Cavani pouncing to turn home from point-blank range.
However, the response was swift, Lima converting from the spot following Traore's challenge on Silvio.It should have been 2-1 to Benfica just two minutes into the second half but Gaitan shot woefully wide after Lima's blocked shot bounced to him eight yards out.
Jesus' men continued to press, the lively Lima testing Sirigu's reflexes again with a rising 20-yard strike after 52 minutes, and Luisao heading over two minutes later.
And they got their reward when Gaitan stabbed over the line from deep inside the area following excellent work from Maxi Pereira just before the hour mark.
Substitute Ezequiel Lavezzi almost grabbed an equaliser for PSG but saw his shot go just wide as Benfica held on for the win, only to be left disappointed by the news from Olympiakos.
Olympiakos 3-1 Anderlecht: Saviola double sends Greek champions through
Two goals from Javier Saviola were enough to send Olympiakos through to the Champions League knockouts with a 3-1 win over eight-man Anderlecht on Tuesday.
The veteran striker scored either side of a Sacha Kljestan goal to send the Greek champions into the last 16 at the expense of Benfica, despite missing a penalty earlier in the game.
Substitute Vladimir Weiss had a chance to all but seal qualification in the 72nd minute, but found Silvio Proto in inspired form as the goalkeeper kept out another spot-kick, before Fabrice N'Sakala became the second Anderlecht player to be given his marching orders late on after Cheikhou Kouyate had been dismissed for a second yellow card.
Remarkably, a third penalty was awarded and Proto dismissed for his foul on Weiss, and substitute Alejandro Dominguez kept his cool against stand-in keeper Aleksandar Mitrovic to wrap up the win.
The result sends the Greek side through due to their superior head-to-head record against Benfica, who triumphed 2-1 against Group C winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Saviola and Michael Olaitan came into the Olympiakos starting XI as part of four changes to the side that beat Asteras Tripolis 2-0 in the Greek Super League on Saturday.
Anderlecht, meanwhile, made just one alteration from their 2-0 victory over Waasland-Beveren in the Belgian Pro League at the weekend, with Luka Milivojevic replacing the suspended Massimo Brun
lympiakos applied the early pressure, but failed to take advantage of two free-kicks from the edge of the penalty area.
Saviola and David Fuster exchanged passes brilliantly in the 32nd minute to set up a chance for the Argentine, who glanced his effort agonisingly wide.
However, he made up for that miss less than a minute later, firing a low left-footed effort into the bottom right-hand corner of the net after receiving the ball from Fuster once again.
But Anderlecht levelled six minutes later with their first attack of the match. A counter from an Olympiakos corner culminated in Dennis Praet squaring the ball to Kljestan, who was left with a simple finish from 12 yards.
Olympiakos were awarded a penalty just four minutes into the second half, with Kouyate shown a second yellow card for his handball in the area.
But the subsequent spot-kick was poor, Proto getting down to his left to keep out Saviola's strike with relative ease.
Saviola went from villain to hero nine minutes later by acrobatically getting the final touch to a Fuster strike and divert the ball beyond Proto to restore the hosts' lead.
Roberto had to be alert to deny Guillaume Gillet, before N'Sakala brought down Weiss in the area 18 minutes from time, handing the hosts a second penalty. But they failed to make the most of the chance once again as the Slovak was denied by Proto.
N'Sakala picked up his second yellow card in the closing stages and Proto followed him down the tunnel in stoppage time, with Dominguez completing the scoring from the spot.
Two goals from Javier Saviola were enough to send Olympiakos through to the Champions League knockouts with a 3-1 win over eight-man Anderlecht on Tuesday.
The veteran striker scored either side of a Sacha Kljestan goal to send the Greek champions into the last 16 at the expense of Benfica, despite missing a penalty earlier in the game.
Substitute Vladimir Weiss had a chance to all but seal qualification in the 72nd minute, but found Silvio Proto in inspired form as the goalkeeper kept out another spot-kick, before Fabrice N'Sakala became the second Anderlecht player to be given his marching orders late on after Cheikhou Kouyate had been dismissed for a second yellow card.
Remarkably, a third penalty was awarded and Proto dismissed for his foul on Weiss, and substitute Alejandro Dominguez kept his cool against stand-in keeper Aleksandar Mitrovic to wrap up the win.
The result sends the Greek side through due to their superior head-to-head record against Benfica, who triumphed 2-1 against Group C winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Saviola and Michael Olaitan came into the Olympiakos starting XI as part of four changes to the side that beat Asteras Tripolis 2-0 in the Greek Super League on Saturday.
Anderlecht, meanwhile, made just one alteration from their 2-0 victory over Waasland-Beveren in the Belgian Pro League at the weekend, with Luka Milivojevic replacing the suspended Massimo Brun
lympiakos applied the early pressure, but failed to take advantage of two free-kicks from the edge of the penalty area.Saviola and David Fuster exchanged passes brilliantly in the 32nd minute to set up a chance for the Argentine, who glanced his effort agonisingly wide.
However, he made up for that miss less than a minute later, firing a low left-footed effort into the bottom right-hand corner of the net after receiving the ball from Fuster once again.
But Anderlecht levelled six minutes later with their first attack of the match. A counter from an Olympiakos corner culminated in Dennis Praet squaring the ball to Kljestan, who was left with a simple finish from 12 yards.
Olympiakos were awarded a penalty just four minutes into the second half, with Kouyate shown a second yellow card for his handball in the area.
But the subsequent spot-kick was poor, Proto getting down to his left to keep out Saviola's strike with relative ease.
Saviola went from villain to hero nine minutes later by acrobatically getting the final touch to a Fuster strike and divert the ball beyond Proto to restore the hosts' lead.
Roberto had to be alert to deny Guillaume Gillet, before N'Sakala brought down Weiss in the area 18 minutes from time, handing the hosts a second penalty. But they failed to make the most of the chance once again as the Slovak was denied by Proto.
N'Sakala picked up his second yellow card in the closing stages and Proto followed him down the tunnel in stoppage time, with Dominguez completing the scoring from the spot.
Viktoria Plzen 2-1 CSKA Moscow: Late Wagner strike nicks Europa League spot off visitors
Viktoria Plzen secured Europa League qualification with a dramatic 2-1 home win over nine-man CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
Bayern Munich and Manchester City had already earned their spots in the knockout stages of Europe's premier club competition, with the Europa League place the only issue to be decided in the final round of Group D matches.
Pavel Vrba, who was taking charge of his final Plzen match before assuming control of Czech Republic's national team, saw his side come from behind in dramatic fashion after Ahmed Musa's 65th-minute header put CSKA in front.
CSKA's Alan Dzagoev was dismissed for a clash with Vaclav Prochazka, and Plzen soon levelled through Daniel Kolar before Tomas Wagner scored a winner in the final minute of normal time.
There was also time for Pontus Wernbloom to be shown a red card as Plzen extended their European campaign into the new year for a third consecutive season. Plzen made one change from their 4-2 defeat against Manchester City, with David Limbersky replacing Roman Hubnik in defence.
Dzagoev made his first start since September for CSKA after recovering from a hamstring problem, although Leonid Slutsky was without three key players due to injury.
Defenders Mario Fernandes and Alexei Berezutski were both ruled out, as was striker Seydou Doumbia who had scored twice in the competition so far.
Zoran Tosic of CSKA and Plzen’s Pavel Horvath had early opportunities, but each fired over the crossbar.
Stanislav Tecl was next to threaten after 27 minutes, as he forced visiting goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev into a smart save from the edge of the area.
Musa then wasted the best chance of the half for CSKA after 31 minutes, producing a tame effort when through on goal that was easily saved by Matus Kozacik with his feet.
CSKA brought Milan-bound Honda into the action seven minutes into the second half and, a minute before the hour mark, Dzagoev's long-range strike was too hot for Kozacik to handle, forcing a clearance from Prochazka.
Tecl headed over from a whipped Horvath delivery four minutes later, before Musa showed the Czech how it was done.
The lively striker peeled away at the far post before heading Honda's cross into the ground, but Dzagoev's dismissal for an off-the-ball incident with Prochazka made life uncomfortable for the visitors as Plzen pressed forward.
They were eventually rewarded when Kolar headed home unmarked from Horvath's cross with 14 minutes remaining.
Wagner then converted Frantisek Rajtoral's delivery in the dying stages of the game to ensure Vrba's reign ended on a notable high.
Viktoria Plzen secured Europa League qualification with a dramatic 2-1 home win over nine-man CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
Bayern Munich and Manchester City had already earned their spots in the knockout stages of Europe's premier club competition, with the Europa League place the only issue to be decided in the final round of Group D matches.
Pavel Vrba, who was taking charge of his final Plzen match before assuming control of Czech Republic's national team, saw his side come from behind in dramatic fashion after Ahmed Musa's 65th-minute header put CSKA in front.
CSKA's Alan Dzagoev was dismissed for a clash with Vaclav Prochazka, and Plzen soon levelled through Daniel Kolar before Tomas Wagner scored a winner in the final minute of normal time.
There was also time for Pontus Wernbloom to be shown a red card as Plzen extended their European campaign into the new year for a third consecutive season. Plzen made one change from their 4-2 defeat against Manchester City, with David Limbersky replacing Roman Hubnik in defence.
Dzagoev made his first start since September for CSKA after recovering from a hamstring problem, although Leonid Slutsky was without three key players due to injury.
Defenders Mario Fernandes and Alexei Berezutski were both ruled out, as was striker Seydou Doumbia who had scored twice in the competition so far.
Zoran Tosic of CSKA and Plzen’s Pavel Horvath had early opportunities, but each fired over the crossbar.
Stanislav Tecl was next to threaten after 27 minutes, as he forced visiting goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev into a smart save from the edge of the area.
Musa then wasted the best chance of the half for CSKA after 31 minutes, producing a tame effort when through on goal that was easily saved by Matus Kozacik with his feet.
CSKA brought Milan-bound Honda into the action seven minutes into the second half and, a minute before the hour mark, Dzagoev's long-range strike was too hot for Kozacik to handle, forcing a clearance from Prochazka.
Tecl headed over from a whipped Horvath delivery four minutes later, before Musa showed the Czech how it was done.
The lively striker peeled away at the far post before heading Honda's cross into the ground, but Dzagoev's dismissal for an off-the-ball incident with Prochazka made life uncomfortable for the visitors as Plzen pressed forward.
They were eventually rewarded when Kolar headed home unmarked from Horvath's cross with 14 minutes remaining.
Wagner then converted Frantisek Rajtoral's delivery in the dying stages of the game to ensure Vrba's reign ended on a notable high.
Bayern Munich 2-3 Manchester City: Milner winner completes remarkable comeback
Manchester City came from behind to beat Champions League holders Bayern Munich 3-2 at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night, ending the German side's 100 per cent record in this season's competition and avenging the defeat they suffered in October.
The two teams were guaranteed to qualify, but that did not stop the Bavarians making a roaring start to the match; Thomas Muller latched onto Dante's long ball and slotted the ball past Joe Hart before Mario Gotze doubled the lead moments later.
But City responded through the returning David Silva, who scrambled the ball over the line on the half-hour mark, and then Aleksandar Kolarov levelled the scores from the penalty spot. Barely five minutes later, James Milner, who won the spot-kick, unleashed a thunderous drive that gave the visitors the victory.
Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, Alvaro Negredo, Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri were all missing from a City XI that showed Pellegrini had one eye on Saturday's crunch Premier League clash against Arsenal, while Bayern were much closer to full strength.
The gulf in class was quickly apparent; City barely left their half in the opening stages and it was little surprise when Muller caught Kolarov napping to clinically convert Dante's raking pass.
Franck Ribery then struck the post following a botched Joleon Lescott clearance, before Gotze prodded home from close range to capitalise on another City defensive error, with the visitor's defence unable to clear a corner.
The visitors' nightmare start took another turn for the worse as Micah Richards hobbled out of the action with a suspected hamstring problem and was replaced by Pablo Zabaleta.
Pellegrini's men tentatively emerged from their early struggles and Silva reduced the arrears when Milner showed excellent endeavour to knock Jesus Navas' right-wing cross back across goal for a simple finish.
City proceeded to play their part in a more even contest shortly before the break, but Joe Hart was called upon to thwart Gotze in the 43rd minute before former Bayern defender Martin Demichelis salvaged a wretched individual half by producing a last-ditch tackle to deny Muller.
Edin Dzeko stung Manuel Neuer's palms in the 51st minute after Silva and Milner had linked nicely down the Bayern right. The same combination caught Bayern out again six minutes later and referee David Fernandez pointed to the spot as Dante clumsily sent Milner tumbling. Kolarov coolly converted.
And Milner, having had a hand in both the previous goals, continued a superb evening with a measured finish across Neuer from Navas' centre as Silva picked Bayern apart once more.
City then threw on Alvaro Negredo in place of his international colleague Silva and the bustling striker capitalised in an error from the clearly rattled Dante, leaving Neuer's outstretched boot to preserve Bayern's top spot in the group, though they were nevertheless denied an 11th straight Champions League win.
Manchester City came from behind to beat Champions League holders Bayern Munich 3-2 at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night, ending the German side's 100 per cent record in this season's competition and avenging the defeat they suffered in October.
The two teams were guaranteed to qualify, but that did not stop the Bavarians making a roaring start to the match; Thomas Muller latched onto Dante's long ball and slotted the ball past Joe Hart before Mario Gotze doubled the lead moments later.
But City responded through the returning David Silva, who scrambled the ball over the line on the half-hour mark, and then Aleksandar Kolarov levelled the scores from the penalty spot. Barely five minutes later, James Milner, who won the spot-kick, unleashed a thunderous drive that gave the visitors the victory.
Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, Alvaro Negredo, Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri were all missing from a City XI that showed Pellegrini had one eye on Saturday's crunch Premier League clash against Arsenal, while Bayern were much closer to full strength.
The gulf in class was quickly apparent; City barely left their half in the opening stages and it was little surprise when Muller caught Kolarov napping to clinically convert Dante's raking pass.
Franck Ribery then struck the post following a botched Joleon Lescott clearance, before Gotze prodded home from close range to capitalise on another City defensive error, with the visitor's defence unable to clear a corner.
The visitors' nightmare start took another turn for the worse as Micah Richards hobbled out of the action with a suspected hamstring problem and was replaced by Pablo Zabaleta.
Pellegrini's men tentatively emerged from their early struggles and Silva reduced the arrears when Milner showed excellent endeavour to knock Jesus Navas' right-wing cross back across goal for a simple finish.
City proceeded to play their part in a more even contest shortly before the break, but Joe Hart was called upon to thwart Gotze in the 43rd minute before former Bayern defender Martin Demichelis salvaged a wretched individual half by producing a last-ditch tackle to deny Muller.
Edin Dzeko stung Manuel Neuer's palms in the 51st minute after Silva and Milner had linked nicely down the Bayern right. The same combination caught Bayern out again six minutes later and referee David Fernandez pointed to the spot as Dante clumsily sent Milner tumbling. Kolarov coolly converted.
And Milner, having had a hand in both the previous goals, continued a superb evening with a measured finish across Neuer from Navas' centre as Silva picked Bayern apart once more.
City then threw on Alvaro Negredo in place of his international colleague Silva and the bustling striker capitalised in an error from the clearly rattled Dante, leaving Neuer's outstretched boot to preserve Bayern's top spot in the group, though they were nevertheless denied an 11th straight Champions League win.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen: Toprak seals visitors last-16 place
Bayer Leverkusen ensured their progression to the last 16 of the Champions League, taking the final qualifying spot in Group A with a narrow victory over Real Sociedad on Tuesday.
The Germans needed to produce a better result at Anoeta than Shakhtar Donetsk could manage away to Manchester United, and they did their bit with a battling away victory.
The Ukrainians' 1-0 defeat in England made sure the job was completed, as Leverkusen progressed as Group A runners-up.
Leverkusen created the first half's better chances as a Gonzalo Castro free-kick hit the post and Simon Rolfes headed over, but Antoine Griezmann was presented with several opportunities of his own to give the Spaniards something to show for their efforts.
After a string of missed chances before the break for both sides, Omer Toprak finally prodded the visitors into the lead four minutes after the restart, while Stefan Kiessling headed against the crossbar.
The hosts attempted to push men forward towards the end as they sought their first home Champions League goal since December 2003, but Leverkusen held firm.
Sociedad coach Jagoba Arrasate made six changes from the team that lost 4-0 to Shakhtar Donetsk in their last European match, with injured duo Claudio Bravo and Inigo Martinez the most notable absentees.
Leverkusen went into the match on the back of a 1-0 win at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, with coach Sami Hyypia keeping faith with that side.
The hosts were the first to threaten as the in-form Griezmann fired an audacious half-volley just wide from 30 yards in the eighth minute.
Little more than 60 seconds later Leverkusen went close themselves, as Castro’s free-kick came back off Enaut Zubikarai's right-hand post.
Another Castro set-piece wreaked havoc in the 23rd minute. The German's left-wing delivery evaded the Real defence, but Rolfes headed over three yards from goal.
The hosts gradually began to assert control as the half drew to a close, but Griezmann missed the target with a hat-trick of chances before Carlos Vela agonisingly failed to connect with the Frenchman's low cross.
Hyypia showed his intent by replacing midfielder Jens Hegeler with the attack-minded Robbie Kruse at half-time and it did not take the Germans long to take the lead.
Kiessling saw his 49th-minute header tipped over by Zubikarai and from the resulting corner Toprak poked the ball home after the Spaniards had failed to clear their lines.
Leverkusen's second-half gameplan revolved around getting crosses into Kiessling, but he spurned two more chances from Kruse deliveries, hitting the post before being denied by Zubikarai.
Kruse was the source of danger again in the 72nd minute as the Australian's cross was controlled by Son Heung-Min, but the forward smashed his half-volley well over from near the penalty spot.
Leverkusen invited pressure in the final stages, but they retained their lead despite the hosts' late pressure to seal the their progress.
Bayer Leverkusen ensured their progression to the last 16 of the Champions League, taking the final qualifying spot in Group A with a narrow victory over Real Sociedad on Tuesday.
The Germans needed to produce a better result at Anoeta than Shakhtar Donetsk could manage away to Manchester United, and they did their bit with a battling away victory.
The Ukrainians' 1-0 defeat in England made sure the job was completed, as Leverkusen progressed as Group A runners-up.
Leverkusen created the first half's better chances as a Gonzalo Castro free-kick hit the post and Simon Rolfes headed over, but Antoine Griezmann was presented with several opportunities of his own to give the Spaniards something to show for their efforts.
After a string of missed chances before the break for both sides, Omer Toprak finally prodded the visitors into the lead four minutes after the restart, while Stefan Kiessling headed against the crossbar.
The hosts attempted to push men forward towards the end as they sought their first home Champions League goal since December 2003, but Leverkusen held firm.
Sociedad coach Jagoba Arrasate made six changes from the team that lost 4-0 to Shakhtar Donetsk in their last European match, with injured duo Claudio Bravo and Inigo Martinez the most notable absentees.
Leverkusen went into the match on the back of a 1-0 win at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, with coach Sami Hyypia keeping faith with that side.
The hosts were the first to threaten as the in-form Griezmann fired an audacious half-volley just wide from 30 yards in the eighth minute.
Little more than 60 seconds later Leverkusen went close themselves, as Castro’s free-kick came back off Enaut Zubikarai's right-hand post.
Another Castro set-piece wreaked havoc in the 23rd minute. The German's left-wing delivery evaded the Real defence, but Rolfes headed over three yards from goal.
The hosts gradually began to assert control as the half drew to a close, but Griezmann missed the target with a hat-trick of chances before Carlos Vela agonisingly failed to connect with the Frenchman's low cross.
Hyypia showed his intent by replacing midfielder Jens Hegeler with the attack-minded Robbie Kruse at half-time and it did not take the Germans long to take the lead.
Kiessling saw his 49th-minute header tipped over by Zubikarai and from the resulting corner Toprak poked the ball home after the Spaniards had failed to clear their lines.
Leverkusen's second-half gameplan revolved around getting crosses into Kiessling, but he spurned two more chances from Kruse deliveries, hitting the post before being denied by Zubikarai.
Kruse was the source of danger again in the 72nd minute as the Australian's cross was controlled by Son Heung-Min, but the forward smashed his half-volley well over from near the penalty spot.
Leverkusen invited pressure in the final stages, but they retained their lead despite the hosts' late pressure to seal the their progress.
Copenhagen 0-2 Real Madrid: Record-breaking Ronaldo leads Blancos to win
Cristiano Ronaldo made Champions League history as Real Madrid saw off Copenhagen 2-0 on Tuesday.
The Portugal star netted his ninth goal of the group stage after Luka Modric had put los Blancos ahead in the first half as Carlo Ancelotti's side cruised into the last 16.
Real, who had already secured top spot, finish with 16 points from their six fixtures, while Copenhagen exit the competition and will also miss out on a Europa League berth.
After a slow opening Luka Modric sparked the match into life with a superb curling effort, but Carlo Ancelotti's charges survived a scare when Nicolai Jorgensen had an effort ruled out for an apparent handball.
The game was put beyond doubt when Ronaldo notched his record-breaking goal from just outside the six-yard box, and he missed the opportunity to make it 3-0 when having a penalty saved in the closing stages.Ronaldo was predictably named in Madrid's side following his return to fitness, while Rurik Gislason and Jorgensen came into Copenhagen's starting XI.
Both sides struggled to create chances in a lacklustre opening with a Gareth Bale header and Karim Benzema's tame volley the only efforts of note.
However, Modric lit up the tepid affair with a sublime effort in the 25th minute.
The Croatia international received the ball on the right-hand side of the box before turning his marker and curling into the top corner from 20 yards.The goal appeared to settle Real, who began to display greater fluency.
A speculative volley from Ronaldo bounced in front of Johan Wiland, forcing the goalkeeper into a smart parry.Despite their dominance, Real looked to have been pegged back shortly before the interval.
Jorgensen rose highest to divert a cross from the right past Iker Casillas, but his effort was chalked off with replays suggesting the striker had handled.
The visitors nearly doubled their lead early in the second half when Ronaldo weaved through the defence only to poke an effort straight at Wiland.It was not long before the former Manchester United forward did find the back of the net.
Marcelo's deep cross was headed across goal by Pepe, allowing Ronaldo to tap home from close range.
With a two-goal cushion Real were in complete control and they had the ball in the net again on the hour mark when Nacho tapped home, yet his celebrations were curtailed by the offside flag.
Ronaldo came agonisingly close to another goal with 15 minutes remaining when his low left-foot strike rebounded to safety off the inside of the post.
Copenhagen were unable to create a clear-cut opportunity and could have fallen further behind when Bale's header from Marcelo's centre flashed wide.
Real then spurned a golden chance to add a third in the 89th minute. Ronaldo was felled in the area by Thomas Delaney, but the former saw his penalty saved by Wiland.
Cristiano Ronaldo made Champions League history as Real Madrid saw off Copenhagen 2-0 on Tuesday.
The Portugal star netted his ninth goal of the group stage after Luka Modric had put los Blancos ahead in the first half as Carlo Ancelotti's side cruised into the last 16.
Real, who had already secured top spot, finish with 16 points from their six fixtures, while Copenhagen exit the competition and will also miss out on a Europa League berth.
After a slow opening Luka Modric sparked the match into life with a superb curling effort, but Carlo Ancelotti's charges survived a scare when Nicolai Jorgensen had an effort ruled out for an apparent handball.
The game was put beyond doubt when Ronaldo notched his record-breaking goal from just outside the six-yard box, and he missed the opportunity to make it 3-0 when having a penalty saved in the closing stages.Ronaldo was predictably named in Madrid's side following his return to fitness, while Rurik Gislason and Jorgensen came into Copenhagen's starting XI.
Both sides struggled to create chances in a lacklustre opening with a Gareth Bale header and Karim Benzema's tame volley the only efforts of note.
However, Modric lit up the tepid affair with a sublime effort in the 25th minute.
The Croatia international received the ball on the right-hand side of the box before turning his marker and curling into the top corner from 20 yards.The goal appeared to settle Real, who began to display greater fluency.
A speculative volley from Ronaldo bounced in front of Johan Wiland, forcing the goalkeeper into a smart parry.Despite their dominance, Real looked to have been pegged back shortly before the interval.
Jorgensen rose highest to divert a cross from the right past Iker Casillas, but his effort was chalked off with replays suggesting the striker had handled.
The visitors nearly doubled their lead early in the second half when Ronaldo weaved through the defence only to poke an effort straight at Wiland.It was not long before the former Manchester United forward did find the back of the net.
Marcelo's deep cross was headed across goal by Pepe, allowing Ronaldo to tap home from close range.
With a two-goal cushion Real were in complete control and they had the ball in the net again on the hour mark when Nacho tapped home, yet his celebrations were curtailed by the offside flag.
Ronaldo came agonisingly close to another goal with 15 minutes remaining when his low left-foot strike rebounded to safety off the inside of the post.
Copenhagen were unable to create a clear-cut opportunity and could have fallen further behind when Bale's header from Marcelo's centre flashed wide.
Real then spurned a golden chance to add a third in the 89th minute. Ronaldo was felled in the area by Thomas Delaney, but the former saw his penalty saved by Wiland.
Manchester United 1-0 Shakhtar Donetsk: Jones strike ensures top spot
Manchester United secured their place at the top of Champions League Group A with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, while the Ukrainian side crashed out of the competition.
In a match the Premier League champions struggled to control, and with Shakhtar needing to win as Bayer Leverkusen claimed three points against Real Sociedad, it took a Phil Jones strike midway through the second half to separate the two sides.
David Moyes' strong line-up showed he was eager to prevent his side from slipping to a third consecutive home defeat after suffering 1-0 losses to Newcastle and Everton domestically; Wayne Rooney came back into the side, though Robin van Persie only made the bench.
Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu handed returns to Brazilian strike duo Fred and Taison but it was United who started more brightly, as Jones forced goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov to block.
The visitors should have taken a 12th-minute lead when a defence-splitting ball from midfield set Teixeira away, but he dragged his shot wide. At the other end, Adnan Januzaj controlled expertly on his chest before spinning and firing goalward, forcing a fine save from Pyatov.
Shakhtar were the more dangerous in the final third – Teixeira winding his way past several challenges midway through the half with a run that deserved better than his tame finish.
However, Ashley Young wasted two gilt-edged chances to give United an advantage as first he outmuscled Darijo Srna, only to lob beyond the far post, before slicing woefully wide.
There was no doubt some strong words from Moyes in the dressing room at half-time, but the home side seemed to still be taking them in when a corner across the box missed everyone a minute after the restart and Yaroslav Rakitskiy scuffed a shot against the outside of the post.
Finally, United burst into life as Rooney's audacious chip from distance almost caught Pyatov off his line. Reinforcements arrived in the shape of Van Persie and Tom Cleverley, and the Dutchman had not even touched the ball when Rooney's clever pass almost played him in.
But it was Jones who stepped up when United needed a hero. After they had pressed Shakhtar to win a 67th-minute corner, Van Persie's set-piece from the right bounced through everyone in the box where Jones angled his body to drill beyond Pyatov.
Srna forced David de Gea into a smart save late on, but United held firm and Van Persie almost added late gloss to the scoreline when a clipped finish flashed wide. The Red Devils go through as group winners, while Shakhtar settle for the Europa League.
Benfica clearly deserved to progress - Jesus
Benfica coach Jorge Jesus believes the best teams have not progressed from Group C of the Champions League following his side's exit.
The Portuguese outfit recorded a 2-1 victory over group winners Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, but they failed to advance to the knockout stages due to their head-to-head record with Olympiakos, who beat Anderlecht 3-1 in Greece.
And Jesus admitted afterwards to feeling a sense of injustice over the outcome."After finishing this group, Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica were clearly the best teams," he said. "We were close to 3-1, it was a pity we failed to qualify.
"Benfica are still in a European competition. We'll be in the Europa League where last year we were finalists."
Meanwhile Lima, who scored Benfica's first from the penalty spot, revealed that he and his team-mates had little clue what was taking place in the group's other match in Athens.
"We could not tell much about the other game," he said. "We did our homework, we played a great game and got a victory that our audience deserves.
"We will have other opportunities to get there."
Benfica coach Jorge Jesus believes the best teams have not progressed from Group C of the Champions League following his side's exit.
The Portuguese outfit recorded a 2-1 victory over group winners Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, but they failed to advance to the knockout stages due to their head-to-head record with Olympiakos, who beat Anderlecht 3-1 in Greece.
And Jesus admitted afterwards to feeling a sense of injustice over the outcome."After finishing this group, Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica were clearly the best teams," he said. "We were close to 3-1, it was a pity we failed to qualify.
"Benfica are still in a European competition. We'll be in the Europa League where last year we were finalists."
Meanwhile Lima, who scored Benfica's first from the penalty spot, revealed that he and his team-mates had little clue what was taking place in the group's other match in Athens.
"We could not tell much about the other game," he said. "We did our homework, we played a great game and got a victory that our audience deserves.
"We will have other opportunities to get there."
Manchester City defeat an important lesson for Bayern Munich - Guardiola
Pep Guardiola believes Bayern Munich's 3-2 Champions League defeat to Manchester City will serve as an important lesson for his side.
Thomas Muller and Mario Gotze had put the holders in control after just 12 minutes, but goals from David Silva, James Milner and an Aleksandar Kolarov penalty secured a memorable comeback for last season's Premier League runners-up.
"I think it is something we have to know - that we can lose," Guardiola told reporters after the match. "Opponents have good players and coaches too. It is always difficult.
"But we started very well and for the first 30 minutes we were very good. Later we had to use the ball better and use our counterattacks. Manchester City are a good team and you have to have more than just possession.
"Congratulations to Manchester City on this great victory. Sometimes you need to lose a game. In the Bundesliga we have won everything, in Manchester we won 3-1, but now we lost and have to cope with that. But we're already looking ahead to next week in Marrakech [for the Club World Cup]."
Bayern finish top of the group despite the defeat to Manuel Pellegrini's men and Guardiola believes his side should be congratulated on their performances during the group stage.
"In the first half we did not make many mistakes, but during the first 10 minutes of the second half we did not play very well. In general we are satisfied," he said. "We met a great team in the group phase; Manchester City played quite well tonight.
"I congratulate the players on their success and I hope we understand now how difficult it is to play in Europe. We did not always have the right player in the right place on the pitch. We have to work on this – that is the lesson we learned today."
Pep Guardiola believes Bayern Munich's 3-2 Champions League defeat to Manchester City will serve as an important lesson for his side.
Thomas Muller and Mario Gotze had put the holders in control after just 12 minutes, but goals from David Silva, James Milner and an Aleksandar Kolarov penalty secured a memorable comeback for last season's Premier League runners-up.
"I think it is something we have to know - that we can lose," Guardiola told reporters after the match. "Opponents have good players and coaches too. It is always difficult.
"But we started very well and for the first 30 minutes we were very good. Later we had to use the ball better and use our counterattacks. Manchester City are a good team and you have to have more than just possession.
"Congratulations to Manchester City on this great victory. Sometimes you need to lose a game. In the Bundesliga we have won everything, in Manchester we won 3-1, but now we lost and have to cope with that. But we're already looking ahead to next week in Marrakech [for the Club World Cup]."
Bayern finish top of the group despite the defeat to Manuel Pellegrini's men and Guardiola believes his side should be congratulated on their performances during the group stage.
"In the first half we did not make many mistakes, but during the first 10 minutes of the second half we did not play very well. In general we are satisfied," he said. "We met a great team in the group phase; Manchester City played quite well tonight.
"I congratulate the players on their success and I hope we understand now how difficult it is to play in Europe. We did not always have the right player in the right place on the pitch. We have to work on this – that is the lesson we learned today."
Manchester United boss Moyes eyes Champions League glory
Manchester United manager David Moyes insists a club of the Red Devils' stature must aim to win the Champions League this season.
United went into Tuesday's tie against Shakhtar Donetsk needing only a draw to secure top spot in Group A, but went one better as Phil Jones struck in the 67th minute to earn a 1-0 win.
Moyes is adamant a club of United's size needs to be aiming to win every trophy available and was relieved to overcome Shakhtar following a poor first-half performance.
"A club like Manchester United has to be trying to win the trophy, that's their job," the Scot told ITV. "You have to get better as the tournament goes on. It's a tough competition, a hard one, but we will take it one game at a time.
"As a club we could be considered one of the favourites, but as a team we have to improve if we are going to keep progressing. Hopefully we have given ourselves the best chance by winning the group.
"We wanted to top the group and we have. The win helps us, improves our form. We didn't play well for 30 minutes and they [Shakhtar] had two or three opportunities.
"In the first half they had the better chances. In the second half it was much better. A loss would have been disappointing. I was tough with them [United's players] at half-time but we needed to be. We need to win games."
Jones acknowledged that United, who are currently ninth in the Premier League, were lacklustre in the first period, but noticed a big improvement after half-time and praised the impact of the fans at Old Trafford.
"We needed to show a bit more desire [in the first half], a bit more belief in our performance and we did that eventually," said the goalscorer.
"In the first half we were shaky and tentative but in the second half we got to grips with things and created more chances.
"People have opinions [about the club's start to the season], but the fans were excellent tonight. They stuck by us and hopefully we can start a run and kick on from here."
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Shahktar win 1ka gana hithala 100% team 1ka ok kiyala kiyanna baha
Ancelotti hails 'complete' Ronaldo following Champions League goal record
Carlo Ancelotti has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as "a complete forward" after the Real Madrid star set a new record for goals scored in the Champions League group stage.
Ronaldo's strike in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Copenhagen was his ninth in only five games in the tournament's opening phase, and Ancelotti was delighted for the 28-year-old.
"I do not think [Filippo] Inzaghi is satisfied today with losing his record [for goals in the group stage], but [Cristiano] Ronaldo is a complete forward," the Italian told reporters after the match.
With Madrid progressing as clear winners of the group, Ancelotti pointed to Manchester City as the main side he would rather avoid in the next round, with Manuel Pellegrini's men finishing in second in Group D despite a 3-2 win over Bayern Munich.
"I think Manchester City will be the most dangerous team among those finishing second in their sections. For us, it is important to continue along this path to try to get even better," said Ancelotti.
The former Paris Saint-Germain boss added he was thrilled to see his side keep another clean sheet and paid tribute to the performance of Luka Modric, who opened the scoring in Denmark with a beautifully curled effort.
"The team is close to what I was looking for. Defensively we're doing well. We have only conceded a single goal in our last five matches," he added.
"There is a good balance and we have to keep that.
"Modric is doing very well. With Xabi Alonso, he gives the team balance, both offensively and defensively."
Carlo Ancelotti has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as "a complete forward" after the Real Madrid star set a new record for goals scored in the Champions League group stage.
Ronaldo's strike in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Copenhagen was his ninth in only five games in the tournament's opening phase, and Ancelotti was delighted for the 28-year-old.
"I do not think [Filippo] Inzaghi is satisfied today with losing his record [for goals in the group stage], but [Cristiano] Ronaldo is a complete forward," the Italian told reporters after the match.
With Madrid progressing as clear winners of the group, Ancelotti pointed to Manchester City as the main side he would rather avoid in the next round, with Manuel Pellegrini's men finishing in second in Group D despite a 3-2 win over Bayern Munich.
"I think Manchester City will be the most dangerous team among those finishing second in their sections. For us, it is important to continue along this path to try to get even better," said Ancelotti.
The former Paris Saint-Germain boss added he was thrilled to see his side keep another clean sheet and paid tribute to the performance of Luka Modric, who opened the scoring in Denmark with a beautifully curled effort.
"The team is close to what I was looking for. Defensively we're doing well. We have only conceded a single goal in our last five matches," he added.
"There is a good balance and we have to keep that.
"Modric is doing very well. With Xabi Alonso, he gives the team balance, both offensively and defensively."
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