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..::Football II::..
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Chelsea fires Di Matteo after Juventus defeat
Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid: Hosts crash out despite Aguero leveller
MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester City staged another late recovery but was eliminated from the Champions League following a 1-1 draw against 10-man Real Madrid.
A late Sergio Aguero penalty gave the scoreline some respectability for Roberto Mancini’s team but a sober evening showed how far the club has to go to compete on the highest club stage with a team of Real’s caliber.
Jose Mourinho’s side took an early grip of the match through a 10th minute Karim Benzema volley that it never looked like relinquishing until City threw caution to the wind late on.Alvaro Arbeloa was sent off after conceding a soft penalty when he clipped Aguero with 17 minutes left and the Argentine stepped up to level the scores.But it was not enough to stop City exiting the competition with one match to play, as Real joined group leaders Borussia Dortmund in the knockout stages.
Mancini, whose name was sung in bursts during the second half by City fans perhaps wary of a Chelsea-style boardroom sniper attack, was once again a frustrated figure as his miserable Champions League record continued.He is now facing a battle to even compete in the post-Christmas Europa League, with even victory in Dortmund in a fortnight not a guarantee that City will finish third in the group.
On a chilly night that should have been the most glamorous European occasion in the club’s
history, there was instead a distinctly low key feel as the blue moon remained in shadow of the continent’s elite.
City’s players, knowing qualification for the group stages was all but impossible, appeared to go through the motions early on as they struggled to adapt to Mancini’s 3-4-1-2 formation, which saw Pablo Zabaleta joining Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic in central defence.
Real, wearing racing green, accelerated through the gears in the opening 20 minutes as it carved open City’s leaky defense at will.
Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira and Luka Modric dominated the midfield to allow Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria to frighten the lives out of a defense which has been so shaky this season.
Ronaldo was in particularly irrepressible form, dancing his way down the left wing to take advantage of the gap between rampaging wing back Maicon and the floundering Kompany.
Somehow, the visitors only had Benzema’s early goal to show for their initial excellence. In what has been a familiar theme this season, City played Di Maria onside, the Argentine swung in a ball that found Benzema in oceans of space on the edge of the six-yard box and the Frenchman gleefully belted in the opener.
Ronaldo was a hair’s breadth from doubling Real’s advantage five minutes later but Nastasic made a rare invaluable contribution by hacking the winger’s finish off the line.City dominated first-half possession, with 61 percent of the play, but this was merely a footnote to the story of an opening period in which it was fortunate to be only a goal down.
Mancini threw caution to the wind after the break, sending on Carlos Tevez after an hour to join Aguero and Edin Dzeko in attack.Galvanized by the home crowd, City was far more penetrative and, for the third successive home game in this season’s Champions League, staged a late recovery.
After 73 minutes, Aguero burst into the box and was clipped from behind by Arbeloa on the edge of the penalty box. The right back, who was already on a yellow, received his marching orders and Aguero stepped up to coolly slot home the spot kick.
It proved to be too little and too late, as City is once again left to reflect on their shortcomings in Europe.
MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester City staged another late recovery but was eliminated from the Champions League following a 1-1 draw against 10-man Real Madrid.
A late Sergio Aguero penalty gave the scoreline some respectability for Roberto Mancini’s team but a sober evening showed how far the club has to go to compete on the highest club stage with a team of Real’s caliber.
Jose Mourinho’s side took an early grip of the match through a 10th minute Karim Benzema volley that it never looked like relinquishing until City threw caution to the wind late on.Alvaro Arbeloa was sent off after conceding a soft penalty when he clipped Aguero with 17 minutes left and the Argentine stepped up to level the scores.But it was not enough to stop City exiting the competition with one match to play, as Real joined group leaders Borussia Dortmund in the knockout stages.
Mancini, whose name was sung in bursts during the second half by City fans perhaps wary of a Chelsea-style boardroom sniper attack, was once again a frustrated figure as his miserable Champions League record continued.He is now facing a battle to even compete in the post-Christmas Europa League, with even victory in Dortmund in a fortnight not a guarantee that City will finish third in the group.
On a chilly night that should have been the most glamorous European occasion in the club’s
history, there was instead a distinctly low key feel as the blue moon remained in shadow of the continent’s elite.
City’s players, knowing qualification for the group stages was all but impossible, appeared to go through the motions early on as they struggled to adapt to Mancini’s 3-4-1-2 formation, which saw Pablo Zabaleta joining Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic in central defence.
Real, wearing racing green, accelerated through the gears in the opening 20 minutes as it carved open City’s leaky defense at will.
Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira and Luka Modric dominated the midfield to allow Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria to frighten the lives out of a defense which has been so shaky this season.
Ronaldo was in particularly irrepressible form, dancing his way down the left wing to take advantage of the gap between rampaging wing back Maicon and the floundering Kompany.
Somehow, the visitors only had Benzema’s early goal to show for their initial excellence. In what has been a familiar theme this season, City played Di Maria onside, the Argentine swung in a ball that found Benzema in oceans of space on the edge of the six-yard box and the Frenchman gleefully belted in the opener.
Ronaldo was a hair’s breadth from doubling Real’s advantage five minutes later but Nastasic made a rare invaluable contribution by hacking the winger’s finish off the line.City dominated first-half possession, with 61 percent of the play, but this was merely a footnote to the story of an opening period in which it was fortunate to be only a goal down.
Mancini threw caution to the wind after the break, sending on Carlos Tevez after an hour to join Aguero and Edin Dzeko in attack.Galvanized by the home crowd, City was far more penetrative and, for the third successive home game in this season’s Champions League, staged a late recovery.
After 73 minutes, Aguero burst into the box and was clipped from behind by Arbeloa on the edge of the penalty box. The right back, who was already on a yellow, received his marching orders and Aguero stepped up to coolly slot home the spot kick.
It proved to be too little and too late, as City is once again left to reflect on their shortcomings in Europe.
Arsenal 2-0 Montpellier: Wilshere & Podolski strikes send Gunners through
Jack Wilshere scored his first goal in almost two years as Arsenal booked its place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with victory over Montpellier.
Twenty-four months of injury-ravaged frustration were etched on Wilshere’s face as he celebrated poking Arsenal ahead in the 49th minute before Lukas Podolski sealed the win with a stunning volley on 66 minutes.
Schalke’s win over Olympiakos on Wednesday night means that Arsenal is guaranteed a place in the second round ahead of its final Group B fixture in Athens on December 5.
It was a low key but efficient display from the Gunners as they recorded their first home win against French opposition in 15 seasons in the Champions League against a hard-working yet toothless Montpellier side.
There were, however, some furrowed brows on the Arsenal bench during a turgid first half in which the hosts lacked intensity off the ball and failed to find any rhythm in their passing in possession.
In the 10th minute, Arsene Wenger’s side nearly opened the scoring but Laurent Koscielny’s header rattled against the crossbar after he met Wilshere’s fine cross from the left.
The only other half-chances of note in the first period fell to Podolski, who scuffed wide after robbing a Montpellier defending of possession and then could not wrap his foot around the ball after latching on to Santi Cazorla’s pass.
Arsenal responded to Wenger’s halftime team talk after the break as it came out with far more verve and creativity, with Cazorla and Wilshere in particular looking to open up the visitors’ defense.
In the 49th minute, the Gunners broke the deadlock as Wilshere scored for the first time since his strike in the 4-2 victory over Aston Villa on November 27, 2010.
Thomas Vermaelen floated in a dangerous right-footed cross that former Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud headed down perfectly for Wilshere’s run. The midfielder made the finish look simple as he flicked the ball over Montpellier goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourden.
Jourden would have been forgiven for diving out of the way of the strike that all but sealed the result in the 67th minute. Podolski worked a clever one-two with Giroud and struck a scorching volley from 12 yards that seemed to be increasing in speed as it slammed into the back of the net.
Giroud almost made it three against the club for which he scored 25 goals last season, but the Frenchman’s low right-footed strike was saved by Jourdren as the angles narrowed.
The 12 million pound man was applauded by all corners of the ground as he was substituted six minutes from time. Job done for Arsenal but tougher challenges will await as it progresses to the knockout rounds for the 14th consecutive season.
Arsenal 2-0 Montpellier: Wilshere & Podolski strikes send Gunners through
Jack Wilshere scored his first goal in almost two years as Arsenal booked its place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with victory over Montpellier.
Twenty-four months of injury-ravaged frustration were etched on Wilshere’s face as he celebrated poking Arsenal ahead in the 49th minute before Lukas Podolski sealed the win with a stunning volley on 66 minutes.
Schalke’s win over Olympiakos on Wednesday night means that Arsenal is guaranteed a place in the second round ahead of its final Group B fixture in Athens on December 5.
It was a low key but efficient display from the Gunners as they recorded their first home win against French opposition in 15 seasons in the Champions League against a hard-working yet toothless Montpellier side.
There were, however, some furrowed brows on the Arsenal bench during a turgid first half in which the hosts lacked intensity off the ball and failed to find any rhythm in their passing in possession.
In the 10th minute, Arsene Wenger’s side nearly opened the scoring but Laurent Koscielny’s header rattled against the crossbar after he met Wilshere’s fine cross from the left.
The only other half-chances of note in the first period fell to Podolski, who scuffed wide after robbing a Montpellier defending of possession and then could not wrap his foot around the ball after latching on to Santi Cazorla’s pass.
Arsenal responded to Wenger’s halftime team talk after the break as it came out with far more verve and creativity, with Cazorla and Wilshere in particular looking to open up the visitors’ defense.
In the 49th minute, the Gunners broke the deadlock as Wilshere scored for the first time since his strike in the 4-2 victory over Aston Villa on November 27, 2010.
Thomas Vermaelen floated in a dangerous right-footed cross that former Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud headed down perfectly for Wilshere’s run. The midfielder made the finish look simple as he flicked the ball over Montpellier goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourden.
Jourden would have been forgiven for diving out of the way of the strike that all but sealed the result in the 67th minute. Podolski worked a clever one-two with Giroud and struck a scorching volley from 12 yards that seemed to be increasing in speed as it slammed into the back of the net.
Giroud almost made it three against the club for which he scored 25 goals last season, but the Frenchman’s low right-footed strike was saved by Jourdren as the angles narrowed.
The 12 million pound man was applauded by all corners of the ground as he was substituted six minutes from time. Job done for Arsenal but tougher challenges will await as it progresses to the knockout rounds for the 14th consecutive season.
Jack Wilshere scored his first goal in almost two years as Arsenal booked its place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with victory over Montpellier.
Twenty-four months of injury-ravaged frustration were etched on Wilshere’s face as he celebrated poking Arsenal ahead in the 49th minute before Lukas Podolski sealed the win with a stunning volley on 66 minutes.
Schalke’s win over Olympiakos on Wednesday night means that Arsenal is guaranteed a place in the second round ahead of its final Group B fixture in Athens on December 5.
It was a low key but efficient display from the Gunners as they recorded their first home win against French opposition in 15 seasons in the Champions League against a hard-working yet toothless Montpellier side.
There were, however, some furrowed brows on the Arsenal bench during a turgid first half in which the hosts lacked intensity off the ball and failed to find any rhythm in their passing in possession.
In the 10th minute, Arsene Wenger’s side nearly opened the scoring but Laurent Koscielny’s header rattled against the crossbar after he met Wilshere’s fine cross from the left.
The only other half-chances of note in the first period fell to Podolski, who scuffed wide after robbing a Montpellier defending of possession and then could not wrap his foot around the ball after latching on to Santi Cazorla’s pass.
Arsenal responded to Wenger’s halftime team talk after the break as it came out with far more verve and creativity, with Cazorla and Wilshere in particular looking to open up the visitors’ defense.
In the 49th minute, the Gunners broke the deadlock as Wilshere scored for the first time since his strike in the 4-2 victory over Aston Villa on November 27, 2010.
Thomas Vermaelen floated in a dangerous right-footed cross that former Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud headed down perfectly for Wilshere’s run. The midfielder made the finish look simple as he flicked the ball over Montpellier goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourden.
Jourden would have been forgiven for diving out of the way of the strike that all but sealed the result in the 67th minute. Podolski worked a clever one-two with Giroud and struck a scorching volley from 12 yards that seemed to be increasing in speed as it slammed into the back of the net.
Giroud almost made it three against the club for which he scored 25 goals last season, but the Frenchman’s low right-footed strike was saved by Jourdren as the angles narrowed.
The 12 million pound man was applauded by all corners of the ground as he was substituted six minutes from time. Job done for Arsenal but tougher challenges will await as it progresses to the knockout rounds for the 14th consecutive season.
Dynamo Kiev 0-2 Paris Saint-Germain: Lavezzi double sees les Parisiens progress
Paris Saint-Germain booked its passage through to the last 16 of the Champions League thanks to a routine 2-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine.
Ezequiel Lavezzi, who had not previously scored for les Parisiens, grabbed both of the goals for Carlo Ancelotti’s men. The first arrived on the stroke of halftime and was largely due to an excellent pass from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, though the ex-Napoli star’s finish was also of the highest order. After the break, he put the game out of reach for the hosts with a tap-in following a horrendous defensive lapse.
Dynamo dominated the first half, but aside from a 10-minute spell around the middle of the opening period it rarely managed to test Salvatore Sirigu.
Indeed, the best chance of the opening stages fell the way of Alex, yet he headed off target when left unmarked.
A Miguel Veloso free kick that flew just wide of target was the sign for the Ukrainians to step up their assault on the visiting goal, and captain Oleg Gusev was to the fore. The midfielder saw a header brilliantly saved by the Italian, and Denys Garmash slashed his follow-up wide when he really should have scored.
This was to prove the hosts’ best moment, and their profligacy was punished on the stroke of halftime when a break orchestrated by Ibrahimovic was expertly finished by Lavezzi.
Oleg Blokhin’s side started the second period with purpose. Lukman Haruna had a well-struck shot from range, but it proved a routine hold for Sirigu, and at the other end of the field the hosts were about to be punished for a criminal lapse.
Yevhen Khacheridi was hopelessly short with a back pass under only moderate pressure, and Blaise Matuidi leapt on the error to square for Lavezzi, who was left with a simple finish.
Although the fight was not out of the hosts, Sirigu was in such form that they would not heave their way back into contention. The Italy international made a marvellous save from a Dudu shot that seemed destined to loop over him and into the net, while he was also alert enough to stop any other threatening moments.
PSG has set up a Group A decider in a fortnight against Porto at Parc des Princes, in which three points will be enough to secure top spot, while the best the Ukrainians can now aspire to is the Europa League.
Paris Saint-Germain booked its passage through to the last 16 of the Champions League thanks to a routine 2-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine.
Ezequiel Lavezzi, who had not previously scored for les Parisiens, grabbed both of the goals for Carlo Ancelotti’s men. The first arrived on the stroke of halftime and was largely due to an excellent pass from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, though the ex-Napoli star’s finish was also of the highest order. After the break, he put the game out of reach for the hosts with a tap-in following a horrendous defensive lapse.
Dynamo dominated the first half, but aside from a 10-minute spell around the middle of the opening period it rarely managed to test Salvatore Sirigu.
Indeed, the best chance of the opening stages fell the way of Alex, yet he headed off target when left unmarked.
A Miguel Veloso free kick that flew just wide of target was the sign for the Ukrainians to step up their assault on the visiting goal, and captain Oleg Gusev was to the fore. The midfielder saw a header brilliantly saved by the Italian, and Denys Garmash slashed his follow-up wide when he really should have scored.
This was to prove the hosts’ best moment, and their profligacy was punished on the stroke of halftime when a break orchestrated by Ibrahimovic was expertly finished by Lavezzi.
Oleg Blokhin’s side started the second period with purpose. Lukman Haruna had a well-struck shot from range, but it proved a routine hold for Sirigu, and at the other end of the field the hosts were about to be punished for a criminal lapse.
Yevhen Khacheridi was hopelessly short with a back pass under only moderate pressure, and Blaise Matuidi leapt on the error to square for Lavezzi, who was left with a simple finish.
Although the fight was not out of the hosts, Sirigu was in such form that they would not heave their way back into contention. The Italy international made a marvellous save from a Dudu shot that seemed destined to loop over him and into the net, while he was also alert enough to stop any other threatening moments.
PSG has set up a Group A decider in a fortnight against Porto at Parc des Princes, in which three points will be enough to secure top spot, while the best the Ukrainians can now aspire to is the Europa League.
Anderlecht 1-3 AC Milan: Mexes magic helps Rossoneri into last 16
AC Milan ensured progression to the next round of the Champions League as it labored to a 3-1 win over Anderlecht at the Constant Vanden Stock stadium.
The hosts started the game impressively but were unable to make the most of their superior possession due to a lack of creativity in the side.
They were punished early in the second half when Stephan El Shaarawy put the Rossoneri ahead, and after Bram Nuytinck was shown a red card, Philippe Mexes netted one of the goals the tournament so far to secure the points. Tom De Sutter did pull one back for the Belgian outfit but Alexandre Pato restored the two-goal cushion in stoppage time.
Signs from the start of the match suggested an upset could well be on the cards though, as with 13 minutes gone Milan Jovanovic was released by Dieumerci Mbokani's through-ball. The former Liverpool man had time to pick his spot from the left of the area but his shot lacked pace and was directed straight at Christian Abiatti.
Despite its dominance, it was not until the 34th minute that Anderlecht came close again. Lucas Biglia's in-swinging free kick was almost turned in at the back post by Mbokani but Kevin Constant got in between to hook the ball to safety.
Milan put an abject first half display in the rear-view, finding the net two minutes after the restart. Mattia De Sciglio's deep cross was controlled exquisitely by El Shaarawy and with his second touch he curled a superbly-placed shot past Silvio Proto.
The hosts were regularly hitting a brick wall as they looked to find a route to goal, and any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the space of one minute.
Nuytinck was dismissed in the 70th minute as he took away Pato's legs with the Brazilian ready to go through on goal, but the real hammer blow came from the resultant free kick.
With his back to goal, Mexes controlled the delivery on his chest and improvised magnificently to loop an absolutely stunning overhead kick past an idle Proto from the top of the box.
John van den Brom brought on De Sutter in the 75th minute as his side had nothing to lose and the change proved beneficial as the striker poked in from close range moments later.
However, as the Paars-wit continued to press they left themselves exposed at the back and Milan took full advantage as El Shaarawy burst past the defense before sliding the ball across to Pato for a simple finish in stoppage time.
The win ensures Milan will compete in the last 16 while Anderlecht can only hope for a third-place finish and a spot in the Europa League.
AC Milan ensured progression to the next round of the Champions League as it labored to a 3-1 win over Anderlecht at the Constant Vanden Stock stadium.
The hosts started the game impressively but were unable to make the most of their superior possession due to a lack of creativity in the side.
They were punished early in the second half when Stephan El Shaarawy put the Rossoneri ahead, and after Bram Nuytinck was shown a red card, Philippe Mexes netted one of the goals the tournament so far to secure the points. Tom De Sutter did pull one back for the Belgian outfit but Alexandre Pato restored the two-goal cushion in stoppage time.
Signs from the start of the match suggested an upset could well be on the cards though, as with 13 minutes gone Milan Jovanovic was released by Dieumerci Mbokani's through-ball. The former Liverpool man had time to pick his spot from the left of the area but his shot lacked pace and was directed straight at Christian Abiatti.
Despite its dominance, it was not until the 34th minute that Anderlecht came close again. Lucas Biglia's in-swinging free kick was almost turned in at the back post by Mbokani but Kevin Constant got in between to hook the ball to safety.
Milan put an abject first half display in the rear-view, finding the net two minutes after the restart. Mattia De Sciglio's deep cross was controlled exquisitely by El Shaarawy and with his second touch he curled a superbly-placed shot past Silvio Proto.
The hosts were regularly hitting a brick wall as they looked to find a route to goal, and any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the space of one minute.
Nuytinck was dismissed in the 70th minute as he took away Pato's legs with the Brazilian ready to go through on goal, but the real hammer blow came from the resultant free kick.
With his back to goal, Mexes controlled the delivery on his chest and improvised magnificently to loop an absolutely stunning overhead kick past an idle Proto from the top of the box.
John van den Brom brought on De Sutter in the 75th minute as his side had nothing to lose and the change proved beneficial as the striker poked in from close range moments later.
However, as the Paars-wit continued to press they left themselves exposed at the back and Milan took full advantage as El Shaarawy burst past the defense before sliding the ball across to Pato for a simple finish in stoppage time.
The win ensures Milan will compete in the last 16 while Anderlecht can only hope for a third-place finish and a spot in the Europa League.
Ajax 1-4 Borussia Dortmund: Gotze guides German champions into knock-out stages
Borussia Dortmund recorded a 4-1 win over Ajax in Wednesday's Champions League Group D fixture at the Amsterdam ArenA.
BVB needed only eight minutes to open the scoring via Marco Reus, before Mario Gotze doubled the lead with a fine finish. A somewhat fortunate Robert Lewandowski strike then put the match to bed shortly before the interval, with Lewandowski making it four after the break. Substitute Danny Hoesen pegged one back for the hosts in the closing stages of the game.
The Bundesliga champions started the match the better side of the two, and grabbed the lead in the eighth minute. Reus set up Gotze down the right, then continued his run into the Ajax area, and calmly slotted home after receiving the ball back.
Sloppy defending after a BVB free kick in midfield resulted in the guests' second goal of the evening. Gotze was left unmarked after Mats Hummels' pass from midfield, and cut inside from the left before jinking past Ricardo van Rhijn and beating Kenneth Vermeer with a low shot at the near post.
Things would only get worse for Ajax in the remainder of the first half. Gotze tried his luck with a volley from outside the area in the 41st minute after Daley Blind's poor clearance, only to see his deflected shot parried away by Vermeer. Lewandowski was quick to pounce on the rebound, though, and tapped home from close range.
Ajax started the second half with attacking intention and came close in the 51st minute. Eriksen beat the offside trap after a pass from Boerrigter, but good positioning from Roman Weidenfeller prevented the 3-1.
Dortmund once more proved to be much more clinical in front of the goal in the 67th minute. Gotze sent in a delightful cross for Lewandowski, who superbly controlled the ball before firing home from a narrow angle.
The Amsterdam side would eventually get a goal. Eriksen set up Hoesen after a fine piece of skill and the former Fulham youngster found the net with a deflected shot off Neven Subotic.
Ajax remains Group D's number three with four points from five games. It travels to Real Madrid on Dec. 4 in its last Champions League game of the season.
Dortmund sits first in their section with 11 points, and hosts Manchester City on Matchday 6.
Borussia Dortmund recorded a 4-1 win over Ajax in Wednesday's Champions League Group D fixture at the Amsterdam ArenA.
BVB needed only eight minutes to open the scoring via Marco Reus, before Mario Gotze doubled the lead with a fine finish. A somewhat fortunate Robert Lewandowski strike then put the match to bed shortly before the interval, with Lewandowski making it four after the break. Substitute Danny Hoesen pegged one back for the hosts in the closing stages of the game.
The Bundesliga champions started the match the better side of the two, and grabbed the lead in the eighth minute. Reus set up Gotze down the right, then continued his run into the Ajax area, and calmly slotted home after receiving the ball back.
Sloppy defending after a BVB free kick in midfield resulted in the guests' second goal of the evening. Gotze was left unmarked after Mats Hummels' pass from midfield, and cut inside from the left before jinking past Ricardo van Rhijn and beating Kenneth Vermeer with a low shot at the near post.
Things would only get worse for Ajax in the remainder of the first half. Gotze tried his luck with a volley from outside the area in the 41st minute after Daley Blind's poor clearance, only to see his deflected shot parried away by Vermeer. Lewandowski was quick to pounce on the rebound, though, and tapped home from close range.
Ajax started the second half with attacking intention and came close in the 51st minute. Eriksen beat the offside trap after a pass from Boerrigter, but good positioning from Roman Weidenfeller prevented the 3-1.
Dortmund once more proved to be much more clinical in front of the goal in the 67th minute. Gotze sent in a delightful cross for Lewandowski, who superbly controlled the ball before firing home from a narrow angle.
The Amsterdam side would eventually get a goal. Eriksen set up Hoesen after a fine piece of skill and the former Fulham youngster found the net with a deflected shot off Neven Subotic.
Ajax remains Group D's number three with four points from five games. It travels to Real Madrid on Dec. 4 in its last Champions League game of the season.
Dortmund sits first in their section with 11 points, and hosts Manchester City on Matchday 6.
Porto 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb: Portuguese remain in pole position to top Group A
Porto enjoyed almost total domination over Champion's League minnows Dinamo Zagreb at the Estadio Dragao on Wednesday evening, running out as 3-0 winners after a convincing performance.
Despite some nervous moments for the home side, goals from Lucho Gonzalez, Joao Moutinho and Silvestre Varela wrapped up the victory for the Portuguese giant, which had already secured qualification from the group before kickoff.
After a confident start from the Portistas, the away side spurned the first good chance of the match following a quick breakaway. Domagoj Vida drove powerfully from his own half and released Sammir with a lofted through ball. The Brazilian forward raced clear, but his venemous effort cannoned back off the inside of Helton's far post.
Sammir was again involved after 17 minutes, as the tricky forward was almost allowed to capitalize on a defensive error by Nicolas Otamendi, who woefully gave the ball away under no pressure. But despite nutmegging his marker, the Zagreb number ten was unable to bundle the ball past the physical presence of Mangala and the chance petered out.
Warning bells rang for the home side, which took heed of Zagreb's chances and stepped up a gear.
The home fans' nerves were settled on the 20 minute mark however, as a result of the newly-found Porto impetus. Following good interplay on the edge of the Zagreb area from Jackson Martinez and Joao Moutinho, Lucho Gonzalez blasted his side into the lead, as the Croatian marking fell briefly slack.
Previously-at-fault Otamendi turned saviour for Porto minutes before halftime, as his last ditch challenge on Fatos Beciraj prevented the Montenegro winger from testing Helton.
From the resulting corner, Helton did manage to get his first real touch of the ball, but suicidally dropped the inswinging set piece at the feet of Beciraj. Steven Defour did just about enough to put the Zagreb man under pressure, only allowing Beciraj to poke a weak effort at goal, which Mangala cleared off the line for a halftime lead.
Porto continued in the same vein after the break, dominating possession but creating few clear cut chances. Rodriguez had the chance to give his side a cushion in the 61st minute, after being given the ball by the lively Martinez, but placed his effort too close to Ivan Kelava.
Kelava had no such luck four minutes later, as the Zagreb keeper found himself picking a spectacular 30-yard Joao Moutinho free kick out of the back of his net, putting Porto firmly in the driving seat.
After continued domination, Varela was on hand to wrap up the comfortable 3-0 victory in the last five minutes of the game, beating Kelava at his near post after an intelligent backheel from the imperious Moutinho.
Both Martinez and Varela were denied by Kelava in the dying embers of stoppage time, but an extension of the scoreline would only have flattered the Portuguese side, which needs to improve if it is to navigate the knockout stages of the competition.
Porto enjoyed almost total domination over Champion's League minnows Dinamo Zagreb at the Estadio Dragao on Wednesday evening, running out as 3-0 winners after a convincing performance.
Despite some nervous moments for the home side, goals from Lucho Gonzalez, Joao Moutinho and Silvestre Varela wrapped up the victory for the Portuguese giant, which had already secured qualification from the group before kickoff.
After a confident start from the Portistas, the away side spurned the first good chance of the match following a quick breakaway. Domagoj Vida drove powerfully from his own half and released Sammir with a lofted through ball. The Brazilian forward raced clear, but his venemous effort cannoned back off the inside of Helton's far post.
Sammir was again involved after 17 minutes, as the tricky forward was almost allowed to capitalize on a defensive error by Nicolas Otamendi, who woefully gave the ball away under no pressure. But despite nutmegging his marker, the Zagreb number ten was unable to bundle the ball past the physical presence of Mangala and the chance petered out.
Warning bells rang for the home side, which took heed of Zagreb's chances and stepped up a gear.
The home fans' nerves were settled on the 20 minute mark however, as a result of the newly-found Porto impetus. Following good interplay on the edge of the Zagreb area from Jackson Martinez and Joao Moutinho, Lucho Gonzalez blasted his side into the lead, as the Croatian marking fell briefly slack.
Previously-at-fault Otamendi turned saviour for Porto minutes before halftime, as his last ditch challenge on Fatos Beciraj prevented the Montenegro winger from testing Helton.
From the resulting corner, Helton did manage to get his first real touch of the ball, but suicidally dropped the inswinging set piece at the feet of Beciraj. Steven Defour did just about enough to put the Zagreb man under pressure, only allowing Beciraj to poke a weak effort at goal, which Mangala cleared off the line for a halftime lead.
Porto continued in the same vein after the break, dominating possession but creating few clear cut chances. Rodriguez had the chance to give his side a cushion in the 61st minute, after being given the ball by the lively Martinez, but placed his effort too close to Ivan Kelava.
Kelava had no such luck four minutes later, as the Zagreb keeper found himself picking a spectacular 30-yard Joao Moutinho free kick out of the back of his net, putting Porto firmly in the driving seat.
After continued domination, Varela was on hand to wrap up the comfortable 3-0 victory in the last five minutes of the game, beating Kelava at his near post after an intelligent backheel from the imperious Moutinho.
Both Martinez and Varela were denied by Kelava in the dying embers of stoppage time, but an extension of the scoreline would only have flattered the Portuguese side, which needs to improve if it is to navigate the knockout stages of the competition.
Zenit 2-2 Malaga: Spaniards pegged back but still secure top spot in Group C
Zenit St. Petersburg came from two goals down to seal a 2-2 draw with Malaga on Matchday five, maintaining its hopes of Champions League progression.
Malaga raced into a two-goal lead with no more than 10 minutes played, with Diego Buonanotte and Sebastian Fernandez handing their side an early lead.
A romping start to the second half from Zenit saw the club grab a deserved lifeline courtesy of a Danny finish, and the St. Petersburg side completed a deserved comeback late on when Viktor Fayzulin emphatically rifled home.
With Zenit playing to salvage its European hopes and Malaga fielding a host of fringe players, the tie began in dynamic fashion. Both sides vied to dictate the tempo of the match, but it was the visiting side which drew the first blood in the eighth minute.
Seba raced past the right flank on a Malaga counter before whipping an inviting low delivery across the penalty area. Buonanotte calmly latched on to the pass, taking a touch before rifling an unstoppable shot past Vyacheslav Malafeev.
The keeper was spared no blushes moments later however, as the home side surprisingly found itself two down. Calamitous communication between the Russian and Bruno Alves allowed Roque Santa Cruz to pick up the ball yards from the goal. The Paraguyan made no mistake to pick out Miglierina, who curled a well-placed effort past the scrambling Malafeev.
Zenit maintained its vigor however, and had a strong appeal for a penalty from Hulk turned down shortly after the visiting side doubled its lead. The Brazilian was again threatening minutes later, curling a promising free kick inches past Caballero's post.
Zenit nearly cut the deficit in the 24th minute, when Nicolas Lombaerts was allowed to volley yards from goal. The Belgian's effort rocketed off the crossbar however, much to the frustration of his attacking teammates. Danny then spurned a glorious chance to pull his side back into the tie, after a powerful run and sumptuous pass from Hulk had put the midfielder in the clear.
Zenit continued to probe the Malaga back line, but failed to produce clear cut opportunities. Jeremy Toulalan protected his back four with confidence, but allowed Alex Witsel to volley from range as halftime approached. The Belgian's effort was wayward however, and Malaga went into the break good value for the two goal lead.
The home side came storming out of the interval, and wasted no time clawing back into the tie. Danny did well to control a Tomas Hubocan delivery, and finished coolly into the far corner on the half volley.
Zenit continued to drive forward and the Brazilian nearly leveled matters in the 50th minute, only to be denied by a much-busier Caballero. Aleksandr Kerzhakov then should have made it two for his side after he rounded the stopper to put himself in front of an open goal, but could only hit the side netting as the home fans looked on in disbelief.
The home side continued to hassle the Malaga midfield, and eventually found a deserved equalizer in the 86th minute. A goal-line scramble saw Danny step on the ball with the goal at his mercy only for Malaga's Oguchi Onyewu to parry the ball away from the net with a poor clearance. Substitute Fayzulin fired home the subsequent rebound.
Zenit went in search of a late winner as extra time loomed, but was denied by resilient defending from Malaga. The Spaniards consequently sealed their status as group winners, while the home side will hope for results elsewhere to go its way as it goes in search of a last-16 berth.
Zenit St. Petersburg came from two goals down to seal a 2-2 draw with Malaga on Matchday five, maintaining its hopes of Champions League progression.
Malaga raced into a two-goal lead with no more than 10 minutes played, with Diego Buonanotte and Sebastian Fernandez handing their side an early lead.
A romping start to the second half from Zenit saw the club grab a deserved lifeline courtesy of a Danny finish, and the St. Petersburg side completed a deserved comeback late on when Viktor Fayzulin emphatically rifled home.
With Zenit playing to salvage its European hopes and Malaga fielding a host of fringe players, the tie began in dynamic fashion. Both sides vied to dictate the tempo of the match, but it was the visiting side which drew the first blood in the eighth minute.
Seba raced past the right flank on a Malaga counter before whipping an inviting low delivery across the penalty area. Buonanotte calmly latched on to the pass, taking a touch before rifling an unstoppable shot past Vyacheslav Malafeev.
The keeper was spared no blushes moments later however, as the home side surprisingly found itself two down. Calamitous communication between the Russian and Bruno Alves allowed Roque Santa Cruz to pick up the ball yards from the goal. The Paraguyan made no mistake to pick out Miglierina, who curled a well-placed effort past the scrambling Malafeev.
Zenit maintained its vigor however, and had a strong appeal for a penalty from Hulk turned down shortly after the visiting side doubled its lead. The Brazilian was again threatening minutes later, curling a promising free kick inches past Caballero's post.
Zenit nearly cut the deficit in the 24th minute, when Nicolas Lombaerts was allowed to volley yards from goal. The Belgian's effort rocketed off the crossbar however, much to the frustration of his attacking teammates. Danny then spurned a glorious chance to pull his side back into the tie, after a powerful run and sumptuous pass from Hulk had put the midfielder in the clear.
Zenit continued to probe the Malaga back line, but failed to produce clear cut opportunities. Jeremy Toulalan protected his back four with confidence, but allowed Alex Witsel to volley from range as halftime approached. The Belgian's effort was wayward however, and Malaga went into the break good value for the two goal lead.
The home side came storming out of the interval, and wasted no time clawing back into the tie. Danny did well to control a Tomas Hubocan delivery, and finished coolly into the far corner on the half volley.
Zenit continued to drive forward and the Brazilian nearly leveled matters in the 50th minute, only to be denied by a much-busier Caballero. Aleksandr Kerzhakov then should have made it two for his side after he rounded the stopper to put himself in front of an open goal, but could only hit the side netting as the home fans looked on in disbelief.
The home side continued to hassle the Malaga midfield, and eventually found a deserved equalizer in the 86th minute. A goal-line scramble saw Danny step on the ball with the goal at his mercy only for Malaga's Oguchi Onyewu to parry the ball away from the net with a poor clearance. Substitute Fayzulin fired home the subsequent rebound.
Zenit went in search of a late winner as extra time loomed, but was denied by resilient defending from Malaga. The Spaniards consequently sealed their status as group winners, while the home side will hope for results elsewhere to go its way as it goes in search of a last-16 berth.
Schalke general manager dismisses Huntelaar Arsenal link
Schalke general manager Horst Heldt has dismissed transfer speculation linking striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar with a move to Arsenal.
Heldt was speaking after the Germans’ 1-0 win at home to Greek club Olympiakos, which keeps them top of Group D of the Champions League above the Gunners.
The Netherlands international's contract expires at the end of the current season, and has been linked to several clubs including the Gunners' Premier League rivals, Liverpool.
When asked about a possible move for Huntelaar, Heldt told Sky Germany: “It's pure speculation. Either Arsenal make us an offer, otherwise it's a load of nonsense.”
Huntelaar was also asked about the link between himself and a move to north London, but insisted that he was unaware of any developments.
He said: “I know nothing.”
Schalke general manager Horst Heldt has dismissed transfer speculation linking striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar with a move to Arsenal.
Heldt was speaking after the Germans’ 1-0 win at home to Greek club Olympiakos, which keeps them top of Group D of the Champions League above the Gunners.
The Netherlands international's contract expires at the end of the current season, and has been linked to several clubs including the Gunners' Premier League rivals, Liverpool.
When asked about a possible move for Huntelaar, Heldt told Sky Germany: “It's pure speculation. Either Arsenal make us an offer, otherwise it's a load of nonsense.”
Huntelaar was also asked about the link between himself and a move to north London, but insisted that he was unaware of any developments.
He said: “I know nothing.”
Villas-Boas: Fines will not prevent racist chanting
Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas is hopeful that Lazio fans will not resort to racist chanting when the two sides meet in Rome on Thursday in the Europa League, with their previous fixture marred by unsavoury behaviour.
When the two clubs faced each other at White Hart Lane in October, Jermain Defoe, Andros Townsend and Aaron Lennon were subject to abuse from the travelling band of Italians, resulting in a 32,500 pound fine from UEFA.
However, Villas-Boas has no faith in such fines making a difference in the long run, with the former Chelsea manager convinced such incidents will continue to happen.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Villas-Boas told reporters: "UEFA decided to punish Lazio and rightly so. [But] It doesn't mean that incidents won't happen again.
"I think the players are in the right frame of mind to leave the authorities to deal with those situations in case it happens. That's something that hopefully will not happen tomorrow."
Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas is hopeful that Lazio fans will not resort to racist chanting when the two sides meet in Rome on Thursday in the Europa League, with their previous fixture marred by unsavoury behaviour.
When the two clubs faced each other at White Hart Lane in October, Jermain Defoe, Andros Townsend and Aaron Lennon were subject to abuse from the travelling band of Italians, resulting in a 32,500 pound fine from UEFA.
However, Villas-Boas has no faith in such fines making a difference in the long run, with the former Chelsea manager convinced such incidents will continue to happen.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Villas-Boas told reporters: "UEFA decided to punish Lazio and rightly so. [But] It doesn't mean that incidents won't happen again.
"I think the players are in the right frame of mind to leave the authorities to deal with those situations in case it happens. That's something that hopefully will not happen tomorrow."
Mourinho amazed at Manchester City's Champions League elimination
Jose Mourinho has admitted his surprise at Manchester City's failure to advance past the Champions League group stage for a second consecutive season.
Roberto Mancini's side required a win to keep its hopes of progression alive, but could only draw 1-1, with Sergio Aguero's late penalty cancelling out Karim Benzema's 10th-minute effort.
The Italian claimed after the game that the club's Arab owners had not expected to get through the group stage, but the Portuguese boss believes it should have challenged.
"With the players City have, it's incredible they haven't qualified two years in a row," Mourinho told reporters. "If I had been knocked out of the Champions League in the groups, I wouldn't have been able to go back to Madrid."
Mourinho reflected on Madrid's 1-1 draw against the English champion and was disappointed not to have come away from the match with more than a point, despite a dominant performance.
"I think [we deserved to win] because we had plenty of chances to score the second goal, and if you do that in the first half, the match should be over early on," he continued. "But we didn't score. [Man City] reacted and got the penalty that you on television are in a better position to judge.
"Arbeloa was shown a red card. Again, you are on TV and in a better position to analyze the situation. After that, we were in no position to win and we played for the point to progress to the next round."
The 49-year-old's previous club Chelsea sacked Champions League-winning coach Roberto Di Matteo earlier in the day, but while he sympathizes with the Italian, he will offer his unrequited backing to former rival Rafa Benitez.
"That's football," he admitted. "I'm never happy when a manager is sacked because it can happen to me and it's a feeling that nobody wants to have.
"At the same time, everybody knows I like Chelsea and I'll support any Chelsea manager, the same way I supported Roberto and I wished him to do well. I'll do the same for the next manager."
Los Blancos had to beat Manchester City on Wednesday to have any chance of progressing to the knock-out rounds as pool winners, but Sergio Aguero's late penalty distinguished any hopes of them pipping Borussia Dortmund, which ran out 4-1 winners over Ajax, to top spot.
"On two occasions I finished second in the group stage, I won the Champions League," the Madrid coach added. "I finished behind Real Madrid with Porto and we won, and with Inter I finished behind Barcelona and won.
"The other times I finished first, I never won the competition. My experience proves that it doesn't mean so much.
"I think the teams that finished first did well, but after that they are waiting for an opponent who, in principle, is easier for them to overcome, only to discover that they get Real Madrid in the draw."
Jose Mourinho has admitted his surprise at Manchester City's failure to advance past the Champions League group stage for a second consecutive season.
Roberto Mancini's side required a win to keep its hopes of progression alive, but could only draw 1-1, with Sergio Aguero's late penalty cancelling out Karim Benzema's 10th-minute effort.
The Italian claimed after the game that the club's Arab owners had not expected to get through the group stage, but the Portuguese boss believes it should have challenged.
"With the players City have, it's incredible they haven't qualified two years in a row," Mourinho told reporters. "If I had been knocked out of the Champions League in the groups, I wouldn't have been able to go back to Madrid."
Mourinho reflected on Madrid's 1-1 draw against the English champion and was disappointed not to have come away from the match with more than a point, despite a dominant performance.
"I think [we deserved to win] because we had plenty of chances to score the second goal, and if you do that in the first half, the match should be over early on," he continued. "But we didn't score. [Man City] reacted and got the penalty that you on television are in a better position to judge.
"Arbeloa was shown a red card. Again, you are on TV and in a better position to analyze the situation. After that, we were in no position to win and we played for the point to progress to the next round."
The 49-year-old's previous club Chelsea sacked Champions League-winning coach Roberto Di Matteo earlier in the day, but while he sympathizes with the Italian, he will offer his unrequited backing to former rival Rafa Benitez.
"That's football," he admitted. "I'm never happy when a manager is sacked because it can happen to me and it's a feeling that nobody wants to have.
"At the same time, everybody knows I like Chelsea and I'll support any Chelsea manager, the same way I supported Roberto and I wished him to do well. I'll do the same for the next manager."
Los Blancos had to beat Manchester City on Wednesday to have any chance of progressing to the knock-out rounds as pool winners, but Sergio Aguero's late penalty distinguished any hopes of them pipping Borussia Dortmund, which ran out 4-1 winners over Ajax, to top spot.
"On two occasions I finished second in the group stage, I won the Champions League," the Madrid coach added. "I finished behind Real Madrid with Porto and we won, and with Inter I finished behind Barcelona and won.
"The other times I finished first, I never won the competition. My experience proves that it doesn't mean so much.
"I think the teams that finished first did well, but after that they are waiting for an opponent who, in principle, is easier for them to overcome, only to discover that they get Real Madrid in the draw."
Wilshere: Arsenal wasn't good enough against Montpellier
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere says the team was not good enough after he opened the scoring in its 2-0 victory over Montpellier, and will need to step up its performances for the next round of the Champions League.
Schalke's win over Olympiakos in the other game in Group B ensured the Gunners' qualification to the next round, and Wilshere emphasized the importance of finishing top to avoid tougher fixtures.
"I think we have to step it up from tonight," Wilshere told Sky Sports. "It wasn't good enough, especially in the first half. We stepped it up in the second half and got the three points, so we have to go now, watch the game, work on our weaknesses and get into the last 16 and whoever we get, you've got to play the best teams in the competition to win it so it doesn't matter who you get."
"We're pleased. It was a tough game tonight. Montpellier came tough. We started off sloppy but we knew if we kept going we'd get the win. We haven't finished top yet, still got one more game to go at Olympiakos, and we need to finish top of the group. We've seen in past years that if you finish second you can be in trouble going into the last 16, so we need to finish top.
"The first half was hard and we were sloppy. We were giving the ball away and we weren't ourselves. We had to come out and get an early goal. I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. It was a great header from [Olivier] Giroud and I'm happy to get the three points."
The game's other goalscorer, Lukas Podolski, equally stressed the importance of getting a positive result in the tie in Athens after his stunning volley sealed the points, adding that there is more to come from the Gunners.
"It was a great goal," Podolski stated. "A great pass from Giroud. It was a little bit lucky, but it was an important goal, the second goal, and we are happy with the three points and now looking forward to play against Olympiakos.
"In the first half we lost a lot of balls. But I think the first goal from Jack was good for us. Montpellier played very well but we have the three points and are very happy about this.
"There must be [more to come]. We must fight and we have a tough game against Olympiakos. It's not easy there, but we want to win there."
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere says the team was not good enough after he opened the scoring in its 2-0 victory over Montpellier, and will need to step up its performances for the next round of the Champions League.
Schalke's win over Olympiakos in the other game in Group B ensured the Gunners' qualification to the next round, and Wilshere emphasized the importance of finishing top to avoid tougher fixtures.
"I think we have to step it up from tonight," Wilshere told Sky Sports. "It wasn't good enough, especially in the first half. We stepped it up in the second half and got the three points, so we have to go now, watch the game, work on our weaknesses and get into the last 16 and whoever we get, you've got to play the best teams in the competition to win it so it doesn't matter who you get."
"We're pleased. It was a tough game tonight. Montpellier came tough. We started off sloppy but we knew if we kept going we'd get the win. We haven't finished top yet, still got one more game to go at Olympiakos, and we need to finish top of the group. We've seen in past years that if you finish second you can be in trouble going into the last 16, so we need to finish top.
"The first half was hard and we were sloppy. We were giving the ball away and we weren't ourselves. We had to come out and get an early goal. I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. It was a great header from [Olivier] Giroud and I'm happy to get the three points."
The game's other goalscorer, Lukas Podolski, equally stressed the importance of getting a positive result in the tie in Athens after his stunning volley sealed the points, adding that there is more to come from the Gunners.
"It was a great goal," Podolski stated. "A great pass from Giroud. It was a little bit lucky, but it was an important goal, the second goal, and we are happy with the three points and now looking forward to play against Olympiakos.
"In the first half we lost a lot of balls. But I think the first goal from Jack was good for us. Montpellier played very well but we have the three points and are very happy about this.
"There must be [more to come]. We must fight and we have a tough game against Olympiakos. It's not easy there, but we want to win there."
Giovani dos Santos returns to Mallorca training
Giovani dos Santos has returned to training for Mallorca, after being sidelined for two weeks with a thigh strain.
The Mexican forward could be available for this week’s trip to Madrid to face Rayo Vallecano, after sitting out since the 10th round of games early this month.
Dos Santos has seen limited action for the Balearic side after joining from Tottenham over the summer. His first game came in week 8, after the Mexican sat out the opening months of the season with an injury picked up in this summer’s Olympic Games.
Dos Santos contributed two assists in his debut against Sevilla, and has turned out a total of three times this season for Mallorca.
Giovani dos Santos has returned to training for Mallorca, after being sidelined for two weeks with a thigh strain.
The Mexican forward could be available for this week’s trip to Madrid to face Rayo Vallecano, after sitting out since the 10th round of games early this month.
Dos Santos has seen limited action for the Balearic side after joining from Tottenham over the summer. His first game came in week 8, after the Mexican sat out the opening months of the season with an injury picked up in this summer’s Olympic Games.
Dos Santos contributed two assists in his debut against Sevilla, and has turned out a total of three times this season for Mallorca.
UEFA confirms Luiz Adriano charges
UEFA has confirmed that Shakhtar Donetsk forward Luiz Adriano will face conduct charges following his first strike against Nordsjaelland in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The attacker raced on to a ball that was intended to be given back to the home side following an injury before rounding goalkeeper Jesper Hansen to equalize for the visiting side.
The goal was met with widespread derision and football's European governing body issued a statement on Wednesday that read: “Luiz Adriano faces charges for violation of the principles of conduct (Article 5, UEFA Disciplinary Regulations), and his case will be heard by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on Tuesday 27 November.”
Mircea Lucescu's side eventually ran out a 5-2 winner at the Parken Stadium and sealed its place in the last 16 of the competition.
UEFA has confirmed that Shakhtar Donetsk forward Luiz Adriano will face conduct charges following his first strike against Nordsjaelland in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The attacker raced on to a ball that was intended to be given back to the home side following an injury before rounding goalkeeper Jesper Hansen to equalize for the visiting side.
The goal was met with widespread derision and football's European governing body issued a statement on Wednesday that read: “Luiz Adriano faces charges for violation of the principles of conduct (Article 5, UEFA Disciplinary Regulations), and his case will be heard by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on Tuesday 27 November.”
Mircea Lucescu's side eventually ran out a 5-2 winner at the Parken Stadium and sealed its place in the last 16 of the competition.
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