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Group A Dortmund & Arsenal through to the knockout stages!
Congratzzzzzz
Marseille 1-2 Borussia Dortmund: Last-gasp BVB scrape through
An 87th minute strike from Kevin Grosskreutz saw Borussia Dortmund qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 2-1 win over Olympique de Marseille on Wednesday night.
Last season's beaten finalists looked to be on their way to a routine victory when Robert Lewandowski put them ahead in the opening stages.
However, Marseille - led by sporting director Jose Anigo following Elie Baup's dismissal last week - quickly levelled matters through defender Souleymane Diawara as they sought to avoid the ignominy of finishing the group stage with no points.
Dortmund wasted numerous chances to go back in front in a one-sided second half at the Stade Velodrome, with Lewandowski and Marco Reus among those to miss gilt-edged opportunities.
But the Bundesliga club finally breached a stout Marseille defence as Grosskreutz struck three minutes from time to seal top spot as earlier group leaders Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at Napoli. Defender Rod Fanni made his return from injury for Marseille, while Benjamin Mendy and Saber Khelifa were also included in the starting XI by Anigo.
Nuri Sahin recovered from an ankle problem to feature in the Dortmund line-up as Klopp handed starting berths to youngsters Marian Sarr and Erik Durm.
Dortmund took the lead after just three minutes, left-back Durm playing an influential role as he played in Lewandowski with a deft pass, with the Poland striker making no mistake as he coolly lifted the ball over Steve Mandanda.
However, the visitors' hopes of qualification were dealt a blow 11 minutes later when Diawara headed into an empty net after Khelifa had turned Dimitri Payet's superb free-kick against the crossbar.
Dortmund continued to dictate an extremely open game, though, but struggled to create many meaningful chances. Reus went closest just after the half-hour mark when he blazed over the bar following a swift counter-attack.
But the German outfit's fortunes turned shortly after as Payet was dismissed for a second booking in a matter of minutes after referee Marijo Strahonja ruled that the winger had dived in an attempt to win a penalty from a challenge with Sahin.
Marseille remained a threat despite their numerical disadvantage, however, with Andre-Pierre Gignac forcing Roman Weidenfeller into action before Reus spurned another opportunity at the other end prior to the interval.
Anigo's men rode their luck for much of the second period, and they were fortunate not to fall behind on two separate occasions, Reus hitting the post shortly after Mandanda had produced a brilliant far-post save to keep out Jakub Blaszczykowski's header.
Dortmund should have re-taken the lead in bizarre fashion after 66 minutes when Lewandowski intercepted Mendy's backpass, only to hit the side netting after rounding Mandanda.
Klopp's men refused to let up as they heaped further pressure on the Marseille defence, Reus somehow missing the target from point-blank range with the goal at his mercy.
And Dortmund were then denied a penalty in the closing stages after Mandanda collided with Lewandowski, but this proved immaterial as Grosskreutz's effort from the edge of the area snuck into the bottom corner to ensure their progression.
An 87th minute strike from Kevin Grosskreutz saw Borussia Dortmund qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 2-1 win over Olympique de Marseille on Wednesday night.
Last season's beaten finalists looked to be on their way to a routine victory when Robert Lewandowski put them ahead in the opening stages.
However, Marseille - led by sporting director Jose Anigo following Elie Baup's dismissal last week - quickly levelled matters through defender Souleymane Diawara as they sought to avoid the ignominy of finishing the group stage with no points.
Dortmund wasted numerous chances to go back in front in a one-sided second half at the Stade Velodrome, with Lewandowski and Marco Reus among those to miss gilt-edged opportunities.
But the Bundesliga club finally breached a stout Marseille defence as Grosskreutz struck three minutes from time to seal top spot as earlier group leaders Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at Napoli. Defender Rod Fanni made his return from injury for Marseille, while Benjamin Mendy and Saber Khelifa were also included in the starting XI by Anigo.
Nuri Sahin recovered from an ankle problem to feature in the Dortmund line-up as Klopp handed starting berths to youngsters Marian Sarr and Erik Durm.
Dortmund took the lead after just three minutes, left-back Durm playing an influential role as he played in Lewandowski with a deft pass, with the Poland striker making no mistake as he coolly lifted the ball over Steve Mandanda.
However, the visitors' hopes of qualification were dealt a blow 11 minutes later when Diawara headed into an empty net after Khelifa had turned Dimitri Payet's superb free-kick against the crossbar.
Dortmund continued to dictate an extremely open game, though, but struggled to create many meaningful chances. Reus went closest just after the half-hour mark when he blazed over the bar following a swift counter-attack.
But the German outfit's fortunes turned shortly after as Payet was dismissed for a second booking in a matter of minutes after referee Marijo Strahonja ruled that the winger had dived in an attempt to win a penalty from a challenge with Sahin.
Marseille remained a threat despite their numerical disadvantage, however, with Andre-Pierre Gignac forcing Roman Weidenfeller into action before Reus spurned another opportunity at the other end prior to the interval.
Anigo's men rode their luck for much of the second period, and they were fortunate not to fall behind on two separate occasions, Reus hitting the post shortly after Mandanda had produced a brilliant far-post save to keep out Jakub Blaszczykowski's header.
Dortmund should have re-taken the lead in bizarre fashion after 66 minutes when Lewandowski intercepted Mendy's backpass, only to hit the side netting after rounding Mandanda.
Klopp's men refused to let up as they heaped further pressure on the Marseille defence, Reus somehow missing the target from point-blank range with the goal at his mercy.
And Dortmund were then denied a penalty in the closing stages after Mandanda collided with Lewandowski, but this proved immaterial as Grosskreutz's effort from the edge of the area snuck into the bottom corner to ensure their progression.
Chelsea 1-0 Steaua Bucharest: Blues secure top spot with easy win
Chelsea finished top of their Champions League group thanks to a 1-0 victory against Steaua Bucharest at Stamford Bridge.
Despite suffering a second defeat to Basel on matchday five, Jose Mourinho's men were already assured of a place in the last 16 and had little trouble in seeing off limited opposition on Wednesday.
Demba Ba's 10th-minute strike from a Willian corner surprisingly proved the only goal as Chelsea demonstrated little desire to move in for the kill thereafter.
Gabriel Iancu spurned a golden opportunity for the visitors three minutes after Ba’s opener, but Steaua were generally kept at bay with a degree of comfort.
In failing to record victory for a 23rd Champions League game in succession, the Romanian outfit set a new record for the longest winless run in the competition.
Their European campaign is over for another season, while Chelsea will be aware far sterner tests await when the knockout stages commence in the new year.
Veteran Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer replaced the rested Petr Cech to become the Champions League’s oldest debutant – and second-oldest player – at the age of 41 years and 66 days.
Mourinho also recalled Ashley Cole for his first club start since November 2, while David Luiz and Oscar returned from injury against a Steaua side missing suspended captain Alexandru Bourceanu.
Luiz and Oscar each went close before Chelsea took the lead.A right-wing corner from Willian was flicked on by Oscar and Ba bundled the ball home as Daniel Georgievski attempted to clear.
Iancu should have levelled three minutes later, only to drag his shot wide after being put through one-on-one with Schwarzer.
There was little else to concern a dominant home side, who came close to scoring again when Ciprian Tatarusanu made a point-blank save to keep out Branislav Ivanovic's 27th-minute header.
Steaua's Pantelis Kapetanos and Chelsea midfielder Lampard missed the target with long-range efforts prior to the interval, while an ambitious effort from Cole brought a comfortable save from Tatarusanu.
A delightful Willian cross left Ba with a seemingly simple tap-in eight minutes into the second period, but the Senegalese forward clumsily cleared the crossbar with his finish.
Chelsea appeared content to operate at virtual walking pace thereafter, although another opportunity went begging in the 71st minute when Eden Hazard headed over following good work from substitute Andre Schurrle.
While entertainment may have been in short supply as the game meandered towards its conclusion, Mourinho will doubtless have been pleased to see his side keep a clean sheet after conceding three in each of their last two domestic fixtures.
Chelsea finished top of their Champions League group thanks to a 1-0 victory against Steaua Bucharest at Stamford Bridge.
Despite suffering a second defeat to Basel on matchday five, Jose Mourinho's men were already assured of a place in the last 16 and had little trouble in seeing off limited opposition on Wednesday.
Demba Ba's 10th-minute strike from a Willian corner surprisingly proved the only goal as Chelsea demonstrated little desire to move in for the kill thereafter.
Gabriel Iancu spurned a golden opportunity for the visitors three minutes after Ba’s opener, but Steaua were generally kept at bay with a degree of comfort.
In failing to record victory for a 23rd Champions League game in succession, the Romanian outfit set a new record for the longest winless run in the competition.
Their European campaign is over for another season, while Chelsea will be aware far sterner tests await when the knockout stages commence in the new year.
Veteran Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer replaced the rested Petr Cech to become the Champions League’s oldest debutant – and second-oldest player – at the age of 41 years and 66 days.
Mourinho also recalled Ashley Cole for his first club start since November 2, while David Luiz and Oscar returned from injury against a Steaua side missing suspended captain Alexandru Bourceanu.
Luiz and Oscar each went close before Chelsea took the lead.A right-wing corner from Willian was flicked on by Oscar and Ba bundled the ball home as Daniel Georgievski attempted to clear.
Iancu should have levelled three minutes later, only to drag his shot wide after being put through one-on-one with Schwarzer.
There was little else to concern a dominant home side, who came close to scoring again when Ciprian Tatarusanu made a point-blank save to keep out Branislav Ivanovic's 27th-minute header.
Steaua's Pantelis Kapetanos and Chelsea midfielder Lampard missed the target with long-range efforts prior to the interval, while an ambitious effort from Cole brought a comfortable save from Tatarusanu.
A delightful Willian cross left Ba with a seemingly simple tap-in eight minutes into the second period, but the Senegalese forward clumsily cleared the crossbar with his finish.
Chelsea appeared content to operate at virtual walking pace thereafter, although another opportunity went begging in the 71st minute when Eden Hazard headed over following good work from substitute Andre Schurrle.
While entertainment may have been in short supply as the game meandered towards its conclusion, Mourinho will doubtless have been pleased to see his side keep a clean sheet after conceding three in each of their last two domestic fixtures.
Barcelona 6-1 Celtic: Neymar hat-trick wins group as Barca run riot
Neymar opened his Champions League account with a hat-trick as Barcelona topped Group H in style by beating Celtic 6-1 on Wednesday.
The Brazil star had not previously scored in Europe's premier club competition, but was in irrepressible form against the Scottish champions at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.
Barca lost their last Champions League outing at Ajax, but were in no mood to repeat that disappointment as they dismantled Celtic with an irresistible attacking display.
Gerard Pique began the rout after just seven minutes, before Pedro doubled the hosts' advantage five minutes before the interval.
Neymar's first goal came in the 44th minute, and he had completed his treble before the hour-mark with two superb finishes before substitute Cristian Tello added a sixth 18 minutes from time.
Georgios Samaras grabbed a late consolation with a header two minutes before the end, but the hosts were in ominous form as they won the group with consummate ease.
Barca dominated the game from the outset, and were rewarded for their early pressure when Pique broke the deadlock after just seven minutes.
Fraser Forster did well to save Alexis Sanchez's deflected shot with his legs, but the Celtic keeper was powerless to prevent Pique from rifling the rebound into the roof of the net from six yards.
The game continued to be played exclusively in Celtic’s half, but Martino’s men had to wait until five minutes prior to the break to finally double their advantage courtesy of Pedro.
Pique was again heavily involved as he played a fine pass to Neymar, who raced away from Efe Ambrose and squared for the winger to finish neatly from close range.
And Barca extended their lead further just before half-time as Neymar - who was recalled by Gerardo Martino after being rested for the Copa del Rey win at Cartagena - tapped home a typically free-flowing move involving Xavi, Sergi Roberto, Alexis and Martin Montoya.
Xavi and Sergi linked well before the outstanding Sanchez lifted a deft pass into the path of Montoya, who rolled the ball across the face of goal for the Brazilian to convert.
Martino’s side were in no mood to take their foot off the pedal after half-time, and it took Neymar just three minutes of the second period to grab his second of the game following another sumptuous passing move.
The 21-year-old played a slick one-two with Xavi after more good work from Sergi before firing unerringly into the top corner from 10 yards.
And Neymar completed his hat-trick just before the hour as he collected Adriano’s pass down the left, bamboozled Ambrose with some sensational footwork and slotted past Forster, with Matthews unable to clear on the line.
Barca continued searching for more goals to banish the memory of their defeat in Amsterdam, and Tello got in on the act on 72 minutes when his shot deflected past the helpless Forster.
Samaras then restored a semblance of respectability to the scoreline for Celtic on 88 minutes when he headed home a free-kick from close range.
Neymar opened his Champions League account with a hat-trick as Barcelona topped Group H in style by beating Celtic 6-1 on Wednesday.
The Brazil star had not previously scored in Europe's premier club competition, but was in irrepressible form against the Scottish champions at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.
Barca lost their last Champions League outing at Ajax, but were in no mood to repeat that disappointment as they dismantled Celtic with an irresistible attacking display.
Gerard Pique began the rout after just seven minutes, before Pedro doubled the hosts' advantage five minutes before the interval.
Neymar's first goal came in the 44th minute, and he had completed his treble before the hour-mark with two superb finishes before substitute Cristian Tello added a sixth 18 minutes from time.
Georgios Samaras grabbed a late consolation with a header two minutes before the end, but the hosts were in ominous form as they won the group with consummate ease.
Barca dominated the game from the outset, and were rewarded for their early pressure when Pique broke the deadlock after just seven minutes.
Fraser Forster did well to save Alexis Sanchez's deflected shot with his legs, but the Celtic keeper was powerless to prevent Pique from rifling the rebound into the roof of the net from six yards.
The game continued to be played exclusively in Celtic’s half, but Martino’s men had to wait until five minutes prior to the break to finally double their advantage courtesy of Pedro.
Pique was again heavily involved as he played a fine pass to Neymar, who raced away from Efe Ambrose and squared for the winger to finish neatly from close range.
And Barca extended their lead further just before half-time as Neymar - who was recalled by Gerardo Martino after being rested for the Copa del Rey win at Cartagena - tapped home a typically free-flowing move involving Xavi, Sergi Roberto, Alexis and Martin Montoya.
Xavi and Sergi linked well before the outstanding Sanchez lifted a deft pass into the path of Montoya, who rolled the ball across the face of goal for the Brazilian to convert.
Martino’s side were in no mood to take their foot off the pedal after half-time, and it took Neymar just three minutes of the second period to grab his second of the game following another sumptuous passing move.
The 21-year-old played a slick one-two with Xavi after more good work from Sergi before firing unerringly into the top corner from 10 yards.
And Neymar completed his hat-trick just before the hour as he collected Adriano’s pass down the left, bamboozled Ambrose with some sensational footwork and slotted past Forster, with Matthews unable to clear on the line.
Barca continued searching for more goals to banish the memory of their defeat in Amsterdam, and Tello got in on the act on 72 minutes when his shot deflected past the helpless Forster.
Samaras then restored a semblance of respectability to the scoreline for Celtic on 88 minutes when he headed home a free-kick from close range.
Schalke 2-0 Basel: Draxler & Matip see Keller's men into last 16
Schalke beat Basel 2-0 to send themselves into the Champions League at the Swiss side's expense.
The Germans came into Wednesday's clash at the Veltins Arena having won just one of their last five, but cruised past the Swiss team - who played the majority of the game with 10 men.
Basel's hopes of qualifying at Schalke's expense were dented on the half-hour as defender Ivan Ivanov was sent off for hauling Adam Szalai down as the Hungarian closed on goal.
Julian Draxler showed his finesse to put Schalke ahead, turning home first-time from Jefferson Farfan's cross, though their second goal was highly controversial.
Farfan came into the game on the back of scoring five in his last six outings, and played up top for Schalke alongside Draxler and Kevin-Prince Boateng, while Max Meyer replaced the suspended Jermaine Jones in midfield.
Basel named a familiar line-up, eight of their XI featuring from the start for the sixth time in as many Group E outings.
That familiarity helped Basel dominate the early exchanges, but the Germans should have taken the lead on 11 minutes as Farfan launched a lightning counter down the right and crossed for Boateng.
Taulant Xhaka was on hand to intercept, incredibly deflecting the ball onto his own crossbar before Draxler pounced on the loose ball and found Meyer, whose effort was hacked off the line.
Farfan just missed the target from distance and a tame Meyer effort was saved by Yann Sommer as the hosts got on top.
The momentum swung even further in Schalke's favour just after the half-hour as Ivanov was softly dismissed for a tug on Szalai - introduced as a substitute for injured captain Benedikt Howedes.Sommer got behind Farfan's resulting free-kick and then produced a stunning close-range stop from the Peruvian to keep the scores level at the break.
Schalke did not have to wait long to break the deadlock though, Draxler slotting home just six minutes into the second half.
The Germans went two goals to the good seven minutes later, to the fury of Basel players and coach Murat Yakin.
Basel's defence sprung an offside trap from a right-wing Schalke free kick, but the linesman did not raise his flag, leaving Joel Matip all alone to slot home - although replays showed the Cameroonian was one of four home players beyond the last defender.
Szalai headed a good chance straight at Sommer, but there was concern for Schalke as Draxler was forced off with a hamstring injury.
Sommer made five saves of the highest order to cap a fine performance in defeat, but it was Schalke smiling at the final whistle after sealing a spot in the last 16.
Schalke beat Basel 2-0 to send themselves into the Champions League at the Swiss side's expense.
The Germans came into Wednesday's clash at the Veltins Arena having won just one of their last five, but cruised past the Swiss team - who played the majority of the game with 10 men.
Basel's hopes of qualifying at Schalke's expense were dented on the half-hour as defender Ivan Ivanov was sent off for hauling Adam Szalai down as the Hungarian closed on goal.
Julian Draxler showed his finesse to put Schalke ahead, turning home first-time from Jefferson Farfan's cross, though their second goal was highly controversial.
Farfan came into the game on the back of scoring five in his last six outings, and played up top for Schalke alongside Draxler and Kevin-Prince Boateng, while Max Meyer replaced the suspended Jermaine Jones in midfield.
Basel named a familiar line-up, eight of their XI featuring from the start for the sixth time in as many Group E outings.
That familiarity helped Basel dominate the early exchanges, but the Germans should have taken the lead on 11 minutes as Farfan launched a lightning counter down the right and crossed for Boateng.
Taulant Xhaka was on hand to intercept, incredibly deflecting the ball onto his own crossbar before Draxler pounced on the loose ball and found Meyer, whose effort was hacked off the line.
Farfan just missed the target from distance and a tame Meyer effort was saved by Yann Sommer as the hosts got on top.
The momentum swung even further in Schalke's favour just after the half-hour as Ivanov was softly dismissed for a tug on Szalai - introduced as a substitute for injured captain Benedikt Howedes.Sommer got behind Farfan's resulting free-kick and then produced a stunning close-range stop from the Peruvian to keep the scores level at the break.
Schalke did not have to wait long to break the deadlock though, Draxler slotting home just six minutes into the second half.
The Germans went two goals to the good seven minutes later, to the fury of Basel players and coach Murat Yakin.
Basel's defence sprung an offside trap from a right-wing Schalke free kick, but the linesman did not raise his flag, leaving Joel Matip all alone to slot home - although replays showed the Cameroonian was one of four home players beyond the last defender.
Szalai headed a good chance straight at Sommer, but there was concern for Schalke as Draxler was forced off with a hamstring injury.
Sommer made five saves of the highest order to cap a fine performance in defeat, but it was Schalke smiling at the final whistle after sealing a spot in the last 16.
Austria Vienna 4-1 Zenit St Petersburg: Holiner double helps hosts first win
Zenit St Petersburg lost 4-1 at Austria Vienna but reached the Champions League knockout phase due to Porto's loss at Atletico Madrid.
The Russian side required victory to progress from Group G without relying on the outcome in the Spanish capital and Aleksandr Kerzhakov put them on course to do just that with the opener in the 35th minute.
However, Vienna scored three goals – two courtesy of Philipp Hosiner – within seven minutes either side of the break to leave Zenit facing an anxious wait before Roman Kienast added a fourth late on.
Porto were unable to recover a first-half deficit, resigning them to Europa League football and sending Zenit through to the Champions League round of 16 with only six points from six games.
Vienna, who were guaranteed to finish bottom before kick-off, celebrated their first win in Europe's elite competition, with Tomas Jun also on target.The home side were without defender Lukas Rotpuller and midfielder Bernhard Luxbacher due to injury, while playmaker Danny missed out for Zenit.
That did not prevent the Russian heavyweights creating chances in an opening half hour they dominated.
Within 180 seconds, Hulk fired over the crossbar following a neat passing move. Domenico Criscito was then close to connecting with a Viktor Fayzulin cross, before Hulk created space for himself with some delightful footwork only to see his shot from the edge of the box blocked by Kaja Rogulj.
Zenit eventually broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. Kerzhakov's clever movement coupled with defender Manuel Ortlechner's untimely slip allowed the former to race on to Hulk's reverse through-ball. Kerzhakov took it round goalkeeper Heinz Lindner and slotted home into the empty net.
Out of nothing, however, Vienna equalised on the stroke of half-time. Hosiner robbed Zenit of possession, played a superb one-two with Marko Stankovic and slotted the ball across goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin and into the bottom corner.
Within six minutes of the restart, Vienna were 3-1 up. First, following a very poor goal kick from Lodygin, Markus Suttner controlled the ball sublimely and crossed to give Jun a tap-in.Then Florian Mader's long-range strike was parried by Lodygin straight into the path of Hosiner, who thumped the ball home to complete his double.
Zenit tried to respond as Konstantin Zyryanov went close from distance, Hulk forced Lindner into a smart save and Axel Witsel saw his powerful strike go narrowly over the crossbar.
But Vienna completed a 4-1 success in injury time, when the brilliant Hosiner crossed for substitute Kienast to fire home.
Zenit St Petersburg lost 4-1 at Austria Vienna but reached the Champions League knockout phase due to Porto's loss at Atletico Madrid.
The Russian side required victory to progress from Group G without relying on the outcome in the Spanish capital and Aleksandr Kerzhakov put them on course to do just that with the opener in the 35th minute.
However, Vienna scored three goals – two courtesy of Philipp Hosiner – within seven minutes either side of the break to leave Zenit facing an anxious wait before Roman Kienast added a fourth late on.
Porto were unable to recover a first-half deficit, resigning them to Europa League football and sending Zenit through to the Champions League round of 16 with only six points from six games.
Vienna, who were guaranteed to finish bottom before kick-off, celebrated their first win in Europe's elite competition, with Tomas Jun also on target.The home side were without defender Lukas Rotpuller and midfielder Bernhard Luxbacher due to injury, while playmaker Danny missed out for Zenit.
That did not prevent the Russian heavyweights creating chances in an opening half hour they dominated.
Within 180 seconds, Hulk fired over the crossbar following a neat passing move. Domenico Criscito was then close to connecting with a Viktor Fayzulin cross, before Hulk created space for himself with some delightful footwork only to see his shot from the edge of the box blocked by Kaja Rogulj.
Zenit eventually broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. Kerzhakov's clever movement coupled with defender Manuel Ortlechner's untimely slip allowed the former to race on to Hulk's reverse through-ball. Kerzhakov took it round goalkeeper Heinz Lindner and slotted home into the empty net.
Out of nothing, however, Vienna equalised on the stroke of half-time. Hosiner robbed Zenit of possession, played a superb one-two with Marko Stankovic and slotted the ball across goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin and into the bottom corner.
Within six minutes of the restart, Vienna were 3-1 up. First, following a very poor goal kick from Lodygin, Markus Suttner controlled the ball sublimely and crossed to give Jun a tap-in.Then Florian Mader's long-range strike was parried by Lodygin straight into the path of Hosiner, who thumped the ball home to complete his double.
Zenit tried to respond as Konstantin Zyryanov went close from distance, Hulk forced Lindner into a smart save and Axel Witsel saw his powerful strike go narrowly over the crossbar.
But Vienna completed a 4-1 success in injury time, when the brilliant Hosiner crossed for substitute Kienast to fire home.
Atletico Madrid 2-0 Porto: Diego Costa dumps Portuguese out
Porto hit the woodwork four times and missed a penalty in crashing out of the Champions League with a 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid.
First-half goals from Raul Garcia and Diego Costa condemned Paulo Fonseca's side to third place and a spot in the Europa League, but it could have been a very different story for the visitors after they missed a host of chances in the first half.
The most glaring of their chances was Josue's penalty – saved by Daniel Aranzubia – with Jackson Martinez and Silvestre Varela hitting the frame of the goal three times between them.
Lica then hit a post for an incredible fourth time midway through the second half as Porto were made to rue their finishing.
Atletico, confirmed as group winners before the game, rested key men David Villa and Arda Turan while Fernando was Porto's only change.
The visitors started well, as Martinez stretched to reach Danilo's right-wing cross in the eighth minute, but his poked effort from six yards crashed off the crossbar and away to safety.
Atletico went in front just six minutes later though, with Garcia gathering a throw from the left before turning his man and thumping home an effort from a tight angle which beat Helton at his near post and cannoned in off the bar.
Varela hit the bar with a header from another Danilo delivery in the 21st minute before Atletico goalkeeper Aranzubia, making his Champions League debut in place of the suspended Thibaut Courtois, conceded a penalty.
But after bringing down Martinez inside the area, the keeper dived to his left to save Josue's weak effort and preserve the hosts' advantage.
As the game continued at a frenetic pace, Atletico almost doubled their lead immediately, only for Helton to stick out a leg and deny Costa as he bore down on goal.
Porto hit the woodwork for a third time nine minutes before the break, as Martinez prodded against the post from Varela's cutback, and Atletico made them pay just one minute later.
Costa was the scorer, netting his fourth of the competition after springing the offside trap and rounding Helton, and the goalkeeper was in action again in stoppage time, tipping over to keep out Adrian Lopez's effort.
In a quieter second period, substitute Lica struck the post yet again for the visitors in the 69th minute.
And Porto were left frustrated in the end, especially when Austria Vienna's 4-1 win over Zenit meant a triumph would have seen them progress to the last 16.
Porto hit the woodwork four times and missed a penalty in crashing out of the Champions League with a 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid.
First-half goals from Raul Garcia and Diego Costa condemned Paulo Fonseca's side to third place and a spot in the Europa League, but it could have been a very different story for the visitors after they missed a host of chances in the first half.
The most glaring of their chances was Josue's penalty – saved by Daniel Aranzubia – with Jackson Martinez and Silvestre Varela hitting the frame of the goal three times between them.
Lica then hit a post for an incredible fourth time midway through the second half as Porto were made to rue their finishing.
Atletico, confirmed as group winners before the game, rested key men David Villa and Arda Turan while Fernando was Porto's only change.
The visitors started well, as Martinez stretched to reach Danilo's right-wing cross in the eighth minute, but his poked effort from six yards crashed off the crossbar and away to safety.
Atletico went in front just six minutes later though, with Garcia gathering a throw from the left before turning his man and thumping home an effort from a tight angle which beat Helton at his near post and cannoned in off the bar.
Varela hit the bar with a header from another Danilo delivery in the 21st minute before Atletico goalkeeper Aranzubia, making his Champions League debut in place of the suspended Thibaut Courtois, conceded a penalty.
But after bringing down Martinez inside the area, the keeper dived to his left to save Josue's weak effort and preserve the hosts' advantage.
As the game continued at a frenetic pace, Atletico almost doubled their lead immediately, only for Helton to stick out a leg and deny Costa as he bore down on goal.
Porto hit the woodwork for a third time nine minutes before the break, as Martinez prodded against the post from Varela's cutback, and Atletico made them pay just one minute later.
Costa was the scorer, netting his fourth of the competition after springing the offside trap and rounding Helton, and the goalkeeper was in action again in stoppage time, tipping over to keep out Adrian Lopez's effort.
In a quieter second period, substitute Lica struck the post yet again for the visitors in the 69th minute.
And Porto were left frustrated in the end, especially when Austria Vienna's 4-1 win over Zenit meant a triumph would have seen them progress to the last 16.
Galatasaray 1-0 Juventus: Sneijder sends Mancini's men into the knockouts
Galatasaray sealed their place in the last 16 of the Champions League in dramatic style as Wesley Sneijder's late goal saw them beat Juventus 1-0 on Wednesday.
The Dutchman latched on to Didier Drogba's flick to fire low past Gianluigi Buffon in the closing minutes as Roberto Mancini's side battled past the Bianconeri in treacherous conditions in Istanbul.
The fixture was halted after 31 minutes on Tuesday due to freak snow storms, with play resuming on Wednesday afternoon.
On a heavy, muddy pitch, both sides were largely limited to direct passages of play when the game restarted, with Juventus coach Antonio Conte appearing very unhappy with the match officials at the break, presumably due to the condition of the playing surface.
Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez had both been recalled to a Juve side missing injured forward Mirko Vucinic (knee), while Sneijder made his first start since November 1 for Galatasaray after shaking off a recurring thigh problem.
The visitors had carved out the only clear-cut chance prior to Tuesday's suspension in play, Llorente going close after good work from Arturo Vidal, but it was Galatasaray who started stronger when play got back under way in Turkey.
Drogba and Sneijder both probed well for the hosts, without threatening the goal, before Llorente and Tevez linked impressively, only for the former to lose his footing as both sides struggled with the conditions.
Referee Pedro Proenca drew the half to a close after 14 minutes of play, and it was Juve who attacked first following the interval as Leonardo Bonucci fired over with an effort from distance early in the second period.
Drogba did well to shield the ball in an advanced position at the other end, allowing Sneijder to fire wide, with the Ivorian then forcing a smart right-handed save from Gianluigi Buffon following a vicous effort.
Claudio Marchisio saw an attempt on goal saved after a rare flowing move down the left in the 79th minute before Juve's defence, which boasts seven consecutive clean sheets in serie A, was finally breached with five minutes left.
Drogba headed a long ball into Sneijder's path, with the Netherlands international cooly firing past Buffon.
The hosts almost made it 2-0 late on but Burak Yilmaz was denied by a goalline intervention from Giorgio Chiellini, with the final whistle prompting joyous scenes a matter of seconds later.
Galatasaray's three points moves them into second behind Real Madrid and into the last 16 draw, with two-time winners Juventus now in the Europa League.
Neymar amazed me in Messi role - Martino
Gerardo Martino has heaped praise on hat-trick hero Neymar after Barcelona's 6-1 Champions League thrashing of Celtic on Wednesday, saying the Brazilian amazed him in Lionel Messi's central role.
The Brazil international became the first player to score a three-goal haul in both the Copa Libertadores and the Champions League as he struck three times in 14 minutes during a sparkling display.
Neymar has now found the net eight times in all competitions since joining Barca from Santos in June and Martino was quick to hail the 21-year-old for his contribution to an excellent performance from the Catalan club on Wednesday.
"Neymar didn't start well, he had to adapt to the centre-forward position, but after the first goal he showed what he can do," the Barca coach told reporters.
"What amazes me most about Neymar is how he's involved with the team, how he helps to recover balls - that's rare for such a player."
Martino also suggested that Barca delivered their most complete showing of the campaign against Celtic and is hopeful that his side can continue to perform at the same level.
"I think this was our most complete game this season," he added. "I'm especially happy that we could keep up the level for a long time."Our goal is to play every game like we played tonight."Barca are back in action on Saturday in La Liga against Villarreal.
Gerardo Martino has heaped praise on hat-trick hero Neymar after Barcelona's 6-1 Champions League thrashing of Celtic on Wednesday, saying the Brazilian amazed him in Lionel Messi's central role.
The Brazil international became the first player to score a three-goal haul in both the Copa Libertadores and the Champions League as he struck three times in 14 minutes during a sparkling display.
Neymar has now found the net eight times in all competitions since joining Barca from Santos in June and Martino was quick to hail the 21-year-old for his contribution to an excellent performance from the Catalan club on Wednesday.
"Neymar didn't start well, he had to adapt to the centre-forward position, but after the first goal he showed what he can do," the Barca coach told reporters.
"What amazes me most about Neymar is how he's involved with the team, how he helps to recover balls - that's rare for such a player."
Martino also suggested that Barca delivered their most complete showing of the campaign against Celtic and is hopeful that his side can continue to perform at the same level.
"I think this was our most complete game this season," he added. "I'm especially happy that we could keep up the level for a long time."Our goal is to play every game like we played tonight."Barca are back in action on Saturday in La Liga against Villarreal.
Dortmund kept believing - Grosskreutz
Borussia Dortmund hero Kevin Grosskreutz has hailed his side's resolve and belief in their dramatic 2-1 win over Olympique de Marseille.
Jurgen Klopp's side appeared to be heading out of the Champions League, with Napoli beating Arsenal 2-0 in Group F's other game.
However, Grosskreutz scored a late winner to ensure his side topped the group and although he has acknowledged his strike was fairly lucky, he says his team-mates always believed they would pull through.
"It was a brilliant feeling," he told Sky Deutschland. "We progressed and have even won the group. That is huge.
"I did not hit the ball properly and suddenly it's in. It was a sensational feeling. There were so many fans here with us and they deserve this.
"We had many, many chances and you always have to believe. We were only lacking a goal."
Club captain Sebastian Kehl, meanwhile, says he and his collegues will enjoy a beer at their hotel to reward themselves.
He said: "It was very exciting. We knew we needed that second goal. It was tough, Marseille defended very well and their players were compact.
"But hey, I don't care about that any more. At the end, we won this group and it was a very successful day for us. Now we will have a beer at the hotel and I think we deserve that."
Borussia Dortmund hero Kevin Grosskreutz has hailed his side's resolve and belief in their dramatic 2-1 win over Olympique de Marseille.
Jurgen Klopp's side appeared to be heading out of the Champions League, with Napoli beating Arsenal 2-0 in Group F's other game.
However, Grosskreutz scored a late winner to ensure his side topped the group and although he has acknowledged his strike was fairly lucky, he says his team-mates always believed they would pull through.
"It was a brilliant feeling," he told Sky Deutschland. "We progressed and have even won the group. That is huge.
"I did not hit the ball properly and suddenly it's in. It was a sensational feeling. There were so many fans here with us and they deserve this.
"We had many, many chances and you always have to believe. We were only lacking a goal."
Club captain Sebastian Kehl, meanwhile, says he and his collegues will enjoy a beer at their hotel to reward themselves.
He said: "It was very exciting. We knew we needed that second goal. It was tough, Marseille defended very well and their players were compact.
"But hey, I don't care about that any more. At the end, we won this group and it was a very successful day for us. Now we will have a beer at the hotel and I think we deserve that."
Allegri relieved with Milan progress
Massimiliano Allegri spoke of his relief as AC Milan held on with 10 men for a 0-0 draw with Ajax to reach the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.
The Serie A outfit needed only a point against Ajax to progress from Group H, but Riccardo Montolivo's red card after only 22 minutes gave the Amsterdam club the initiative.
Italy midfielder Montolivo was shown a straight red card by referee Howard Webb for a late challenge on Christian Poulsen in a game dominated by the Dutch champions.
Poulsen had already hit the post with a header by then but, much to the delight of the under-pressure Allegri, gutsy Milan dug deep to thwart Ajax and ensure they are the only Italian club remaining in the competition.
He told Sky Sport Italia: "It was a long sigh of relief because this was an important achievement and it wasn't easy to play against Ajax with 10 men.
"The lads were very organised and only ran risks on a few crosses into the box, while Christian Abbiati did well on his saves. Mario Balotelli took the team upon his shoulders, earned free-kicks and held the ball up, so he was crucial."
Allegri felt Montolivo was unfortunate to be given his marching orders, but remained pleased with the way his side kept Ajax at bay.
He added: "Montolivo's was a foul, but certainly not nasty, as he is not a nasty player. The referee made this decision on the suggestion of the assistant and it's a shame we had to play for over an hour with 10 men.
"From the touchline I couldn't see it. The replays show it was a hard foul, but not nasty. The lads didn't allow Ajax to get past them, didn’t allow spaces and I think we had a couple of dubious offsides against us too.
"It was tougher to go on the counter in the second half, as the more time went on, the more we could sense the finish line.
"Ah well, that's the way it went and we all lost a few kilos suffering on the touchline."
Massimiliano Allegri spoke of his relief as AC Milan held on with 10 men for a 0-0 draw with Ajax to reach the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.
The Serie A outfit needed only a point against Ajax to progress from Group H, but Riccardo Montolivo's red card after only 22 minutes gave the Amsterdam club the initiative.
Italy midfielder Montolivo was shown a straight red card by referee Howard Webb for a late challenge on Christian Poulsen in a game dominated by the Dutch champions.
Poulsen had already hit the post with a header by then but, much to the delight of the under-pressure Allegri, gutsy Milan dug deep to thwart Ajax and ensure they are the only Italian club remaining in the competition.
He told Sky Sport Italia: "It was a long sigh of relief because this was an important achievement and it wasn't easy to play against Ajax with 10 men.
"The lads were very organised and only ran risks on a few crosses into the box, while Christian Abbiati did well on his saves. Mario Balotelli took the team upon his shoulders, earned free-kicks and held the ball up, so he was crucial."
Allegri felt Montolivo was unfortunate to be given his marching orders, but remained pleased with the way his side kept Ajax at bay.
He added: "Montolivo's was a foul, but certainly not nasty, as he is not a nasty player. The referee made this decision on the suggestion of the assistant and it's a shame we had to play for over an hour with 10 men.
"From the touchline I couldn't see it. The replays show it was a hard foul, but not nasty. The lads didn't allow Ajax to get past them, didn’t allow spaces and I think we had a couple of dubious offsides against us too.
"It was tougher to go on the counter in the second half, as the more time went on, the more we could sense the finish line.
"Ah well, that's the way it went and we all lost a few kilos suffering on the touchline."
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