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..::Football IV::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
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Man Utd target Fonte confirms Southampton will not offer him a new deal
Southampton defender Jose Fonte has denied reports he has rejected a new deal and has claimed the Saints have told him they will not be offering him a new contract.
Speculation over the Portugal international’s future has been growing recently with both Manchester United and Everton reportedly keen on signing him.
The latest reports have claimed he has turned down a deal worth £80,000-per-week but Fonte has taken to Instagram to insist that is not the case.
“Just to set the record straight I did NOT reject a new contract, in fact I have been informed by Southampton that they are NOT offering me a new contract,” he wrote. “My focus is on Thursday helping us win the game! #wemarchon”.
Fonte’s current deal expires in 2018 and his latest comments will no doubt interest United who have been heavily linked with a move for the 32-year-old.
Southampton defender Jose Fonte has denied reports he has rejected a new deal and has claimed the Saints have told him they will not be offering him a new contract.
Speculation over the Portugal international’s future has been growing recently with both Manchester United and Everton reportedly keen on signing him.
The latest reports have claimed he has turned down a deal worth £80,000-per-week but Fonte has taken to Instagram to insist that is not the case.
“Just to set the record straight I did NOT reject a new contract, in fact I have been informed by Southampton that they are NOT offering me a new contract,” he wrote. “My focus is on Thursday helping us win the game! #wemarchon”.
Fonte’s current deal expires in 2018 and his latest comments will no doubt interest United who have been heavily linked with a move for the 32-year-old.
Barcelona 4-0 Borussia Monchengladbach: Arda outshines Messi in Camp Nou rout
Arda Turan did what Lionel Messi needed to do as Barcelona cruised to a 4-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach at Camp Nou.
Messi required a hat-trick in the Group C encounter to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most goals in the group stage and he opened the scoring in the 16th minute with this 10th of the stage.
However, Messi was overshadowed in the second half by Arda as the Turkey international scored a 17-minute hat-trick to ensure the group winners went through to the last 16 with five wins from six games.
Luis Enrique retained just three players from his side that drew El Clasico on Saturday, but Messi started, two goals short of Real Madrid rival Ronaldo's Champions League group-stage record haul.
Messi only managed to score one in a first half that saw most of Barca's chances fall his way, with Arda setting up the Argentine's goal in a redemptive outing for the winger, who had not started in this season's Champions League before Wednesday's tie.
Having little to lose did not prompt a cavalier approach from Gladbach, who operated with a six-man defence when Barcelona had the ball - which accounted for the majority of the match.
Arda played a pass behind the advancing Messi with Barca's first clear chance, but the Turkey international got things right when presented with another opportunity two minutes later.Messi pounced on a loose ball to race through the centre before playing in Arda on the left and then darting into the box to sweep home the subsequent cut-back.
Yann Sommer had to parry Messi's fierce drive over the crossbar two minutes later as the Barcelona number 10 - playing in a withdrawn role behind Paco Alcacer - inspired some of the Catalans’ lesser lights.
Barca probed and prodded Gladbach, who offered little in return, and Messi was denied his landmark goal by Tobias Strobl's last-ditch tackle two minutes from the break after fleet-footed work from Aleix Vidal and Denis Suarez on the right.
That same wide-right pairing combined again five minutes after half-time, as Suarez provided Arda with a simple header and he latched onto a pass from Vidal to clip the ball home and put Barca in sight of another big home win, following 7-0 and 4-0 victories over Celtic and City already this term.
Alcacer did not take his chance to prove his first-team worth, blasting a one-on-one chance straight at Sommer, but the former Valencia striker did make Arda's hat-trick finish a simple one, playing a ball across the six-yard box that the winger netted.
Sommer produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Messi's chance to claim his place in the record books with a diving header, before Arda was afforded a richly deserved ovation when he was replaced by debutant Marc Cardona.
The celebratory mood gave way to a meandering finale, but a first win in four games - and such a dominant one - will put a spring back in Barca's step as they hunt down Madrid in LaLiga.
Arda Turan did what Lionel Messi needed to do as Barcelona cruised to a 4-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach at Camp Nou.
Messi required a hat-trick in the Group C encounter to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most goals in the group stage and he opened the scoring in the 16th minute with this 10th of the stage.
However, Messi was overshadowed in the second half by Arda as the Turkey international scored a 17-minute hat-trick to ensure the group winners went through to the last 16 with five wins from six games.
Luis Enrique retained just three players from his side that drew El Clasico on Saturday, but Messi started, two goals short of Real Madrid rival Ronaldo's Champions League group-stage record haul.
Messi only managed to score one in a first half that saw most of Barca's chances fall his way, with Arda setting up the Argentine's goal in a redemptive outing for the winger, who had not started in this season's Champions League before Wednesday's tie.
Having little to lose did not prompt a cavalier approach from Gladbach, who operated with a six-man defence when Barcelona had the ball - which accounted for the majority of the match.
Arda played a pass behind the advancing Messi with Barca's first clear chance, but the Turkey international got things right when presented with another opportunity two minutes later.Messi pounced on a loose ball to race through the centre before playing in Arda on the left and then darting into the box to sweep home the subsequent cut-back.
Yann Sommer had to parry Messi's fierce drive over the crossbar two minutes later as the Barcelona number 10 - playing in a withdrawn role behind Paco Alcacer - inspired some of the Catalans’ lesser lights.
Barca probed and prodded Gladbach, who offered little in return, and Messi was denied his landmark goal by Tobias Strobl's last-ditch tackle two minutes from the break after fleet-footed work from Aleix Vidal and Denis Suarez on the right.
That same wide-right pairing combined again five minutes after half-time, as Suarez provided Arda with a simple header and he latched onto a pass from Vidal to clip the ball home and put Barca in sight of another big home win, following 7-0 and 4-0 victories over Celtic and City already this term.
Alcacer did not take his chance to prove his first-team worth, blasting a one-on-one chance straight at Sommer, but the former Valencia striker did make Arda's hat-trick finish a simple one, playing a ball across the six-yard box that the winger netted.
Sommer produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Messi's chance to claim his place in the record books with a diving header, before Arda was afforded a richly deserved ovation when he was replaced by debutant Marc Cardona.
The celebratory mood gave way to a meandering finale, but a first win in four games - and such a dominant one - will put a spring back in Barca's step as they hunt down Madrid in LaLiga.
Manchester City 1-1 Celtic: Roberts scores against parent club in score draw
Patrick Roberts scored against his parent club as Manchester City drew 1-1 with Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The final positions had already been decided in Group C, with City qualifying second behind Barcelona and Celtic finishing bottom.
City manager Pep Guardiola will, however, have been keen to bounce back from Saturday's 3-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea and a 3-3 draw in Glasgow earlier in the season that started a six-game winless run in all competitions for his side.
But it was one of City's own who put Guardiola's men on the back foot inside four minutes at the Etihad Stadium, Roberts - on an 18-month loan at Celtic - capping a determined run with a powerful finish.Another City youngster – this time wearing the blue of the hosts – soon levelled, Kelechi Iheanacho rounding off a swift counter-attacking move.
The pace of the game started to reflect its dead-rubber status as it wore on and Nolito's rightly-disallowed goal was as close as either side came to snatching a winner in the second half.
With nothing riding on the match, Guardiola used the opportunity to give some of his fringe players game time, while 16-year-old Phil Foden was an unused substitute.Fellow acadmey prospect Tosin Adarabioyo, 19, came into a defence that almost instantly came under pressure thanks to a loose Fernando pass.
That ball was pounced on by Moussa Dembele – scorer of two goals in the reverse fixture – before Tom Rogic forced a retreating Willy Caballero into an early save.
The opening goal came after Caballero asked a lot of Leroy Sane with a chipped pass out to the left wing.
Germany international Sane did enough to keep the ball in play but it was collected by Mikael Lustig, who sent Roberts on a driving run into the box that ended with a smashed left-footed effort beyond the City goalkeeper.Celtic's lead was short-lived, Iheanacho powering a strike past Craig Gordon four minutes later after getting on the end of a precise Nolito through ball.
Iheanacho then fired just wide as City looked to complete a rapid turnaround, but Celtic remained a threat at the other end, Dembele smuggling the ball past Caballero only to find the side-netting with a wild swing.
It was City who looked most likely to edge in front before the break - Erik Sviatchenko turned behind a dangerous Nolito ball into the six-yard box, before Gordon got down well to keep out a clever Iheanacho flick.
A Gael Clichy tug on an advancing Roberts went unpunished in the closing stages of the opening half, but chances were at a premium in the early stages of the second.
Substitute Jesus Navas created the first real opportunity with a low cross from the right in the 66th minute. Nolito put it in the back of the net, but he was correctly flagged for offside.
Celtic replacements Leigh Griffiths and Gary Mackay-Steven both went close for the visitors late on - the former sweeping wide from the edge of the box, before his team-mate was denied by a strong Caballero hand.
But there was to be no winner and Brendan Rodgers will no doubt be the happier of the two managers, with Celtic avoiding defeat on their travels for just the fourth time in Champions League history.
Patrick Roberts scored against his parent club as Manchester City drew 1-1 with Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The final positions had already been decided in Group C, with City qualifying second behind Barcelona and Celtic finishing bottom.
City manager Pep Guardiola will, however, have been keen to bounce back from Saturday's 3-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea and a 3-3 draw in Glasgow earlier in the season that started a six-game winless run in all competitions for his side.
But it was one of City's own who put Guardiola's men on the back foot inside four minutes at the Etihad Stadium, Roberts - on an 18-month loan at Celtic - capping a determined run with a powerful finish.Another City youngster – this time wearing the blue of the hosts – soon levelled, Kelechi Iheanacho rounding off a swift counter-attacking move.
The pace of the game started to reflect its dead-rubber status as it wore on and Nolito's rightly-disallowed goal was as close as either side came to snatching a winner in the second half.
With nothing riding on the match, Guardiola used the opportunity to give some of his fringe players game time, while 16-year-old Phil Foden was an unused substitute.Fellow acadmey prospect Tosin Adarabioyo, 19, came into a defence that almost instantly came under pressure thanks to a loose Fernando pass.
That ball was pounced on by Moussa Dembele – scorer of two goals in the reverse fixture – before Tom Rogic forced a retreating Willy Caballero into an early save.
The opening goal came after Caballero asked a lot of Leroy Sane with a chipped pass out to the left wing.
Germany international Sane did enough to keep the ball in play but it was collected by Mikael Lustig, who sent Roberts on a driving run into the box that ended with a smashed left-footed effort beyond the City goalkeeper.Celtic's lead was short-lived, Iheanacho powering a strike past Craig Gordon four minutes later after getting on the end of a precise Nolito through ball.
Iheanacho then fired just wide as City looked to complete a rapid turnaround, but Celtic remained a threat at the other end, Dembele smuggling the ball past Caballero only to find the side-netting with a wild swing.
It was City who looked most likely to edge in front before the break - Erik Sviatchenko turned behind a dangerous Nolito ball into the six-yard box, before Gordon got down well to keep out a clever Iheanacho flick.
A Gael Clichy tug on an advancing Roberts went unpunished in the closing stages of the opening half, but chances were at a premium in the early stages of the second.
Substitute Jesus Navas created the first real opportunity with a low cross from the right in the 66th minute. Nolito put it in the back of the net, but he was correctly flagged for offside.
Celtic replacements Leigh Griffiths and Gary Mackay-Steven both went close for the visitors late on - the former sweeping wide from the edge of the box, before his team-mate was denied by a strong Caballero hand.
But there was to be no winner and Brendan Rodgers will no doubt be the happier of the two managers, with Celtic avoiding defeat on their travels for just the fourth time in Champions League history.
Basel 1-4 Arsenal: Perez hat-trick seals top spot for Gunners
Lucas Perez marked his first Champions League start for Arsenal with a hat-trick as the Gunners swept aside Basel 4-1 to secure top spot in Group A on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old struck twice in the first half from close range to put Arsene Wenger's side in control against the Swiss champions, before he fired in a clinical third just two minutes after half-time.
Alex Iwobi added a fourth before the hour mark to cap a ruthless performance from Arsenal, who pipped Paris Saint-Germain to first place following the French side's 2-2 home draw with Ludogorets.
Basel had won their last three Champions League games against English clubs at home and had only lost twice in 11 encounters with Premier League sides in the competition, but Lucas' two goals after only 16 minutes effectively put paid to their hopes of another upset.
Urs Fischer's side had failed to win any of their previous five group games and struggled to make the most of some half-chances against a makeshift Arsenal defence, in which Rob Holding made his competition debut.
Wenger was able to rest Alexis Sanchez for the final 20 minutes after Lucas and Iwobi had made sure of the points following the restart and, though Seydou Doumbia hit a fine consolation, Basel were left with the disappointment of exiting European competition while the travelling Gunners faithful celebrated a near perfect end to the group.Arsenal settled into their rhythm quickly at a misty St Jakob-Park and they took full advantage of their early control after eight minutes.
Sanchez floated a perfect pass into the feet of Kieran Gibbs, and his cross-cum-shot from the left of the area fell to Lucas, who took his time before tapping the ball home at the far post.
Basel thought they had snatched an equaliser three minutes later when Marc Janko volleyed home after David Ospina saved brilliantly from Matias Delgado, but the Argentine was correctly flagged offside.
And it got worse for Basel when Lucas doubled his tally on 16 minutes. Mesut Ozil combined with Sanchez before sending Gibbs clear into the area, and though his shot was saved by Tomas Vaclik, Lucas reacted quickest to turn in the rebound.
The home side looked bright in possession despite the scoreline but their cutting edge in attack was negligible, with Ospina's only real test in the first half coming from a good run and strike as Renato Steffen cut in from the right.But Fischer's frustrations in the dugout reached breaking point when, two minutes after the restart, Lucas scored his and Arsenal's third.
Gibbs' hopeful pass forward was knocked on by Sanchez into the path of the Spaniard, who hit a first-time shot across goal and into the far corner from just inside the area, despite Vaclik getting a hand to the ball.
Arsenal were enjoying themselves and they soon had a fourth. Ozil collected Sanchez's long ball into the area and cut it back to Iwobi, who tapped into the net from six yards with barely a Basel defender in sight.Sanchez rattled the crossbar with a swerving free-kick before he was replaced by former Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny.
The home fans finally had something to cheer as Doumbia, having been gifted possession by Holding, produced a stunning piece of skill to work space in the area before prodding cleverly past Ospina.
But the visiting fans' delight was barely spoiled, as they revelled in their team's excellent performance and the good news filtering through from Paris.
Lucas Perez marked his first Champions League start for Arsenal with a hat-trick as the Gunners swept aside Basel 4-1 to secure top spot in Group A on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old struck twice in the first half from close range to put Arsene Wenger's side in control against the Swiss champions, before he fired in a clinical third just two minutes after half-time.
Alex Iwobi added a fourth before the hour mark to cap a ruthless performance from Arsenal, who pipped Paris Saint-Germain to first place following the French side's 2-2 home draw with Ludogorets.
Basel had won their last three Champions League games against English clubs at home and had only lost twice in 11 encounters with Premier League sides in the competition, but Lucas' two goals after only 16 minutes effectively put paid to their hopes of another upset.
Urs Fischer's side had failed to win any of their previous five group games and struggled to make the most of some half-chances against a makeshift Arsenal defence, in which Rob Holding made his competition debut.
Wenger was able to rest Alexis Sanchez for the final 20 minutes after Lucas and Iwobi had made sure of the points following the restart and, though Seydou Doumbia hit a fine consolation, Basel were left with the disappointment of exiting European competition while the travelling Gunners faithful celebrated a near perfect end to the group.Arsenal settled into their rhythm quickly at a misty St Jakob-Park and they took full advantage of their early control after eight minutes.
Sanchez floated a perfect pass into the feet of Kieran Gibbs, and his cross-cum-shot from the left of the area fell to Lucas, who took his time before tapping the ball home at the far post.
Basel thought they had snatched an equaliser three minutes later when Marc Janko volleyed home after David Ospina saved brilliantly from Matias Delgado, but the Argentine was correctly flagged offside.
And it got worse for Basel when Lucas doubled his tally on 16 minutes. Mesut Ozil combined with Sanchez before sending Gibbs clear into the area, and though his shot was saved by Tomas Vaclik, Lucas reacted quickest to turn in the rebound.
The home side looked bright in possession despite the scoreline but their cutting edge in attack was negligible, with Ospina's only real test in the first half coming from a good run and strike as Renato Steffen cut in from the right.But Fischer's frustrations in the dugout reached breaking point when, two minutes after the restart, Lucas scored his and Arsenal's third.
Gibbs' hopeful pass forward was knocked on by Sanchez into the path of the Spaniard, who hit a first-time shot across goal and into the far corner from just inside the area, despite Vaclik getting a hand to the ball.
Arsenal were enjoying themselves and they soon had a fourth. Ozil collected Sanchez's long ball into the area and cut it back to Iwobi, who tapped into the net from six yards with barely a Basel defender in sight.Sanchez rattled the crossbar with a swerving free-kick before he was replaced by former Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny.
The home fans finally had something to cheer as Doumbia, having been gifted possession by Holding, produced a stunning piece of skill to work space in the area before prodding cleverly past Ospina.
But the visiting fans' delight was barely spoiled, as they revelled in their team's excellent performance and the good news filtering through from Paris.
Bayern Munich 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Lewandowski stunner sees off Diego Simeone's men
Bayern Munich extended their winning home streak in the Champions League after a 1-0 victory denied Atletico Madrid a 100 per cent record in Group D.
Robert Lewandowski dispatched a superb free-kick on 28 minutes to settle the game as Bayern made it 15 wins in a row in the competition at the Allianz Arena, but they go through to the last 16 as runners-up behind Atletico.
Bayern, who exited the 2015-16 competition at the hands of Diego Simeone's team in the semi-finals in April, were forced to settle for second spot and a potentially difficult assignment in the first knockout round, as the Bundesliga title holders continue their search for consistency under Carlo Ancelotti.
Their performance here will at least be of some comfort to the Italian, who watched his players control the contest, albeit against a visiting team likely to have placed more importance on a trip to Villarreal on Monday, as they seek to make up ground on Sevilla, Barcelona and leaders Madrid in LaLiga.
For Bayern, attention will now turn to the visit of Wolfsburg this weekend, with the indignity of trailing surprise league leaders RB Leipzig weighing heavily on German football's dominant force.
Atleti went close twice in the opening 15 minutes, Yannick Carrasco seeing shots well saved by Manuel Neuer after being set up by Antoine Griezmann and Lucas Hernandez respectively.
Douglas Costa issued the hosts' first real warning shot when he called Jan Oblak into action at the goalkeeper's near post following good work from Renato Sanches.
Oblak could do nothing, though, to prevent Bayern taking the lead in the 28th minute, Lewandowski curling home a delightful free-kick after Carrasco clipped the heels of Juan Bernat.
Bayern made all the running after the break, with Stefan Savic called upon to dispossess the goalscorer in a dangerous area soon after the restart, before Arjen Robben had a penalty appeal against the Montenegro defender waved away approaching the hour mark.
Thiago should have scored with 13 minutes to go, somehow contriving to steer his effort over the bar from point-blank range and with the goal gaping after Douglas Costa had reached the byline and cut the ball back.Ultimately Bayern were not made to regret that miss, with Atleti mustering little threat of note in the closing stages.
Bayern Munich extended their winning home streak in the Champions League after a 1-0 victory denied Atletico Madrid a 100 per cent record in Group D.
Robert Lewandowski dispatched a superb free-kick on 28 minutes to settle the game as Bayern made it 15 wins in a row in the competition at the Allianz Arena, but they go through to the last 16 as runners-up behind Atletico.
Bayern, who exited the 2015-16 competition at the hands of Diego Simeone's team in the semi-finals in April, were forced to settle for second spot and a potentially difficult assignment in the first knockout round, as the Bundesliga title holders continue their search for consistency under Carlo Ancelotti.
Their performance here will at least be of some comfort to the Italian, who watched his players control the contest, albeit against a visiting team likely to have placed more importance on a trip to Villarreal on Monday, as they seek to make up ground on Sevilla, Barcelona and leaders Madrid in LaLiga.
For Bayern, attention will now turn to the visit of Wolfsburg this weekend, with the indignity of trailing surprise league leaders RB Leipzig weighing heavily on German football's dominant force.
Atleti went close twice in the opening 15 minutes, Yannick Carrasco seeing shots well saved by Manuel Neuer after being set up by Antoine Griezmann and Lucas Hernandez respectively.
Douglas Costa issued the hosts' first real warning shot when he called Jan Oblak into action at the goalkeeper's near post following good work from Renato Sanches.
Oblak could do nothing, though, to prevent Bayern taking the lead in the 28th minute, Lewandowski curling home a delightful free-kick after Carrasco clipped the heels of Juan Bernat.
Bayern made all the running after the break, with Stefan Savic called upon to dispossess the goalscorer in a dangerous area soon after the restart, before Arjen Robben had a penalty appeal against the Montenegro defender waved away approaching the hour mark.
Thiago should have scored with 13 minutes to go, somehow contriving to steer his effort over the bar from point-blank range and with the goal gaping after Douglas Costa had reached the byline and cut the ball back.Ultimately Bayern were not made to regret that miss, with Atleti mustering little threat of note in the closing stages.
Benfica 1-2 Napoli: Super-sub Mertens seals top spot
Super-sub Dries Mertens came off the bench to create one and score the second as Napoli ensured top spot in Group B with a 2-1 win over Benfica in the Champions League.Having replaced the misfiring Manolo Gabbiadini on 57 minutes the Belgium international created Jose Callejon's opener with a deft flick before sealing the three points late on.
Napoli's winning margin could have been even wider had Gabbiadini - who has now failed to score in seven games in all competitions - and Callejon done better in the first half.
Callejon was not to be denied on the hour, though, as he finally showed some composure to score his first goal of this season's competition.Substitute Mertens added the decisive second with 11 minutes to play with a low drive that was perfectly placed to beat the dive of Ederson.
Raul Jimenez grabbed a consolation for the hosts but Napoli were able to hold on to ensure they go into the last-16 draw as group winners, while Benfica also progress after 10-man Besiktas were hammered 6-0 by Dynamo Kiev
Napoli looked the more likely early on as they looked to attack at pace but it took until the 21st minute for them to create the first real opening.
Lorenzo Insigne fed Marek Hamsik 20 yards from goal, the Slovakian’s low shot was parried by Ederson into the path of Gabbiadini who headed home. However, the goal was ruled out as the striker was rightly flagged offside.
That let-off seemed to spark the hosts into life and a minute later Goncalo Guedes should have done better with a snapshot after Napoli twice failed to clear their lines.It was a fleeting threat from Benfica, though, as Napoli finished the half stronger with Callejon and Gabbiadini both denied by Ederson before the break.
News of Besiktas' troubles in Kiev appeared to relax the hosts after the restart and Callejon should have punished them having been found by Insigne, but he snatched at his volley and skewed wide.
Just before the hour Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri opted to introduce Mertens in place of Gabbiadini and three minutes later the Belgian created the opening goal, Callejon racing onto his flick and lifting the ball over Ederson.Spurred on by the goal Napoli continued to threaten and Insigne nearly executed a sublime chip from the edge of the penalty area in the 66th minute.
Pizzi then wasted a chance to test Pepe Reina with a long-range free-kick and Napoli made Benfica pay as Mertens wrapped things up.The 29-year-old drifted past the challenge of Luisao before rifling a low shot past Ederson, the ball clipping the post on its way in.
Benfica halved the deficit late on as Jimenez pounced on a mistake by Raul Albiol and fired beyond Reina, but it was not enough to stop Napoli becoming the first Italian side to win in the Champions League on Portuguese soil since 1992-93.
Super-sub Dries Mertens came off the bench to create one and score the second as Napoli ensured top spot in Group B with a 2-1 win over Benfica in the Champions League.Having replaced the misfiring Manolo Gabbiadini on 57 minutes the Belgium international created Jose Callejon's opener with a deft flick before sealing the three points late on.
Napoli's winning margin could have been even wider had Gabbiadini - who has now failed to score in seven games in all competitions - and Callejon done better in the first half.
Callejon was not to be denied on the hour, though, as he finally showed some composure to score his first goal of this season's competition.Substitute Mertens added the decisive second with 11 minutes to play with a low drive that was perfectly placed to beat the dive of Ederson.
Raul Jimenez grabbed a consolation for the hosts but Napoli were able to hold on to ensure they go into the last-16 draw as group winners, while Benfica also progress after 10-man Besiktas were hammered 6-0 by Dynamo Kiev
Napoli looked the more likely early on as they looked to attack at pace but it took until the 21st minute for them to create the first real opening.
Lorenzo Insigne fed Marek Hamsik 20 yards from goal, the Slovakian’s low shot was parried by Ederson into the path of Gabbiadini who headed home. However, the goal was ruled out as the striker was rightly flagged offside.
That let-off seemed to spark the hosts into life and a minute later Goncalo Guedes should have done better with a snapshot after Napoli twice failed to clear their lines.It was a fleeting threat from Benfica, though, as Napoli finished the half stronger with Callejon and Gabbiadini both denied by Ederson before the break.
News of Besiktas' troubles in Kiev appeared to relax the hosts after the restart and Callejon should have punished them having been found by Insigne, but he snatched at his volley and skewed wide.
Just before the hour Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri opted to introduce Mertens in place of Gabbiadini and three minutes later the Belgian created the opening goal, Callejon racing onto his flick and lifting the ball over Ederson.Spurred on by the goal Napoli continued to threaten and Insigne nearly executed a sublime chip from the edge of the penalty area in the 66th minute.
Pizzi then wasted a chance to test Pepe Reina with a long-range free-kick and Napoli made Benfica pay as Mertens wrapped things up.The 29-year-old drifted past the challenge of Luisao before rifling a low shot past Ederson, the ball clipping the post on its way in.
Benfica halved the deficit late on as Jimenez pounced on a mistake by Raul Albiol and fired beyond Reina, but it was not enough to stop Napoli becoming the first Italian side to win in the Champions League on Portuguese soil since 1992-93.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Ludogorets: Di Maria rescues draw but hosts miss out on top spot
Paris Saint-Germain missed out on the chance to seal top spot in Group A of the Champions League as they needed a late equaliser from Angel Di Maria to grab a 2-2 draw against Ludogorets.
The French champions avoided suffering just a second home defeat in European competition since the 2006-07 season when Di Maria turned in a loose ball two minutes into injury time.
Ludogorets were on the verge of pulling off a famous victory thanks to goals from Virgil Misidjan and Wanderson, although the point picked up on their travels still secures them a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Misidjan headed Ludogorets in front in the first half and, although Edinson Cavani equalised with an overhead kick on the hour mark, the visitors capitalised on an error to score again through Wanderson.
While Di Maria spared PSG's blushes at the death, the result - coupled with Arsenal's 4-1 triumph over Basel - leaves Unai Emery's side facing the potential prospect of a tougher tie in the last 16 of the competition. Ludogorets had threatened an upset in the first meeting of the teams by taking the lead - and duly repeated the trick in the French capital.
Natanael - who had scored the opener in his team's 3-1 defeat in Sofia back in September - was the provider for the goal, his cross from the left allowing the unmarked Misidjan to nod home in the 15th minute.
The visitors would have doubled their lead had Marcelinho managed to turn Cosmin Moti's flick-on home at the far post, the forward unable to control his header on the stretch with the goal at his mercy.
PSG came close to equalising with a headed chance at the other end of the field; Thiago Silva's effort from Lucas Moura's corner hit the post and stayed out, meaning Ludogorets remained ahead at the break.
To make matters worse for the French champions, Thiago Motta picked up a yellow card that will rule the midfielder out of the first leg of his side's last-16 tie, whoever they end up playing in the next round.
In the end, PSG needed a helping hand to draw level, as Cicinho's poor headed clearance inadvertently set up Cavani to acrobatically volley in his sixth goal of the campaign.The hosts felt they should have been awarded a penalty shortly after, with Di Maria's shot blocked by the arm of Igor Plastun.
Yet instead of going ahead they soon fell behind for a second time. Marquinhos dallied in possession long enough to be robbed by Jonathan Cafu, who squared the ball across for Wanderson to strike.
Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola managed to get a hand on the crisp drive, only for the ball to escape his grasp and roll gently across the line after striking an upright.
Ben Arfa had a goalbound left-footed drive headed away superbly by Moti, while the resulting corner saw Silva head the ball onto the woodwork for a second time in the game.
It seemed Ludogorets would hold on until Di Maria popped up with a late leveller, although his finish from Layvin Kurzawa's pass did not prevent PSG's players leaving the field to a chorus of boos.
Paris Saint-Germain missed out on the chance to seal top spot in Group A of the Champions League as they needed a late equaliser from Angel Di Maria to grab a 2-2 draw against Ludogorets.
The French champions avoided suffering just a second home defeat in European competition since the 2006-07 season when Di Maria turned in a loose ball two minutes into injury time.
Ludogorets were on the verge of pulling off a famous victory thanks to goals from Virgil Misidjan and Wanderson, although the point picked up on their travels still secures them a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Misidjan headed Ludogorets in front in the first half and, although Edinson Cavani equalised with an overhead kick on the hour mark, the visitors capitalised on an error to score again through Wanderson.
While Di Maria spared PSG's blushes at the death, the result - coupled with Arsenal's 4-1 triumph over Basel - leaves Unai Emery's side facing the potential prospect of a tougher tie in the last 16 of the competition. Ludogorets had threatened an upset in the first meeting of the teams by taking the lead - and duly repeated the trick in the French capital.
Natanael - who had scored the opener in his team's 3-1 defeat in Sofia back in September - was the provider for the goal, his cross from the left allowing the unmarked Misidjan to nod home in the 15th minute.
The visitors would have doubled their lead had Marcelinho managed to turn Cosmin Moti's flick-on home at the far post, the forward unable to control his header on the stretch with the goal at his mercy.
PSG came close to equalising with a headed chance at the other end of the field; Thiago Silva's effort from Lucas Moura's corner hit the post and stayed out, meaning Ludogorets remained ahead at the break.
To make matters worse for the French champions, Thiago Motta picked up a yellow card that will rule the midfielder out of the first leg of his side's last-16 tie, whoever they end up playing in the next round.
In the end, PSG needed a helping hand to draw level, as Cicinho's poor headed clearance inadvertently set up Cavani to acrobatically volley in his sixth goal of the campaign.The hosts felt they should have been awarded a penalty shortly after, with Di Maria's shot blocked by the arm of Igor Plastun.
Yet instead of going ahead they soon fell behind for a second time. Marquinhos dallied in possession long enough to be robbed by Jonathan Cafu, who squared the ball across for Wanderson to strike.
Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola managed to get a hand on the crisp drive, only for the ball to escape his grasp and roll gently across the line after striking an upright.
Ben Arfa had a goalbound left-footed drive headed away superbly by Moti, while the resulting corner saw Silva head the ball onto the woodwork for a second time in the game.
It seemed Ludogorets would hold on until Di Maria popped up with a late leveller, although his finish from Layvin Kurzawa's pass did not prevent PSG's players leaving the field to a chorus of boos.
Ramos: Zidane is dazzling and sympathetic
Sergio Ramos believes Zinedine Zidane has been a success at Real Madrid because he is more sympathetic than previous head coaches.
The Frenchman, who spent five seasons with the club as a player, took charge of Madrid following Rafael Benitez's dismissal in January, winning the Champions League less than five months later.
And Zidane now has Madrid six points clear of rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga after their Clasico draw on Saturday, leading Ramos to praise his coach's work improving the squad's dynamic.
"Zizou has that kind of magic that dazzles you," the Spaniard told a pre-match news conference ahead of his side's European clash with Borussia Dortmund."The dynamic of the group is going in the right direction and following a great line. We have a lot of harmony.
"He's more sympathetic than what we had before. His merit is there for all to see and we're happy. I'm happy he's in charge of the team, we're working hard both physically and mentally."
Madrid have already reached the last 16 of the Champions League, but must beat Dortmund to claim top spot in Group F.
Sergio Ramos believes Zinedine Zidane has been a success at Real Madrid because he is more sympathetic than previous head coaches.
The Frenchman, who spent five seasons with the club as a player, took charge of Madrid following Rafael Benitez's dismissal in January, winning the Champions League less than five months later.
And Zidane now has Madrid six points clear of rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga after their Clasico draw on Saturday, leading Ramos to praise his coach's work improving the squad's dynamic.
"Zizou has that kind of magic that dazzles you," the Spaniard told a pre-match news conference ahead of his side's European clash with Borussia Dortmund."The dynamic of the group is going in the right direction and following a great line. We have a lot of harmony.
"He's more sympathetic than what we had before. His merit is there for all to see and we're happy. I'm happy he's in charge of the team, we're working hard both physically and mentally."
Madrid have already reached the last 16 of the Champions League, but must beat Dortmund to claim top spot in Group F.
Ancelotti: Bayern must take confidence boost from Atletico win
Carlo Ancelotti hopes Tuesday's 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League will give Bayern Munich confidence as they approach the mid-season break.
Bayern have struggled for consistency under the Italian coach in 2016-17 and have been forced to settle for the runners-up spot in Group D of Europe's elite club competition, behind Atletico.They are also second in the Bundesliga, three points behind surprise leaders RB Leipzig.
And while there was nothing riding on the clash against last season's beaten finalists at Allianz Arena on Tuesday, Ancelotti was nevertheless relieved to earn a positive result against Diego Simeone's tough, well-organised visitors. "We played well, had a lot of possession and prevented counter-attacks," he said.
"We had defensive balance in this game. The result isn't important, but it gives us a lot of confidence for the coming games," he added, with a home fixture against Wolfsburg in the league coming up on Saturday.Defender Mats Hummels was gratified by the manner in which Bayern shut down the visitors after the break.
"We only allowed a great opportunity at the beginning, but not many later," he said, referring to an early chance for Yannick Carrasco. "We did a good job, the most important thing is that we have a defensive grasp [on the game]. We had that."
Carlo Ancelotti hopes Tuesday's 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League will give Bayern Munich confidence as they approach the mid-season break.
Bayern have struggled for consistency under the Italian coach in 2016-17 and have been forced to settle for the runners-up spot in Group D of Europe's elite club competition, behind Atletico.They are also second in the Bundesliga, three points behind surprise leaders RB Leipzig.
And while there was nothing riding on the clash against last season's beaten finalists at Allianz Arena on Tuesday, Ancelotti was nevertheless relieved to earn a positive result against Diego Simeone's tough, well-organised visitors. "We played well, had a lot of possession and prevented counter-attacks," he said.
"We had defensive balance in this game. The result isn't important, but it gives us a lot of confidence for the coming games," he added, with a home fixture against Wolfsburg in the league coming up on Saturday.Defender Mats Hummels was gratified by the manner in which Bayern shut down the visitors after the break.
"We only allowed a great opportunity at the beginning, but not many later," he said, referring to an early chance for Yannick Carrasco. "We did a good job, the most important thing is that we have a defensive grasp [on the game]. We had that."
UEFA Champions League Group Stages Fixtures 2016.12.07
UEFA Champions League Group Stages Fixtures 2016.12.07
Juventus Dinamo Zagreb
LYON Vs Sevilla
Porto Vs Leicester City
Club Brugge Vs Kobenhavn
Legia Vs Sporting CP
Real Madrid Vs Dortmund
Tottenham Vs CSKA
Leverkusen Vs Monaco
Kiev vs Besiktas match was a total rip off! 
Worst refreeing ever!! a last 16 position was literally taken from besiktas.
the red card and the penalty was absolutely uncalled for. That ref should be stripped of his ranking!
1. How can you call that a foul against the besiktas defender? It was a shoulder charge by the kiev man and the defender fell. Then somehow the kiev attacker seemed to trip over him but it feels a lot more like a dive to me
2. The original foul was outside the box.
3. Should at least be a yellow card.
Worst refreeing in a long time
Besiktas were dreaming to get their first ever knockout stagee position in the CL and they were robbed of the chance
Worst refreeing ever!! a last 16 position was literally taken from besiktas.the red card and the penalty was absolutely uncalled for. That ref should be stripped of his ranking!
1. How can you call that a foul against the besiktas defender? It was a shoulder charge by the kiev man and the defender fell. Then somehow the kiev attacker seemed to trip over him but it feels a lot more like a dive to me
2. The original foul was outside the box.
3. Should at least be a yellow card.
Worst refreeing in a long time
Besiktas were dreaming to get their first ever knockout stagee position in the CL and they were robbed of the chance
Real 2 - 2 Dortmund
Second half was absolutely shit! Don't know what we were doing when auba scored. It almost seemed like we wanted them to score. Really poor defending and man marking. Should've scored another goal or two in the first half. Had many decent chances.
At least Benzema was back. Not the greatest performance but glad to see him scoring a brace. Ronaldo wasn't focused on the game at all. Marcelo was poor. As well as Varane. Carvajal didn't have the greatest game also.
James did well
Glad to see him getting more minutes. But Zidane will rotate him, and isco without favouring either I think.
Firs half was really good but the second half was utter shit. It felt like we were really tired from the Classico. Lacked the extra motivation
Second half was absolutely shit!
Don't know what we were doing when auba scored. It almost seemed like we wanted them to score. Really poor defending and man marking. Should've scored another goal or two in the first half. Had many decent chances. At least Benzema was back. Not the greatest performance but glad to see him scoring a brace. Ronaldo wasn't focused on the game at all. Marcelo was poor. As well as Varane. Carvajal didn't have the greatest game also.
James did well
Glad to see him getting more minutes. But Zidane will rotate him, and isco without favouring either I think. Firs half was really good but the second half was utter shit. It felt like we were really tired from the Classico. Lacked the extra motivation
Not even the Golden Boot would get me an England recall, says Defoe
Jermain Defoe says he would not receive an England recall even if he won the Premier League Golden Boot.The 34-year-old has 19 goals in 55 appearances for the Three Lions, but has not represented his country in over two years, since a friendly against Chile.
Defoe scored 15 Premier League goals to help fire Sunderland to safety last term and has eight to his name in 14 league appearances for the struggling Black Cats this season.
However, the former Tottenham striker was not considered for Euro 2016 by Roy Hodgson, nor has he appeared under new England boss Gareth Southgate."I've not heard anything," Defoe told talkSPORT. "It's not like I've given up, but it does get to a point where you think, 'is it ever going to happen?'
"I feel good, it's the sharpest I've felt in a long time. I'm enjoying training every day, I feel sharp, I feel strong, I feel fit and I feel confident – and for a striker that's so important."But I almost feel like it doesn't matter what I do, even if I get the Golden Boot I still don't think I’d get called up.
"I don't really like talking about it. I wouldn't want the gaffer [David Moyes] to have a word [with Southgate] because you get called up on merit, so I'll just keep letting my football do the talking."
Jermain Defoe says he would not receive an England recall even if he won the Premier League Golden Boot.The 34-year-old has 19 goals in 55 appearances for the Three Lions, but has not represented his country in over two years, since a friendly against Chile.
Defoe scored 15 Premier League goals to help fire Sunderland to safety last term and has eight to his name in 14 league appearances for the struggling Black Cats this season.
However, the former Tottenham striker was not considered for Euro 2016 by Roy Hodgson, nor has he appeared under new England boss Gareth Southgate."I've not heard anything," Defoe told talkSPORT. "It's not like I've given up, but it does get to a point where you think, 'is it ever going to happen?'
"I feel good, it's the sharpest I've felt in a long time. I'm enjoying training every day, I feel sharp, I feel strong, I feel fit and I feel confident – and for a striker that's so important."But I almost feel like it doesn't matter what I do, even if I get the Golden Boot I still don't think I’d get called up.
"I don't really like talking about it. I wouldn't want the gaffer [David Moyes] to have a word [with Southgate] because you get called up on merit, so I'll just keep letting my football do the talking."
AC Milan sale delayed until March
A deal to sell AC Milan to a Chinese consortium has been delayed until March 3.
'Conte doesn't do second place'
A joint statement between Fininvest - the holding company of Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi - and Chinese investors Sino-Europe Sports (SES) on Wednesday confirmed the new sale date.
Originally, the transition was expected to be completed by mid-December, but reports suggest SES struggled to obtain approval for the purchase from the Chinese government.As part of the delay, SES has agreed to pay a further €100 million in addition to the €100m it had already deposited.
The statement read: "Fininvest and Sino-Europe Sports have reached an agreement to extend the deadline by which to achieve the closing on the sale of investments held by Fininvest AC Milan to March 3rd, 2017.
"The agreement, approved by the Fininvest Board of Directors, predicts that by December 12 Sino-Europe Sports, accredited by Fininvest will pay a further deposit of €100m. This is on top of the €100m euros already paid upon signing the trade contract.
"The agreement on the extension, which was requested by SES, reiterates that the methods of AC Milan's business operations up until the closing date will continue to be based on the principle of shared choices."
On the pitch, head coach Vincenzo Montella has led Milan to third in the Serie A table after 15 matches and they sit just four points adrift of leaders Juventus, who they beat in October.
A deal to sell AC Milan to a Chinese consortium has been delayed until March 3.
'Conte doesn't do second place'
A joint statement between Fininvest - the holding company of Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi - and Chinese investors Sino-Europe Sports (SES) on Wednesday confirmed the new sale date.
Originally, the transition was expected to be completed by mid-December, but reports suggest SES struggled to obtain approval for the purchase from the Chinese government.As part of the delay, SES has agreed to pay a further €100 million in addition to the €100m it had already deposited.
The statement read: "Fininvest and Sino-Europe Sports have reached an agreement to extend the deadline by which to achieve the closing on the sale of investments held by Fininvest AC Milan to March 3rd, 2017.
"The agreement, approved by the Fininvest Board of Directors, predicts that by December 12 Sino-Europe Sports, accredited by Fininvest will pay a further deposit of €100m. This is on top of the €100m euros already paid upon signing the trade contract.
"The agreement on the extension, which was requested by SES, reiterates that the methods of AC Milan's business operations up until the closing date will continue to be based on the principle of shared choices."
On the pitch, head coach Vincenzo Montella has led Milan to third in the Serie A table after 15 matches and they sit just four points adrift of leaders Juventus, who they beat in October.
Giroud staying at Arsenal - agent
Oliver Giroud has no plans to leave Arsenal in January, according to the agent of the France striker.
Alexis Sanchez's form at central striker has restricted Giroud to just two starts this season - both in the Champions League - but he has scored five goals, including three from the bench in the Premier League.
The returning Danny Welbeck and in-form Lucas Perez, who scored a brilliant hat-trick against Basel on Tuesday night, represent further threats to Giroud's place in the Arsenal pecking order but his agent says he is happy at the Emirates Stadium.
"Olivier is very well at Arsenal," Michael Manuello told Foot Mercato.
"He will make his season here. Nothing is possible in January. He has no plans to move during the winter transfer window "Last month, Giroud said he had no concerns about his long-term future with the club, despite his lack of playing time this season.
"I have no doubts over my Arsenal future," he said."As with each year, there is competition for places at the big clubs. There are a lot of attackers with different styles of play."
Oliver Giroud has no plans to leave Arsenal in January, according to the agent of the France striker.
Alexis Sanchez's form at central striker has restricted Giroud to just two starts this season - both in the Champions League - but he has scored five goals, including three from the bench in the Premier League.
The returning Danny Welbeck and in-form Lucas Perez, who scored a brilliant hat-trick against Basel on Tuesday night, represent further threats to Giroud's place in the Arsenal pecking order but his agent says he is happy at the Emirates Stadium.
"Olivier is very well at Arsenal," Michael Manuello told Foot Mercato.
"He will make his season here. Nothing is possible in January. He has no plans to move during the winter transfer window "Last month, Giroud said he had no concerns about his long-term future with the club, despite his lack of playing time this season.
"I have no doubts over my Arsenal future," he said."As with each year, there is competition for places at the big clubs. There are a lot of attackers with different styles of play."
Man Utd name Europa League squad, and there's NO Memphis
Jose Mourinho has named his squad travelling to Odessa for Manchester United's final Europa League group game against Zorya Luhansk, and it does not include Memphis Depay.
The Dutchman has found it difficult to establish himself under the Portuguese coach this season, making just four substitute appearances in the Premier League and another three in the Europa League, and has again been left out of Mourinho's squad for Thursday's match.
Wayne Rooney returns to the fold having sat out of the Red Devils' trip to Everton at the weekend through suspension, while Eric Bailly continues his fightback from a knee injury and is expected to be named on the bench.
United know a point will confirm their place in the Round of 32 having won all three of their European ties at Old Trafford.
Travelling squad: De Gea, Romero, Johnstone; Fosu-Mensah, Jones, Bailly, Rojo, Blind, Young; Fellaini, Herrera, Pogba, Lingard, Mata, Mkhitaryan; Martial, Rashford, Rooney, Ibrahimovic.
Jose Mourinho has named his squad travelling to Odessa for Manchester United's final Europa League group game against Zorya Luhansk, and it does not include Memphis Depay.
The Dutchman has found it difficult to establish himself under the Portuguese coach this season, making just four substitute appearances in the Premier League and another three in the Europa League, and has again been left out of Mourinho's squad for Thursday's match.
Wayne Rooney returns to the fold having sat out of the Red Devils' trip to Everton at the weekend through suspension, while Eric Bailly continues his fightback from a knee injury and is expected to be named on the bench.
United know a point will confirm their place in the Round of 32 having won all three of their European ties at Old Trafford.
Travelling squad: De Gea, Romero, Johnstone; Fosu-Mensah, Jones, Bailly, Rojo, Blind, Young; Fellaini, Herrera, Pogba, Lingard, Mata, Mkhitaryan; Martial, Rashford, Rooney, Ibrahimovic.
Juventus 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb: Higuain helps Juve take top spot
Gonzalo Higuain and Daniele Rugani secured top spot in Group H for Juventus as the Bianconeri beat a resolute Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 in the Champions League.
Following a frustrating half in Turin, Juve turned on the style after the restart with Higuain ending his 418-minute goal drought in all competitions and Rugani getting his first European goal.
Higuain, Miralem Pjanic and Mario Mandzukic were all wasteful early on as Dominik Livakovic and the Dinamo defence displayed admirable resistance
Their resolve was finally broken on 52 minutes after Mario Lemina had muscled his way through a group of defenders on the edge of the penalty area, the loose ball dropping for the clinical Higuain.
And with 17 minutes to play the points were clinched as Rugani rose unmarked to head home Pjanic's pinpoint corner from the right.Victory ensured Juve go into Monday's draw for the knockout stages as group winners, while Dinamo finish the stage without a goal or a point.
Chances were few and far between in an opening 45 minutes dominated by the hosts, Juve racking up 66 per cent possession.The opportunities they did manage to create found goalkeeper Livakovic on hand to keep Dinamo level, his first save coming after five minutes to foil a Juve counter-attack.
Mandzukic and Pjanic combined superbly to set up Higuain but the striker's effort was deflected wide by the 21-year-old.
It took Juve until the 32nd minute to pose a further threat and once again Mandzukic was involved, his neat turn created space for a cross that Pjanic headed straight at Livakovic.Pjanic and Mandzukic both tested the keeper again before the break but neither were able to get the better of the Croatia Under-21 international.
After all their difficulties in the first half it took Juve just seven second-half minutes to break the deadlock, Higuain pouncing on a loose ball following Lemina's run and unleashing a thunderous strike past Livakovic.
With Gianluigi Buffon rested for the first time in 51 matches in the Champions League, Neto deputised for Massimiliano Allegri's side and he was barely troubled.
Instead the action remained at the Dinamo end and Rugani doubled Juve's advantage with a thumping header, the 22-year-old timing his run perfectly to nod home Pjanic's corner.
There was one final boost for Juve before the final whistle as Paulo Dybala made his long-awaited return from a thigh injury, the striker playing the final 10 minutes.
Gonzalo Higuain and Daniele Rugani secured top spot in Group H for Juventus as the Bianconeri beat a resolute Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 in the Champions League.
Following a frustrating half in Turin, Juve turned on the style after the restart with Higuain ending his 418-minute goal drought in all competitions and Rugani getting his first European goal.
Higuain, Miralem Pjanic and Mario Mandzukic were all wasteful early on as Dominik Livakovic and the Dinamo defence displayed admirable resistance
Their resolve was finally broken on 52 minutes after Mario Lemina had muscled his way through a group of defenders on the edge of the penalty area, the loose ball dropping for the clinical Higuain.
And with 17 minutes to play the points were clinched as Rugani rose unmarked to head home Pjanic's pinpoint corner from the right.Victory ensured Juve go into Monday's draw for the knockout stages as group winners, while Dinamo finish the stage without a goal or a point.
Chances were few and far between in an opening 45 minutes dominated by the hosts, Juve racking up 66 per cent possession.The opportunities they did manage to create found goalkeeper Livakovic on hand to keep Dinamo level, his first save coming after five minutes to foil a Juve counter-attack.
Mandzukic and Pjanic combined superbly to set up Higuain but the striker's effort was deflected wide by the 21-year-old.
It took Juve until the 32nd minute to pose a further threat and once again Mandzukic was involved, his neat turn created space for a cross that Pjanic headed straight at Livakovic.Pjanic and Mandzukic both tested the keeper again before the break but neither were able to get the better of the Croatia Under-21 international.
After all their difficulties in the first half it took Juve just seven second-half minutes to break the deadlock, Higuain pouncing on a loose ball following Lemina's run and unleashing a thunderous strike past Livakovic.
With Gianluigi Buffon rested for the first time in 51 matches in the Champions League, Neto deputised for Massimiliano Allegri's side and he was barely troubled.
Instead the action remained at the Dinamo end and Rugani doubled Juve's advantage with a thumping header, the 22-year-old timing his run perfectly to nod home Pjanic's corner.
There was one final boost for Juve before the final whistle as Paulo Dybala made his long-awaited return from a thigh injury, the striker playing the final 10 minutes.
