Liverpool & Beşiktaş WINS

Liverpool 4-1 Porto

Liverpool FC grabbed three goals in the last 12 minutes to see off a stubborn FC Porto side and keep their UEFA Champions League hopes very much alive at Anfield.

Last-day drama
Desperately needing a win to keep their bid to reach the knockout stages on track, the five-time champions saw an early Fernando Torres goal cancelled out by Lisandro López but Porto's stubborn defence was unlocked late on by the Spaniard's strike, a Steven Gerrard penalty and a Peter Crouch header. Liverpool can now progress with a win at Olympique de Marseille in a fortnight while Porto, a point ahead of that pair, must now avoid defeat against Beşiktaş JK.

Benítez support
The Kop boomed out songs in praise of Rafael Benítez all evening in a vocal show of solidarity with the Liverpool manager, whose last European result was the competition record 8-0 win here against Beşiktaş. Support for the players was in no short supply either, and the home fans' encouragement was rewarded with the game's opening goal on 19 minutes. Gerrard provided the custom-made delivery for Liverpool with an outswinging corner from the right and unmarked Torres headed down low past Porto goalkeeper Helton to claim his first ever UEFA Champions League goal.

Equaliser
The visitors' coach Jesualdo Ferreira had promised to send his team out to play attacking, open football, and his charges did not disappoint as the Portuguese Liga leaders immediately drove forward in search of an equaliser. They managed it after 33 minutes when López outleapt Javier Mascherano to head Przemysław Kaźmierczak's cross over Pepe Reina's flailing arms.

López chance
López had a glorious opportunity to send the visitors in front soon after when he beat the offside trap only to clip the ball just wide of the post, while Marek Čech went close with a deflected shot that grazed the roof of the net. The visitors were holding sway but forever Liverpool's talisman, Gerrard broke the shackles with a blistering free-kick from distance that flashed a metre wide and the teams went in level at the break, despite their attacking intentions.

Liverpool vs Porto (4-1)

High intensity
There was no let-up in the intensity after the restart, albeit without some of the cutting edge in the half that preceded it, as genuine chances proved hard to come by. A towering clearance by Reina set up one of the better openings for the home outfit as he released Torres down the left. The striker teed up Yossi Benayoun to shoot from inside the box, but the Israeli international was off balance and he sliced the ball harmlessly wide. Helton had to be fully alert to keep out a difficult low cross by Mascherano, but Porto held on until a devastating last 12 minutes.

Porto collapse
It was Torres that finally got the breakthrough, shrugging off Bosingwa as he burst into the penalty area and firing in. When Milan Stepanov gave away an 84th-minute penalty for handball, the game was up for Porto and Gerrard made no mistake from the spot, calmly sending Helton the wrong way. Gerrard's corner four minutes later allowed Crouch to nod in Liverpool's fourth as Porto were left dumb-founded.

Beşiktaş 2-1 Marseille

Bobo scored with just two minutes remaining to keep Beşiktaş JK in the UEFA Champions League with victory against Olympique de Marseille.

Close group
The home side needed three points to remain in Group A contention following their competition record 8-0 defeat at Liverpool FC on Matchday 4. And although Tello's free-kick was cancelled out by Marseille substitute Taye Taiwo, the man that struck the clincher in the 2-1 win here against Liverpool, Bobo, did it again. The top four in the group are now split by just two points, with Beşiktaş on six, their Matchday 6 hosts FC Porto on eight and Marseille welcoming Liverpool with both teams on seven.

Changes rung
Unsurprisingly, Beşiktaş coach Ertuğrul Sağlam rang the changes from Anfield, with Turkey's most-capped player Rüştü Reçber making his first UEFA Champions League start for the club in goal and defender Baki Mercimek coming in for a tournament debut. But the atmosphere was more reminiscent of the home win against Liverpool, though Marseille coach Erik Gerets was well familiar with this having led Galatasaray AS for the last two seasons.

Substitutions
Beşiktaş came out strongly on a freezing Istanbul night, Tello shooting over in the second minute. Rüştü proved his worth soon after by saving an angled effort from Mamadou Niang. However, both teams were forced into early substitutions; Beşiktaş midfielder Koray Avcı replacing Edouard Cissé after the Frenchman suffered pain in his neck and Marseille striker Samir Nasri, also struggling with injury, withdrawing in favour of Djibril Cissé.

Tello strikes
But just five minutes later, Marseille fell behind. Beşiktaş won a free-kick just outside the box and Tello curled a beautiful strike past the helpless Steve Mandanda. Marseille responded well, Laurent Bonnet going close with a header after a corner and Ronald Zubar and Mathieu Valbuena threatening from distance. However, it was nearly 2-0 not long before the break as İbrahim Üzülme, Tello and Matías Delgado combined superbly to set up Serdar Özkan, whose effort forced Mandanda to save.

~CL~ Besiktas 2-1 Marseille

Taiwo equaliser
Having had the worse of an open half, Gerets decided to change things by bringing on Taiwo for Zubar at the interval and ten minutes later taking off Boudewijn Zenden and introducing André Ayew, the 17-year-old son of Abedi Pelé. Ayew was the first of the duo to impress, reinvigorating a Marseille attack in which Valbuena was now starring. Niang's shot flew just past the post as the hour mark approached, but it was Taiwo who levelled the scores as Beşiktaş cleared a corner only for the substitute to pick up the ball well outside the box and send it back at high velocity, Rüştü only able to divert the strike in with his palm.

Late drama
It seemed Beşiktaş were heading out of the competition, but both teams were going for victory, and it was the home side that got it as following a Delgado pass, Bobo advanced into the area and produced the game's third blistering goal. However, Beşiktaş must now win in Portugal, while Marseille will look for maximum points against Liverpool to make sure.

Chelsea crushed Rosenborg while Schalke & Valencia draw

Rosenborg 0-4 Chelsea

Chelsea FC confirmed their place in the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League as Group B winners after a convincing victory at Rosenborg BK.

Drogba double
Rosenborg's 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 1 had prompted José Mourinho's departure from the London club, and Didier Drogba ensured they exacted revenge with a pair of early goals in a clinical first-half display. Alex scored the third on 40 minutes from a long-range free-kick as Chelsea booked their ticket to the last 16 with a game to spare. Rosenborg remain second in the section on seven points and will join Chelsea in the next stage if they avoid defeat against FC Schalke 04 in their final match on 11 December.

Early strike
The home side came into the contest just a point behind the leaders following surprise home and away victories over Valencia CF, but they were soon chasing the game in Trondheim. Twice Drogba threatened in the opening exchanges before eventually beating Lars Hirschfeld with eight minutes played. The Rosenborg goalkeeper parried Joe Cole's shot from distance only for the rebound to fall to Drogba who fired powerfully in beyond the stranded German.

Chelsea pressure
Marek Sapara came closest for Trond Henriksen's team when he drew a save from Carlo Cudicini with a long-range strike on 12 minutes. Chelsea, though, were providing the real danger and deservedly added a second on 20 minutes. Shaun Wright-Phillips won the ball in midfield and picked out Michael Essien in the area after skilfully breaking free from his marker. The ball fell for Drogba who drove into the top corner for his fourth goal in as many games in the competition this season.

Alex third
Rosenborg were forced to push forward which gave Avram Grant's side room to exploit on the break. Frank Lampard and Essien were running the midfield and the third goal was not long in coming – Alex scoring with a low free-kick from 30 metres that skimmed in off the boot of Mikael Dorsin.

~CL~ Rosenborg 0-4 Chelsea

Threat
Chelsea had lost two of their previous three matches in Norway and were determined to improve on that statistic as they carried on from where they had left off after the interval. Wright-Phillips hit the crossbar soon after the restart after connecting with Drogba's delivery from the right then Essien was unfortunate to see his effort cleared off the line by Bjørn Tore Kvarme on 57 minutes, as the visitors continued to menace on the break.

Cole goal
Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini turned away Sapara's free-kick as Chelsea withstood a spell of Rosenborg pressure before registering the fourth on 73 minutes. Essien's powerful shot was kept out Hirschfeld but dropped straight into the path of Joe Cole who tucked away the rebound to round off the scoring.

Valencia 0-0 Schalke

FC Schalke 04 comfortably earned a point at the Mestalla to leave themselves needing to beat Rosenborg BK at home in the final group fixture to qualify for the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds. For Valencia CF a frustrating night that saw them play almost an hour with ten men means they can go no further in the competition.

Villa chance
It never looked like going Valencia's way from their tentative start to the game and especially from the 32nd minute when they lost captain David Albelda, making his 75th appearance in the competition, to a red card. Ronald Koeman's side showed little fluency and struggled to create chances although David Villa nearly won it in added time but slid a decent chance wide.

High stakes
The stakes were high and there was an urgency about Valencia's game. They knew it was a case of three points or they were out. Yet there was a real nervousness about some of their play, Joaquín proving a frustration to his team-mates as time and again he opted to hold on to the ball for too long. By contrast, Schalke looked comfortable and threatened first when Ivan Rakitić got away down the right, and fended off Iván Helguera. His cross seemed to be heading Kevin Kuranyi's way but Luis Miguel got in with a fine challenge. Shortly after Carlos Marchena was the defender to the rescue when Kuranyi had escaped Helguera's attentions.

~CL~ Valencia 0-0 Schalke

Albelda dismissed
Edu was trying hard to get the home attack moving and a spark of hope arrived when Vicente Rodríguez sent in a cross for Joaquín. But a huge blow to Valencia's hopes arrived in the 32nd minute. Schalke were breaking with stealth and speed and when Rafinha surged down the right Albelda knew he had to get a challenge in. He was late and the referee had no hesitation in showing him the red card. Before that Marcelo Bordon had headed wide from a corner and Fabian Ernst had sent a volley straight at Santiago Cañizares.

Changes
Before the break Koeman replaced Fernando Morientes with Manuel Fernandes, and sent on Raúl Albiol for Marco Caneira. Just seconds before the half-time whistle Valencia should have scored following a free-kick but Marchena hesitated fatally and enabled Manuel Neuer to parry.

Marchena presence
The German side were back carving out chances at the start of the second half, however. Rakitić fired wide while Marchena's timing needed to be perfect once more as he arrived to crowd out Halil Altıntop just as he had rounded Cañizares with the goal at his mercy. The ten men were being roared to greater efforts by a passionate home crowd. Their passing was not quite as lucid, though and they struggled to get a sight of goal. Vicente shot along the ground but it did not demand anything special from Neuer. Back came Schalke and Kuranyi was found by Mesut Özil but could not direct his shot away from the goalkeeper, while Villa missed a late chance at the other end as Valencia hopes were extinguished.

Bremen & Olympiacos wins over Madrid & Lazio

Bremen 3-2 Real Madrid

Werder Bremen breathed fresh life into their UEFA Champions League bid with a 3-2 victory against Group C leaders Real Madrid CF, a result that denied the visitors the point they needed to wrap up qualification early.

Hopes of progress
Bremen still face the harder task, needing to win at Olympiacos CFP to be sure of progressing while Madrid can draw at home to S.S. Lazio, but they will be ecstatic to be in this position thanks to strikes from Markus Rosenberg, Boubacar Sanogo and Aaron Hunt. Robinho and Ruud van Nistelrooy struck for the visitors in a pulsating encounter.

Rosenberg opener
With so much riding on this game, Bremen will have been distraught to lose midfielder Tim Borowski to a late groin injury. They were not alone in suffering a last-minute withdrawal, though, and Fabio Cannavaro's absence due to a virus looked far more significant when Madrid's central defensive pairing of Pepe and Christoph Metzelder were caught napping after just five minutes. Clemens Fritz spun the ball in from the right and after it bounced off Sanogo's shoulder, Rosenberg bobbled a scrappy effort beyond Iker Casillas.

Robino leveller
Having contributed to the opener, Fritz then staggered off with a suspected thigh complaint, to be replaced by Duško Tošić. Whether that blow encouraged the visitors or not, they were level in the 14th minute, after Marcelo wrestled back possession on the halfway line and served Robinho with an excellent ball down the left channel. The tricky Brazilian skipped inside and just as Per Mertsesacker readied to challenge, he curled a sumptuous shot into the far corner of Christian Vander's goal.

Sanogo strike
Chances dried up after that explosive start, but both sides kept attacking and Bremen centre-back Naldo nearly snuck an effort inside Casillas's near post. Robinho maintained the pressure at the other end, but it was the hosts who went in ahead at the break, and again they carved out their opening down the right. This time, Rosenberg surged past Fernando Gago, evaded Metzelder's rash tackle and set up Sanogo for an expertly-taken volley the Ivorian swept inside the far post.

Werder vs Real Madrid 3:2

Casillas save
Thomas Schaaf clearly did not instruct his charges to tighten up after the break and they nearly added a third when Sanogo's header from a Daniel Jensen cross was clawed thrillingly off the line by Casillas. Van Nistelrooy had gone close for the Spanish champions before that and he spurned a gilt-edged chance in the 56th minute, somehow placing Robinho's centre wide when unmarked.

Madrid reminder
That miss was made to look even worse less than 120 seconds later, as Jensen lofted a pass in behind Madrid's defence and Hunt – back after a long knee injury lay-off – steered the ball past the onrushing Casillas. Jensen's visionary pass suggested Schaaf had picked the right man to replace Diego – but if Bremen believed they could have everything their own way, they were given a timely jolt 19 minutes from time when Van Nistelrooy chipped the ball over Vander. Robinho attempted to add his own finishing touch but was too late, as were Madrid in their attempt to turn the match in their favour.

Lazio 1-2 Olympiacos

Olympiacos CFP moved a step closer to qualifying for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League after coming from behind to defeat S.S. Lazio in Rome.

Resolute display
Goals by Luciano Galletti and Darko Kovačević either side of half-time cancelled out Goran Pandev's strike on the half-hour. The result capped a resolute display by the visiting side who fought back bravely and always looked in control once Galletti and half-time substitute Kovačević had turned the match around. A draw at home to Werder Bremen on Matchday 6 would seal their progress while Lazio must now win away to Real Madrid CF.

Fractious start
Both sides began knowing that if Madrid avoided defeat against Werder Bremen a win would be enough to secure a place in the Round of 16 but with a Matchday 6 trip to Madrid in prospect for Lazio the onus was very much on them to deliver in front of their home fans. Delio Rossi had called for "warm hearts and cool heads" but the reverse was true in the opening exchanges as both Pandev and Ieroklis Stoltidis were caught by late challenges.

Deadlock broken
Both sides began uncertainly, Olympiacos ceding possession in midfield while the hosts failed to take advantage on the break. Both Pandev and Stefano Mauri failed to produce the final pass with the visitors' defence on the back foot. A scrappy game came to life on the half-hour mark when Cristián Ledesma headed a long ball on to Tommaso Rocchi. The Lazio captain cut the ball back from the byline and Pandev slotted in from close range.

Galletti leveller
The setback stirred Panagiotis Lemonis’s side into action and within five minutes they were level. Stoltidis received a pass from the left and slid the ball to his right from where the on-rushing Galletti beat Marco Ballotta with a rasping 14-metre shot at his near post. At the other end, Antonios Nikopolidis was called into action to deny Pandev, and defying his 36 years, with an outstretched leg.

Kovačević strike
The veteran goalkeeper was also in the thick of it early in the second half, first diving bravely to paw a low centre away from the feet of Rocchi on 55 minutes and, moments later, saving with his feet from Pandev after the Macedonian forward had brilliantly controlled Massimo Mutarelli's searching ball. Against the run of play, though, Olympiakos took the lead. Stoltidis released Predrag Djordjević down the right and substitute Kovačević was first to the visiting captain's low cross.

Champions League (C): Lazio - Olympiacos 28/11/07

Djordjević attempt
With Bremen winning against the Spanish champions Lazio came forward to gain a foothold in the match, but the Serie A side were largely reduced to set-pieces, Guglielmo Stendardo sending two free-kicks over the bar. Indeed, if anyone looked like scoring again it was Olympiacos, who having waited 31 matches for an away win in the competition have now won twice in three away games. One more point and they will reach the knockout stage for the first time since 1999/2000. Lazio finished limply and now face the ominous prospect of having to win in Madrid to continue their UEFA Champions League adventure.

Celtic wins by a late goal & Milan draw with Benfica

Benfica 1-1 Milan

SL Benfica thought they had done enough to live another day in the UEFA Champions League after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with AC Milan, only for a late goal in Glasgow to send the holders through and end the Portuguese club's chances of reaching the knockout stages.

Celebrations curtailed
The Eagles were still in contention when the final whistle blew at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Andrea Pirlo and Maxi Pereira having traded superb first-half goals, but the celebrations were curtailed when news filtered through that Celtic FC had scored an added-time winner against FC Shakhtar Donetsk. Benfica now need to win in Ukraine to reach the UEFA Cup next Tuesday, when Milan entertain the Scottish club requiring a point to win Group D.

Nervous beginning
Although the Benfica players had shown their determation to get their campaign back on track by huddling together before kick-off, their unity was undermined by a nervous beginning. Alberto Gilardino spurned an excellent chance in just the second minute having been picked out by Cristian Brocchi's right-wing cross. Two minutes later and Quim was forced into action by Clarence Seedorf, turning the Dutchman's shot round the post after a one-two with Gilardino.

Magnificent shot
It was of little surprise, then, when the visitors took the lead on the quarter-hour. Milan built patiently down the left, although the dynamic of the attack changed after Kaká played the ball to Pirlo and the Italy midfielder ran unchallenged before swerving a magnificent low shot into the corner or the net from distance. Pirlo was almost behind a second goal for the visitors three minutes later, Quim having to intervene after Petit nearly turned a free-kick from the Milan man into his own goal.

~CL~ Benfica 1-1 Milan AC

Lovely touch
Their hopes still alive, Benfica hit back in the 20th minute. Rui Costa and Konstantinos Katsouranis played the ball from left to right to Pereira who showed a lovely touch to cut inside Gennaro Gattuso before arrowing a rising shot from outside the box beyond Dida via the Brazilian's post. It was real end-to-end stuff now, David Luiz denying Kaká in one area with a superb sliding challenge after a swift counterattack; Cristián Rodríguez twice going close in the other.

Maldini on
Kakha Kaladze then cleared a 38th-minute Pereira shot behind with Dida grounded as Benfica upped the tempo, prompting Carlo Ancelotti to introduce Paolo Maldini for Serginho at half-time. Another change quickly followed, Yoann Gourcuff replacing the injured Brocchi, and the new men were able to settle as the frenetic pace of the first period dropped.

Rui Costa influence
Rui Costa, against his former club, was the most influential player of the second half, showing a full array of tricks and flicks, yet it was only in the final few minutes that the game truly reignited. Dida made a couple of nervy stops before Kaká scuffed a shot wide when unmarked after charging into the box in the final minute. The Brazilian had an equally presentable opening in added time but headed wide, although Benfica's fate would soon be sealed by events elsewhere.

Celtic 2-1 Shakhtar

Substitute Massimo Donati scored with virtually the last kick of the game to finally separate Group D rivals Celtic FC and FC Shakhtar Donetsk on Matchday 5 in Glasgow.

Late drama
The UEFA Champions League contest looked destined to be drawn until Aiden McGeady crossed and Donati struck via a slight deflection off Tomáš Hübschman to steal the three points. That is now the margin between these teams ahead of Celtic's trip to already qualified AC Milan and Shakhtar's home match against SL Benfica on 4 December. Brandão and Jiří Jarošík had scored the earlier goals.

Repeat offenders
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan had warned against repeating the mistakes of Matchday 1, when his side conceded twice inside eight minutes in Donetsk, yet his words went unheeded. Another defensive lapse here gave the Ukrainian club the lead after four minutes. Centre-back John Kennedy, misjudging the flight of a long ball from the back from Hübschman, headed it weakly into the path of Brandão and, as in September, the Brazilian striker punished Celtic. He advanced unattended and let fly a left-foot shot that found the bottom corner despite goalkeeper Artur Boruc getting a hand to it.

Celtic response
The Celtic game plan was further disrupted when, with 15 minutes played, Lee Naylor limped off with a hamstring injury, forcing Paul Hartley to drop to left-back as Donati entered the midfield fray. So the hosts had to wait until the 22nd minute for their first opening. McGeady wriggled clear of two players before releasing Scott McDonald who could only lift his shot over. The latter's strike partner, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, went closer when he headed Gary Caldwell's right-wing cross just wide with keeper Andriy Pyatov beaten.

Stretcher case
For Mircea Lucescu's Shakhtar, Darijo Srna fizzed an attempt wide of Boruc's left-hand post, before Brandão twice came close to doubling the advantage. Kennedy had to block his first effort at the near post, and from the ensuing corner Boruc denied the No25's header with a superb reflex save. Celtic's night did get worse, however, when Kennedy was carried off with a knee injury, to be replaced by Steven Pressley.

The equaliser
Yet the next break was a lucky one for the Scottish title-holders. After Srna and his skipper Dmytro Chygrynskiy both went for the same long pass into the Shakhtar area, the ball dropped for Jarošík to thump a shot across Pyatov and in. First-half stoppage time might even have seen a second home goal, but Jarošík contrived to nod a diving header wide from a matter of metres.

Highlights Celtic - Shakthar Donetsk

At the death
Strachan's men at least came out for the second half with a renewed sense of purpose. For the first time in the match they enjoyed a sustained period of possession, while Shakhtar seemed content to sit and wait for the counterattack. Jadson's 65th-minute break exemplified this tactic, as he strode forward from midfield before firing right-footed over Boruc's crossbar. When Jarošík headed another opportunity over from Hartley's corner in the final quarter, a draw appeared inevitable. However, Donati's late arrival into the Shakhtar box deep into added time and thumping first-time strike changed all that.

Juninho delivers for Lyon & Marica winner makes Rangers sweat

Lyon 2-2 Barcelona

Juninho Pernambucano scored with a free-kick and a penalty as Olympique Lyonnais twice came from behind to seal a potentially crucial 2-2 draw with FC Barcelona, who have now qualified for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

Long-range effort
Lyon's captain cancelled out Andrés Iniesta's early strike with a long-range set piece, before replying to Lionel Messi's spot kick with a penalty of his own ten minutes from time. The hard-fought point ensures Lyon will travel to Glasgow on Matchday 6 knowing that an away win would take them ahead of Rangers FC into second place in Group E.

Bojan role
Despite the dual absence of Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho was confined to the Barcelona bench, as coach Frank Rijkaard offered a first start in the competition to Bojan Krkić in attack, flanked by Messi and Iniesta. The move appeared inspired when, with just three minutes played, the 17-year-old Spaniard created the opening goal, racing onto Messi's pass and delivering a perfectly weighted, low cross that was stroked home by Iniesta.

Juninho leveller
Lining up without top-scorer Karim Benzema, who failed a late fitness test, the French title holders struggled to get a touch early on as the visitors imposed their passing game, yet just as it looked like becoming a long evening for the home fans, Juninho struck. The Brazilian's free-kick was intended as a cross, but after Fred had failed to make contact, the ball crept inside the far post with Victor Valdés rooted to the spot.

Valdés vigilant
The hosts subsequently settled to their task and created another fine opportunity on 14 minutes after some tenacious closing down by Fábio Santos had forced a mistake in the Barcelona rearguard. The Brazilian midfielder, preferred to Kim Källström, latched onto Fred's lay-off, only to direct his powerful drive straight at a vigilant Valdés.

Lyon 2-2 FC Barcelona

Abidal intervention
Yaya Touré drew a fine fingertip save from Rémy Vercoutre moments later, though it was Lyon who looked more dangerous and threatened to take the lead on 28 minutes. Fred slipped Sidney Govou through and when he was denied by the onrushing Valdés, Juninho's follow-up was cleared off the line by Eric Abidal on his return to Stade de Gerland.

Juninho inspiration
Juninho was again providing the inspiration, firing another dipping free-kick narrowly over the crossbar as Alain Perrin's men continued to press. Rijkaard was ordered to the stands before half-time as his frustration boiled over but his players quickly regained their composure after the break. Without the cutting thrust of Benzema, Lyon were struggling to make inroads, while Barcelona appeared increasingly dangerous on the counterattack and deservedly retook the lead on 58 minutes.

Gudjohnsen chances
Messi was felled by Sébastien Squillaci in the penalty area and the irrepressible Argentina striker picked himself up to score from the spot. Kader Keita was immediately sent on in place of Fred in attack, but the more Lyon pressed the more exposed they became, and Eidur Gudjohnsen missed two fine chances to the double Barcelona's lead, firing his first effort over and seeing the second saved by Vercoutre. That saved proved vital when, with time running out, Abidal tripped Keita, allowing Juninho to send Valdés the wrong way from the spot.

Stuttgart 3-2 Rangers

Ciprian Marica struck five minutes from time as VfB Stuttgart earned their first points of the UEFA Champions League campaign and dealt a significant blow to Rangers FC's hopes of progressing to the last 16.

Lyon test
Rangers had looked on course for a valuable win on 27 minutes, when less than 60 seconds after replacing Lee McCulloch, Charlie Adam scored with his first touch, lashing in from close range after Carlos Cuéllar had headed in a corner into his path. Cacau equalised on the cusp of half-time, however, before Pável Pardo completed the turnaround on 62 minutes, his fizzing shot taking a slight deflection off Roberto Hilbert as it crept inside the post. Barry Ferguson made it 2-2 but Marica's goal means that Rangers must now beat Olympique Lyonnais in a winner-takes-all Matchday 6 encounter at Ibrox. Stuttgart already knew they could not climb from fourth place in Group E.

Lively start
The match was preceded with an impromptu dance between Rangers mascot Broxi Bear and his VfB counterpart Fritzle but any amicability was soon forgotten in a committed opening. Rangers could have taken the lead on seven minutes but DaMarcus Beasley scuffed his shot with only Raphael Schäfer to beat, and the home side responded immediately as Hilbert broke and delivered an arcing cross that hit Carlos Cuéllar and looped into the arms of the grateful Allan McGregor.

Box to box
While Broxi and Fritzle had done their pre-match routine, German cruiserweight Firat Arslan was interviewed by the stadium announcer and the end-to-end game had more the tempo of a boxing bout than a waltz. Just as Stuttgart began to threaten, Rangers hit back with a sucker-punch, with Jean-Claude Darcheville surging past Matthieu Delpierre before firing a weak effort into the side-netting. At the other end Ciprian Marica, enjoying a rare start in place of the injured Mario Gómez, sent Cacu clear with a delicate touch but McGregor came to Rangers' rescue, saving with his legs.

Cacau flick
True to form, the visitors hit back; Ferguson's shot trickling agonizingly past the upright following a heavy Delpierre deflection. From the resulting corner Ludovic Magnin cleared David Weir's header off the goalline and although McCulloch's injury could have knocked Rangers off their stride, Adam had other ideas. Having lost their previous Group E fixtures it could have been a telling blow yet VfB took stock, and upped the tempo as half-time approached. Cacau and Sami Khedira both had openings before the pressure finally told two minutes into added time, Cacau adroitly flicking in Pardo's driven cross following a short corner.

Champions League (E): Stuttgart - Rangers

Ferguson equaliser
Rangers' misery was compounded three minutes after the restart as they lost Beasley to injury and Stuttgart took hold of the game. Just after the hour Pardo made it 2-1, but the lead lasted just eight minutes before Ferguson side-footed into the empty net after substitute Steven Naismith had dispossessed Delpierre and sent in a cross that Schäfer could only to palm into the Rangers captain's path. Marica had the last word, however, flicking in Magnin's cross via a Weir deflection.

Ronaldo underlines United authority & Roma is through

Man. United 2-1 Sporting

Cristiano Ronaldo proved the nemesis of his old club Sporting Clube de Portugal once again as his injury-time free-kick completed a 2-1 comeback victory for Manchester United FC at Old Trafford. In the process, the Portugal winger – scorer of the only goal when the teams met in Lisbon in September – secured first place in Group F for United, this fifth straight victory leaving them five points clear of AS Roma.

Sporting eliminated
Yet it was not a straightforward victory for United, who trailed at half-time to defender Abel's spectacular effort from the right wing. United levelled in the 61st minute through Carlos Tévez and for Sporting this defeat, together with Roma’s win in Kiev, confirms their elimination from the competition. However, they at least have the consolation of knowing third place, and a berth in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup, is theirs.

First blood
Speaking before the match, Sir Alex Ferguson had reflected how “some teams come to Old Trafford inspired but some teams come and freeze”; Sporting belonged firmly in the former category. Paulo Bento’s team had the first effort of note after 12 minutes when João Moutinho dragged a shot wide of the far post and although Louis Saha then fired wide after Ronaldo’s delightful flick had sent him clear, the visitors drew first blood in the 21st minute. It was a goal out of nothing, Sporting working the ball, via Miguel Veloso, from the left to the right flank where full-back Abel advanced into a crossing position. Rather than deliver a centre, Abel, after a quick look across, rifled the ball with deadly precision inside the near post to leave goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak red-faced. Not a bad way to score your first UEFA Champions League goal.

United changes
Sporting's travelling supporters thought they had a second goal when from a half-cleared free-kick, the impressive Anderson Polga fired the ball back towards goal and Liedson stabbed it past Kuszczak, only to be denied by the assistant's flag. With United players surrendering possession with uncharacteristic ease, Sporting remained in the ascendancy. Polga hooked a shot at Kuszczak following another corner while at the other end, Sporting’s players worked overtime to deny United space. To counter this, Sir Alex made changes for the second half, sending on Ryan Giggs and Tévez in place of Darren Fletcher and Nani and switching from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2.

Pressure tells
The improvement was immediate and chances soon came. Ronaldo just failed to connect cleanly with Giggs's free-kick, then Saha dwelt too long on the ball when teed up by Ronaldo. Although Nemanja Vidić headed narrowly wide, the pressure eventually told. Following Patrice Evra's trademark surge into the box, Saha laid the ball back to Ronaldo and his low shot was played into the net via visiting defender Marián Had and Tévez.

Manchester United vs Sporting goals 2:1 Champions League

Late reward
United sought a second but Rui Patrício, showing no signs of stage fright on his European debut, saved with his feet from both Ronaldo and substitute Owen Hargreaves. Veloso threatened with a long-range effort on to the top of the net for Sporting but the traffic was now one-way and United got their reward in the end via who else but that man Ronaldo.


Dynamo Kyiv 1-4 Roma

AS Roma confirmed their place in the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League with a comfortable win against FC Dynamo Kyiv that left the Ukraine side without a point in the section and ended their hopes of claiming the UEFA Cup place.

Vučinić double
Mirko Vučinić made sure Roma talisman Francesco Totti was not missed by scoring a goal in each half, and the Giallorossi took command from the outset. First-half strikes from Christian Panucci, Vučinić and Ludovic Giuly made the points safe by the interval and though Ismaël Bangoura pulled one back after the break, the in-form Vučinić restored Roma’s three-goal margin late in the game.

Panucci opener
Tiberiu Ghioane had the first shot of the night, bringing a sprawling save from Doni in only the first minute. Roma, though, were soon in control and went ahead on four minutes. Panucci crossed low into the box from near the right touchline and the ball evaded everyone including the on-rushing Vučinić before finding its way beyond Olexandr Rybka and into the net.

Roma chances
The 20-year-old Rybka was deputising for the injured Olexandr Shovkovskiy, one of a number of changes forced upon coach Oleh Luzhny as his side looked for their first points of the campaign. The hosts, playing the last match at NSC Olympiyskiy Stadium before it closes for renovation work ahead of UEFA EURO 2012™, responded with another long-range effort, this time from Miloš Ninković. Roma, though, were making the better chances and should have doubled their lead on nine minutes when Max Tonetto picked out the unmarked Panucci who headed just wide.

Giuly goal
Dynamo created their best chance on 12 minutes when Bangoura cut in from the left and forced a fine save from Doni, before Giuly headed wide when well placed at the other end. A second Roma goal was not long in coming, Giuly striking with 32 minutes played. Marco Cassetti’s tackle on Ruslan Rotan near the half-way resulted in the ball breaking through the Dynamo defence. It was latched on to by Giuly who rounded Rybka to score.

Vučinić scores
Dynamo, without injured first-choice defenders Rodrigo and Pape Diakhate, were stretched at the back and four minutes later Roma scored again. Giuly played the ball into the path of Vučinić who stroked it low past the advancing Rybka and into the far corner for his second goal of the campaign.

Bangoura goal
Dynamo came back stronger after the interval and pulled a goal back on 63 minutes. Substitute Valentin Belkevich and Maksim Shatskikh combined well before Shatskikh teed up Bangoura on the edge of the area and the 22-year-old striker sent a low shot beyond Doni.

Dinamo Kyev-AS Roma 1-4 goals www.onlinepariuri.com

Vučinić again
Roma had taken their foot off the pedal but were still threatening on the break and both David Pizarro and Vučinić came close before the latter completed the scoring 12 minutes from time. Tonetto pulled the ball back from the touchline to the Montenegrin striker who calmly picked his spot from the edge of the area to leave Rybka rooted to the spot.

Internazionale & PSV WINNERS

Internazionale 3-0 Fenerbahçe

FC Internazionale Milano are through to the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds after second-half strikes by Julio Cruz, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Luis Antonio Jiménez ended Fenerbahçe SK's unbeaten run.

Second-half strikes
The assured finishes meant that Inter are already confirmed as Group G winners with a match to spare after a fourth straight victory since their Matchday 1 loss in Istanbul. Fenerbahçe remain second but must win at home to PFC CSKA Moskva in a fortnight to ensure PSV Eindhoven cannot overtake them with three points at home to Inter.

Higher stakes
On Inter coach Roberto Mancini's 43rd birthday, Fenerbahçe chief Zico had said he was hoping for a present from CSKA, for had they avoided defeat against PSV in the early kick-off, both the Italian and Turkish champions would have been through. Instead PSV won to raise the stakes in Milan where only victory would guarantee either side’s progress.

Stanković return
Inter's recent injury dilemma was partially eased by the return of Dejan Stanković and he threaded a clever early ball through to Julio Cruz, who stretched to find Maxwell on the left. The Brazilian's cross was met by Ibrahimović only for his shot to be blocked by Edu. Stanković was also at the end of a right-wing cross by Javier Zanetti 13 minutes in, but the Serbia midfielder failed to direct it goalwards.

Inter pressure
Although the pace of Gökçek Vederson and Gökan Gönül on both flanks made the visitors threatening on the break they were largely reduced to long shots. Vederson and Roberto Carlos scarcely troubled Júlio César with hopeful attempts. It was another South American, Cruz, who dragged his shot from 18 metres across goal on 28 minutes, Stanković following suit with a similar effort on the half-hour, moments after Selçuk Şahin had turned Ibrahimović's low cross over his own crossbar as the hosts began to turn the screw.

Opening goal
Ten minutes after the restart the Nerazzurri threatened again when Ibrahimović fed Cruz on the left and the striker curled his right-footed shot just over. The visitors almost caught Inter cold when Alex was left unmarked in the area but the Brazilian playmaker sent his shot wide and would rue the missed chance. Maxwell, receiving possession on the left, raced to the byline and centred for Cruz, who just got his head to the ball as Edu attempted to clear.

Inter Milan - Fenerbahçe

Win sealed
The noise of the 5,000-strong away fans behind Volkan Demirel's goal had been stilled and there was even less for them to cheer about midway through the second half when Ibrahimović made it 2-0. The danger again came from the left, this time through Cristian Chivu, whose centre was left by Cruz and controlled by the 26-year-old at the far post. He had time to pick his spot to become the first player to five UEFA Champions League goals this season. Chile midfielder Jiménez came off the bench for his second competition appearance and added a maiden goal as a further present for Mancini.


CSKA Moskva 0-1 PSV

PSV Eindhoven kept their hopes of progress in the UEFA Champions League alive as Jefferson Farfán's goal late in the first half gave them a hard-earned victory at PFC CSKA Moskva.

CSKA denied
Nothing less than a victory was needed for PSV to remain in touch in Group G and although CSKA had the better of the game, they were unable to cancel out Farfan's 39th-minute header. The result ended the Russian side's hopes of clinching a UEFA Cup place and means they will finish bottom of the section. PSV could qualify for the knockout stage should they defeat FC Internazionale Milano on 12 December, and will at least play some European football in the new year.

Home pressure
Considering the sleety conditions it was unsurprising that both teams took their time to settle. PSV, without injured captain Timmy Simons, his midfield deputy Tommie van der Leegte and the suspended Eric Addo, nearly fell behind early when Deividas Šemberas put in a low cross and Ramón turned it just wide. Dawid Janczyk, leading the CSKA line in the absence of Vágner Love and Jô, also went close. PSV had another scare when Farfán had to receive lengthy treatment.

Bundled goal
He was free to continue, however, but CSKA still threatened and Sergei Ignashevich shot over from distance. However, with six minutes left in the first half PSV revived their hopes in the group. Teenage defender Dirk Marcellis, whose own goal on Matchday 4 at Fenerbahçe SK had set PSV on the way to defeat, advanced up the right wing and crossed into the centre. CSKA captain Ignashevich tried to cut it out, but the ball looped off his foot into the goalmouth and Farfán bundled it in.

Attempted comeback
CSKA's campaign has been marked by unfortunate home results against Fenerbahçe and Inter and they emerged for the second half determined to avoid another one. Yuri Zhirkov's crossed free-kick was headed only just over by Dudu and Jancyzk forced Heurelho Gomes into a save. Fine work from Elvir Rahimić and Zhirkov seemed to have set up Dudu, but Slobodan Rajković did excellently to block the shot at source.

Rahimić miss
Danko Lazović broke forward for PSV, but he stepped on the ball as he approached Igor Akinfeev in the CSKA goal. At the other end, Gomes denied Evgeni Aldonin as he tried his luck with an angled effort. Šemberas found Jancyzk, but his strike was deflected away, and although a corner from substitute Caner Erkin was misjudged by Gomes, Rahimić headed over with the goal gaping. Still CSKA kept pushing, but PSV held firm with a last-gasp Gomes save from Vasili Berezutski ensuring the next European games for the deposed Russian champions will be in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup.

Sevilla crushed Arsenal 3-1

Sevilla 3-1 Arsenal

Sevilla FC joined Arsenal FC in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League after becoming the first team this season to defeat the English club.

Late penalty
Eduardo fired the Gunners in front early on but that was as good as it got for the visitors who not only lost their unbeaten record but the Group H leadership as well. Seydou Keita and Luis Fabiano overturned the Croatian's opener with first-half goals, and Frédéric Kanouté completed the scoring with a last-minute penalty. Sevilla will now win the section if they match Arsenal's result on Matchday 6, when the UEFA Cup holders travel to SK Slavia Praha and their rivals entertain FC Steaua Bucureşti.

Bendtner strength
Arsenal's breakthrough goal stemmed from a mixture of strength, skill and unusually lax Sevilla defending. Nicklas Bendtner found metres of free space on the right wing and had time to loft the ball across towards Eduardo, who chested the ball down, held off Daniel Alves and then slotted past Andrés Palop. At that stage Arsène Wenger's game plan was working like clockwork. Identifying Sevilla’s main threat as their trademark surging runs down either touchline, Arsenal crowded these channels. So effective was the application of Wenger's template that it took a reciprocal error to turn the match.

Midfield strike
When a long clearance reached Philippe Senderos in the 24th minute he sliced his kick and from Jesús Navas's probing cross Gilberto’s clearance fell sweetly for Keita to run on and crash a left foot shot into the top of the net. It was his debut UEFA Champions League goal, and the first Arsenal had conceded in the section, but reflected his status as Sevilla's most impressive player of the season. The already buzzing atmosphere hit new peaks and the Ramón Sanchéz-Pizjuán crowd roared approval as Sevilla surged forward.

Sevilla 3-1 Arsenal, Champions League Goals Highlight

Flowing confidence
A Gilberto mistake put Luis Fabiano clear in on Arsenal’s goal but he dallied and failed. It only delayed his moment. On 34 minutes Navas won a free-kick which Daniel Alves put squarely in Fabiano’s path and the Brazilian headed in his 18th goal of the season. Bendtner stemmed the tide ten minutes before the break with a terrific piece of penalty-box work which foxed Palop and Christian Poulsen but left Cesc Fabregas's shot being cleared for a corner.

Fabregas off
Barely had the second half got under way when it was clear Fabregas was limping. With so much experience already missing from Wenger's side even the arrival of Tomáš Rosický for the Spaniard was scant consolation. Sevilla bombarded the Arsenal area and between the 58th and 64th minutes Luis Fabiano had two volleys and one header at goal. Then when Senderos leaned into Daniel Alves's cross referee Eric Braamhaar pointed to the penalty spot for handball only to then consult his assistant, reconsider and award a drop-ball to restart play.

Entrancing match
With both sides fully committed to the victory, it was Sevilla who clinched it when Kolo Touré brought Kanouté down as full time approached and the striker scored coolly from the spot. The only negative for Sevilla was the bookings for Keita and Adriano which rule them out of the final fixture.


Steaua 1-1 Slavia

SK Slavia Praha's hopes of reaching the UEFA Champions League knockout stage were extinguished but their point at FC Steaua Bucureşti, salvaged by Zdeněk Šenkeřík's late header, at least confirmed their UEFA Cup berth.

Anniversary celebration
On the day that Steaua celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first match in European club competition, Valentin Badea’s early goal, their first in front of their own supporters in Group H, looked to have given them their first win in the section but Šenkeřík's intervention kept their Czech opponents four points ahead of them in the battle for third spot and denied Steaua their first home win in Europe's premier club compeition for eleven years. As it transpired, even a win would not have reprieved Slavia's dreams of reaching the last 16 as Sevilla FC's success at home to Arsenal FC ensured both those sides would progress.

Opening goal
Marius Lăcătuş's side nearly made the perfect start when Nicolae Dică drilled in a low shot from 20 metres but Adrian Neaga's follow-up was ruled out for offside after Martin Vaniak had parried the first effort. But they did not have long to wait to take the lead as Badea was put through the middle by Dică's lobbed pass and, as David Hubáček and Marek Suchý descended upon him, he scrambled the ball past the Slavia goalkeeper. The goal prompted the visitors into a response and Ladislav Volešák called Robinson Zapata into action with a free-kick from distance.

Goalscorer denied
Steaua continued to be the dominant force though and nearly extended their lead when Marius Croitoru cut the ball back for Neaga, only for the striker to poke wide from 10 metres under pressure from Suchý. The second goal looked a certainty when Dică provided another perfect ball into the box but Badea shot straight at Vaniak from six metres with the goalkeeper somehow deflecting the ball over the crossbar. Aside from the lack of another goal, the only downside to the first-half display for the home side was the yellow card awarded to Croitoru for his foul on Daniel Pudil which meant he would miss their final group match against Arsenal.

Steaua-Slavia 1-1 goals

Late leveller
The second half was a much more even affair with neither side able to assume the upper hand, while Vaniak and Zapata did not have any saves of note to make until the final 15 minutes, more to the consternation of Karel Jarolím than his opposite number. It was Vaniak who eventually showed his agility first when he surged off his line to clear before sprinting back to make a fine stop from Croitoru's follow-up. And the save proved important as Šenkeřík, who had scored in Slavia's 2-1 win in the first game between the sides, levelled with 12 minutes left when he powerfully headed in a cross from Mickaël Tavares.

Hamburg put pressure on leaders

Hamburger SV closed to within a point of Bundesliga leaders FC Bayern München by beating a FC Hansa Rostock side that slipped closer towards the relegation zone after 1. FC Nürnberg picked up a valuable victory.

Fine run
Hamburg continued a fine run that has seen them go unbeaten in all competitions after a reverse on 15 September against Eintracht Frankfurt, winning eleven out of their 13 games played since. The latest of those came against Hansa where it took the home side 19 minutes to break the deadlock as Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart found the net. Victory was assured for Hamburg, who face Stade Rennais FC on Thursday in the UEFA Cup, when Ivica Olić added a second just after the hour. Despite the win they remain third, behind Werder Bremen on goal difference.

Important win
Fellow UEFA Cup contenders Nürnberg, who will attempt to revive their European hopes against FC Zenit St. Petersburg next week, got only their third win of the season at home against BV Borussia Dortmund. Moving to within three points of their opponents – and two of Hansa – in the league standings. Nürnberg's goals came after ten minutes from Tomáš Galásek and in added time from Angelos Charisteas. Dortmund sit 13th following the reverse.

Valencia CF lost ground

Valencia CF lost ground at the top of the Primera División as they fell to defeat at Real Racing Club Santander, who moved to within a point of their opponents and five behind another of Sunday's winners, Villarreal CF.

Valencia beaten
In a game devoid of goalmouth action, the only goal of the game in Santander came in the 70th minute courtesy of a long-range strike by former Valencia player Jorge López that goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares failed to deal with. The home side remain seventh in the standings, but closed on fifth-place Valencia, whose mood will contrast with local rivals Villarreal whose draw against UD Almería lifted them above FC Barcelona. Nihat Kahveci had put the hosts on course for a fourth consecutive league win that would have taken them top until Alvaro Negredo's equaliser eight minutes after the interval.

Seven-goal thrillers
Club Atlético de Madrid and Levante UD were both involved in thrilling 4-3 victories. Atlético twice came from behind against Real Valladolid CF before finally prevailing following an own goal from Pedro López in added time. Meanwhile, Levante picked up only their second win of the campaign when they fought back from 2-0 down to beat fellow strugglers Real Betis Balmopié, closing the gap to four points on their nearest rivals. RCD Espanyol jumped up to fourth in the table, a point above Valencia, thanks to a 2-1 victory at CA Osasuna, while RC Deportivo La Coruña staged a fightback to aid their relegation struggle, overturning a two-goal deficit to draw at Athletic Club Bilbao. In the late game, Getafe CF were unable to get a fourth consecutive league win despite taking the lead against Real Zaragoza as Andrés D'Alessandro's late goal cancelled out Sousa's effort.

Milan earn vital league boost

AC Milan got a much-needed victory in Serie A, coming from behind to defeat Cagliari Calcio for only their fourth win of the season as Juventus emphatically brushed aside US Città di Palermo to go third in the standings.

Pirlo winner
European champions Milan, who started the day in eleventh, have endured a disappointing campaign and it seemed as though it was going to get worse when Robert Acquafresca gave Cagliari the lead after just four minutes. The visitors managed to claw their way back, however, and after Kaká had seen a penalty saved and fit-again Ronaldo hit the post, Alberto Gilardino equalised just after the hour. Andrea Pirlo then snatched a winner with a stunning free-kick five minutes from time. The win moved Milan up to ninth and sent Cagliari bottom.

Juventus impress
The Rossoneri remain eleven points adrift of leaders and city rivals FC Internazionale Milano, however, and eight behind Juventus and Udinese Calcio, who both leapfrogged ACF Fiorentina to move into third and fourth respectively. While Fiorentina were held to a 0-0 draw at Reggina Calcio, Juventus registered a 5-0 win against US Città di Palermo in Turin, Alessandro Del Piero scoring twice added to strikes by David Trezeguet, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Marco Marchionni. Udinese, meanwhile, enjoyed a 2-0 success against Siena – Fabio Quagliarella and Antonio Di Natale getting the goals.

Lazio drama
Elsewhere, a last-minute Fabio Firmani goal helped struggling S.S. Lazio to a 1-0 home victory against Parma FC and AS Livorno Calcio picked up a vital three points with a 3-1 win against UC Sampdoria. Two Marcelo Zalayeta strikes helped SSC Napoli to a 2-0 success against Calcio Catania and the match between Empoli FC and Torino FC ended goalless.

Tottenham settle for a point

Jermain Defoe missed a last-minute penalty as Tottenham Hotspur FC were forced to settle for a point against London rivals West Ham United FC as Blackburn Rovers FC's push for a top-six spot was dented by Fulham FC.

Defoe denied
Tottenham, who remain unbeaten under new manager Juande Ramos, started the better at Upton Park but after Aaron Lennon's effort had been ruled out for offside it was West Ham who opened the scoring 20 minutes in. After a mistake by Younes Kaboul, Nolberto Solano crossed for Carlton Cole to tap in from close range. Tottenham drew level with 67 minutes on the clock when Michael Dawson headed in a free-kick and might have won it when they were awarded a penalty after substitute Defoe was fouled by Lucas Neill. However, with only seconds remaining, the England international was denied a goal against his former employers as Robert Green pulled off a save.

Honours even
Honours were also even in Sunday's other Premier League game between Fulham and Blackburn at Craven Cottage. Blackburn would have moved back into seventh, above Everton FC and Aston Villa FC, with victory in west London yet fell behind six minutes into the second half when Danny Murphy calmly slotted in a penalty. Six minutes later Blackburn were level – Brett Emerton volleying in his first goal for two years – but Fulham regained the initiative on 63 minutes when Diomansy Kamara scored from close range. However, Blackburn would not be denied a point as Stephen Warnock (79) turned the ball in following fine work by Jason Roberts.

2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Draw for Europe

Holders Italy will play Bulgaria, the Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia and Montenegro as they begin the defence of the trophy they won in Berlin last summer following today's draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying competition in Durban, South Africa.

France test
The team the Azzurri defeated in the 2006 World Cup final, France, are in Group 7 along with Romania, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria and the Faroe Islands. Three-time winners Germany are the top seeds in Group 4, which also includes Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein, while Group 6 reunites Croatia and England – who met in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying, with the former winning both matches to eliminate their opponents – and also includes Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Andorra.

Portuguese poser
In Group 1 Portugal are joined by Sweden and Denmark – who also met in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying – as well as Hungary, Albania and Malta. European champions Greece are joined by Switzerland in Group 2, which also includes Israel, Moldova, Latvia and Luxembourg, and Group 3 includes the Czech Republic, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia and San Marino. Group 9 comprises only five teams compared to six for the eight other sections, with the Netherlands joined by Scotland, Norway, F.Y.R. Macedonia and Iceland.

Qualifying explained
Fifty-three countries participated in the draw, which was conducted by the FIFA general secretary Jérôme Valcke with assistance from Christian Karembeu – who was in the France squad that won the World Cup in 1998 and also triumphed at the UEFA European Championship two years later – and Abédi Pelé, part of the Olympique de Marseille team that won the UEFA Champions League in 1993. The groups will be contested in a league system on a home-and-away basis, with the games to be played according to the international match calendar starting in August 2008. The nine group winners will advance to the final tournament, while the eight best runners-up will contest four play-off matches in November 2009 to determine Europe's other four finalists.

2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw
Group 1
Portugal
Sweden
Denmark
Hungary
Albania
Malta



Group 2
Greece
Israel
Switzerland
Moldova
Latvia
Luxembourg



Group 3
Czech Republic
Poland
Northern Ireland
Slovakia
Slovenia
San Marino



Group 4
Germany
Russia
Finland
Wales
Azerbaijan
Liechtenstein



Group 5
Spain
Turkey
Belgium
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Armenia
Estonia



Group 6
Croatia
England
Ukraine
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Andorra



Group 7
France
Romania
Serbia
Lithuania
Austria
Faroe Islands



Group 8
Italy
Bulgaria
Republic of Ireland
Cyprus
Georgia
Montenegro



Group 9
Netherlands
Scotland
Norway
F.Y.R. Macedonia
Iceland

Barcelona the star performers

FC Barcelona were the star performers of the three Spanish UEFA Champions League clubs in action on Saturday night, brushing aside RC Recreativo de Huelva as Sevilla FC lost and Real Madrid CF drew.

Ronaldinho out
Barcelona were without Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho, who had pulled out with fatigue, and a cutting edge early on as they struggled to break down a well-organised Recreativo until Gabriel Milito headed the opener from a corner in the 64th minute. Two minutes later, Xavi Hernández's deep cross was laid back into the centre by Thierry Henry for 17-year-old substitute Bojan Krkić to score the second.

Messi penalty
The visitors had only scored once in their previous seven games and were unable to react. They pulled down Messi for a penalty eight minutes from time, and the Argentina forward calmly slotted it away. Barça climbed to second in the standings level on 27 points with Villarreal CF, who tackle UD Almería on Sunday.

Headed goals
Madrid stay top, with 29 points, despite relinquishing a lead at Real Murcia CF. The champions went ahead in the ninth minute following a flowing move which ended with Guti chipping a lovely pass across goal for Robinho who raced in at the far post to nod the ball in. That was about as good as it got for Bernd Schuster's side, however, as Enrique De Lucas levelled with a special header of his own four minutes after the break. Guti was dismissed in the 83rd minute.

Mallorca surprise
In the day's other game, RCD Mallorca surprised Sevilla in Andalusia winning 2-1 thanks to superb first-half goals from Ariel Ibagaza and Fernando Varela. Sevilla pulled one back after the break from the head of Frédéric Kanouté, but they were unable to complete the comeback despite Mallorca finishing with ten men. Mallorca moved up to eighth with 19 points, while Sevilla stayed tenth.

Inter win to keep Roma in check

FC Internazionale Milano defeated Atalanta BC 2-1 on Saturday night to reclaim sole leadership of Serie A after AS Roma had temporarily joined them at the summit by winning at Genoa CFC.

Ibrahimović rested
With an eye on Tuesday's UEFA Champions League visit of Fenerbahçe SK, Inter coach Roberto Mancini started with leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimović on the bench but saw Julio Cruz and David Suazo combine to deadly effect in the Swede’s absence. Suazo opened the scoring on eleven minutes following a one-two with Cruz, who turned in the second on the half-hour after his strike partner had fired against the post. Sergio Floccari then scored with a powerful drive for Atalanta (39), who finished with ten men following Simone Inzaghi's late dismissal shortly after Inter had introduced the fit-again Marco Materazzi for the first time this season.

Panucci winner
In Genoa, Christian Panucci – a former Genoa player who sealed Italy's place at UEFA EURO 2008™ last Saturday when scoring against Scotland – popped up in the last minute again to earn Roma three points. Both teams had struck the woodwork in the second half before the defender's crucial intervention, Matteo Paro (72) for Genoa and Mirko Vučinić (77) for the visitors. AS Roma travel to FC Dynamo Kyiv in midweek.

Bayern stay on top as big guns fire

The former FC Bayern München coach Felix Magath left Bavaria without a point on Saturday as his VfL Wolfsburg side were beaten 2-1 by the Bundesliga leaders.

Influential Ribéry
Franck Ribéry created the opener for Miroslav Klose in the 35th minute, the Germany striker making no mistake from a neat pass, before the Frenchman combined with Hamit Altıntop to double the advantage five minutes after half-time. Bayern had endured a tough week off the pitch, and they were almost made to suffer on it after Ashkan Dejagah reduced arrears for the visitors on 72 minutes. Still, Ottmar Hitzfeld was relieved to see his charges hold on to move on to 31 points, one more than Werder Bremen following their 2-0 win at the bottom club FC Energie Cottbus.

Champions in form
Diego opened the scoring for Bremen from the penalty spot after 63 minutes, although the visitors were made to fight for three points before Mosquera wrapped them up with an 83rd-minute strike. In addition to Bremen, VfB Stuttgart and FC Schalke 04 warmed-up for their return to UEFA Champions League action this week by recording away wins. The champions won 4-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt to make it four Bundesliga victories in succession, while Kevin Kuranyi returned from injury to score twice in Schalke's 3-2 win at Hannover 96.

No draws
On a day of no draws in the German top flight, Bayer 04 Leverkusen were the biggest winners as they beat MSV Duisburg 4-1 to close to within two points of fourth-placed Karlsruher SC, 2-1 winners against Hertha BSC Berlin on Friday. VfL Bochum 1848 also enjoyed a three-goal winning margin, Marcin Mieciel (2) and Christoph Dabrowski finding the net without reply against DSC Arminia Bielefeld. Hamburger SV meet FC Hansa Rostock and 1. FC Nürnberg tackle BV Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.

Arsenal take advantage from MAN United slip

Arsenal FC scored two late goals to defeat Wigan Athletic FC and move clear at the Premier League summit after Manchester United FC surprisingly lost at Bolton Wanderers FC.

Gallas opener
William Gallas finally broke the deadlock for Arsenal in north London with 83 minutes gone against a side who will unveil Steve Bruce as their new manager on Monday. The former Birmingham City FC boss would have been impressed with what he saw from the stands, although the visitors' work was undone by the Frenchman's goal and a second in the 85th minute from Tomáš Rosický.

Anelka the hero
The Gunners now have 33 points from 13 games, three more than United who have played a game more. Nicolas Anelka was the Bolton hero as they won their first match since Gary Megson's appointment as coach late last month. The former Arsenal striker turned in an Iván Campo free-kick in the 39th minute, and things got worse for United when manager Sir Alex Ferguson was sent to the stands for remonstrating with officials.

Impressive Gerrard
Like Arsenal, Liverpool remain unbeaten after Steven Gerrard inspired them to a 3-0 victory at Newcastle United FC. Booed for his part in England's failure to reach UEFA EURO 2008™, Gerrard silenced the home crowd when opening the scoring in the 28th minute with a superb rising drive from almost 30 metres. Dutchmen Dirk Kuyt (46) and Ryan Babel (66) scored the others as Rafael Benítez's team moved on to 27 points.

Rampant Everton
An added-time Stephen Ireland goal kept Manchester City FC (29 points) in third as they beat Reading FC 2-1, while Salomon Kalou and Shaun Wright-Phillips scored in either half, before Michael Essien was sent off, as Chelsea FC won at bottom club derby to leapfrog Liverpool into fourth. Aston Villa FC were the biggest away winners, 3-0 at Middlesbrough FC, and Everton FC the most successful side at home as they thrashed Sunderland AFC 7-1. Portsmouth FC, continuing to impress, are sixth following a 2-0 win at Birmingham.

Croatia ended the hopes of England

England 2-3 Croatia

A late long-range goal from substitute Mladen Petrić sent Croatia to UEFA EURO 2008™ as Group E winners and ended the hopes of England, who had battled back from two goals down in a gripping encounter.

Rousing contest
Needing only a draw to progress, England made the worst possible start as Niko Kranjčar and Ivica Olić found the net in the first quarter-hour to put Croatia in command. The home side rallied in the second period, however, Frank Lampard halving the deficit from the penalty spot in the 56th minute before Peter Crouch volleyed the equaliser nine minutes later but just as it looked as if England would earn the point they needed, Petrić drilled in with 13 minutes left to finally kill off their challenge.

Croatia in control
Scott Carson replaced Paul Robinson in goal for England but that decision backfired within eight minutes as Kranjčar cut inside from the left and unleashed a dipping shot that squirmed through the goalkeeper and into the net. Although Shaun Wright-Phillips drew a save from Stipe Pletikosa almost immediately, the visitors doubled their advantage with a clinical counterattack in the 14th minute, Eduardo da Silva slipping Olić through to round Carson and roll in.

England rally
England manager Steve McClaren brought on a second forward in Jermain Defoe and David Beckham – for his 99th cap – at half-time and, although Eduardo was denied by Carson's legs, the changes revived England. Lampard sent Pletikosa the wrong way from the spot eleven minutes after the restart following Josip Šimunić's tug on Defoe, although Carson then had to make two fine saves from Olić. Those looked crucial as the home side equalised five minutes past the hour, Crouch collecting Beckham's right-wing cross on his chest and volleying into the corner of the net.

2-3 England vs. Croatia | EURO 2008 Q

Petrić stunner
Croatia, however, refused to settle for a point and continued to press forward looking for a third goal, getting their reward in the 77th minute as two substitutes combined to devastating effect. Danijel Pranjić slipped a pass inside for Petrić to drill a 25-metre shot across Carson and restore Croatia's lead and, despite pressing forward in the final ten minutes, England's efforts were all in vain.


Andorra 0-1 Russia


Russia took advantage of England's defeat against Croatia by beating Andorra to secure an unexpected place at UEFA EURO 2008™ as runners-up in Group E.

Sychev winner
Russia’s chances looked to have gone when they lost in Israel on Saturday, but Croatia’s victory at Wembley opened the door and Guus Hiddink's side forced their way through it by the narrowest of margins. Dmitri Sychev scored the all important goal just before the break to earn victory for a Russian side that also missed a penalty and finished the game with ten men following Andrei Arshavin’s late dismissal.

Wembley cheer
Russia began slowly and the opening minutes were evenly balanced. News then quickly spread around the ground that Croatia had gone ahead at Wembley. There was an even bigger cheer soon afterwards as the Russian fans realised England were two down. The Russia supporters urged on their side but Andorra goalkeeper Koldo Álvarez kept the visitors at bay, saving well from Aleksandr Kerzhakov and Denis Kolodin.

Sychev decider
Russia got the breakthrough five minutes before half-time. The inspiration came from the bench as substitute Dmitri Torbinskiy set up a goal with his first touch. The FK Spartak Moskva winger found space on the right and crossed for Sychev who headed over the advancing Álvarez and into the empty net.

Andorra - Russia 0-1 | EURO 2008 Qualifier

Penalty save
Russia spurned a great chance to go two ahead just before the interval after Álvarez brought down Kerzakhov in the area. The Andorra keeper injured himself in the process but got up to make an excellent save from Kolodin's spotkick. Álvarez could not continue after the break but his replacement José Antonio Gómes was kept busy by the Russian attack, saving twice from Torbinskiy before Kerzakhov had a shot blocked. The visitors lost some of their momentum when news came through that England had levelled at 2-2 with Croatia, but cheers soon broke out again when Russia's fans learned of Croatia's third goal. Arshavin was sent off late on for violent conduct but Russia would soon be celebrating.



Israel 1-0 F.Y.R. Macedonia

Israel ended their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign on a high as Elyaniv Barda's first-half header earned victory against F.Y.R. Macedonia.

Even contest
The visitors, weekend conquerors of Group E leaders Croatia 2-0, were worthy opponents for an Israel side buoyed by their dramatic win over Russia, but despite long periods of pressure, they could not find a response to Barda's 35th-minute goal.

Impasse
The game's first chance had come when Israel's Maor Bar Buzaglo tested goalkeeper Petar Milosevski from 20 metres, while Velice Sumulikoski tried his luck from distance at the other end. F.Y.R. Macedonia were holding their own and almost broke the deadlock when Aco Stojkov wriggled past Tal Ben Haim only to drag his shot wide of the upright.

Powerful header
The goal arrived ten minutes from half-time. Full-back Yuval Shpungin took a throw-in on the right, burst to the byline after receiving a clever backheel from Barak Itzhaki, and chipped over a cross which Barda – a goalscorer against Russia – powered past Milosevski. Darko Tasevski immediately threatened an equaliser and Srečko Katanec's side continued to press at the start of the second half when Vlatko Grozdanovski shot wide.

Late chance
Israel's counterattacking almost paid dividends with 20 minutes to go, substitute Ben Sahar seeing his strike smothered by Milosevski. Sumulikoski and Barda traded efforts, Sahar had another attempt kept out by Milosevski, before the visitors were denied a late equaliser when Slavco Georgievski's header was directed over his own crossbar by defender Dekel Keinan. The win took Dror Kashtan's Israel on to 23 points from their 12 matches, nine above their opponents.

Portugal gets a point and join Poland in the finals

Portugal 0-0 Finland

Portugal secured the point they needed to advance to the UEFA EURO 2008™ finals despite being denied time and again by the fine goalkeeping of Jussi Jääskeläinen.

Jääskeläinen heroics
The home side certainly did not play for a draw and only a wonderful performance from Jääskeläinen prevented Luiz Felipe Scolari's men from recording a comfortable triumph that would have made them Group A winners ahead of Poland. The visitors knew that only a win would be enough for them to qualify but they rarely threatened, their best chance coming in a frantic finale in which defender Bruno Alves sliced narrowly wide of his own goal. Defeat leaves the Finns in third place, although they could slip to fourth if Serbia win their final game against Kazakhstan.

Portugal dominant
Portugal dominated the first half but a combination of poor finishing and Jääskeläinen's excellence prevented them from taking the lead. The hosts' first effort came after two minutes, Ricardo Quaresma firing in a shot which was smothered by Jääskeläinen and the Bolton Wanderers FC custodian excelled again after ten minutes tipping Cristiano Ronaldo's 25-metre free-kick over the bar. The one-way traffic continued, Quaresma again being denied while a Ronaldo header was turned over by Jääskeläinen.

Inspired goalkeeping
It took Finland 42 minutes to threaten home goalkeeper Ricardo, Joonas Kolkka lashing in a shot which drifted just over the bar. Portugal quickly regained the initiative after the break but again could find no way past the goalkeeper. After 51 minutes Miguel Veloso whipped in a corner which Nuno Gomes directed goalwards only for Jääskeläinen to produce another wonderful stop. The 32-year-old produced two more fine saves to deny Quaresma before Finland launched a late bid to win it. However, the closest Roy Hodgson's team came was when Alves almost put through his own goal.

Serbia 2-2 Poland

Poland, having already qualified, confirmed themselves as group winners with a 2-2 draw away to Serbia.They were 2-0 up at half time through strikes from Rafal Murawski and Radoslaw Matusak.

The Serbs, knowing a win would give them a chance of qualification if Finland beat Portugal, rallied in the second half to produce finishes from Nikola Zigic and Danko Lazovic,but they did not have time to score a winner for their hopes.


Azerbaijan 0-1 Belgium

Luigi Pieroni scored the only goal in Baku to seal Belgium's fifth win of a disappointing UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign.

Azerbaijan bottom
The visiting side enjoyed the better of the play at the Tofikh Bakhramov-Republic Stadium and Pieroni got their reward on 53 minutes. René Vandereycken's team finish fifth in Group A, with Azerbaijan bottom on five points from their 12 games.

Belgium press
Belgium began positively and midfielder Gill Swerts came close on 17 minutes, Azerbaijan goalkeeper Farkhad Veliyev doing well to keep out his 20-metre drive. Veliyev saved again five minutes later, catching Daniel Van Buyten's header following Swerts's dangerous set-piece. Azerbaijan were largely restricted to shots from distance with forward Zaur Ramazanov going closest with a strike that flashed narrowly wide on 37 minutes.

Pieroni goal
Belgium broke the deadlock after the interval when Pieroni pounced with an opportunist goal. Azerbaijan defender Rail Melikov blocked a header but Pieroni seized on the rebound and turned the ball into the bottom left corner. The 27-year-old missed an opening to double the advantage in the 65th minute when he screwed a close-range attempt wide after finding space in the box.

Euro 2008: Azerbaijão 0-1 Bélgica

Late misses
Belgium controlled possession as the game wore on and it was not until the 85th minute that Azerbaijan finally worked a meaningful opportunity. Substitute Leandro Gomes got himself into a good position on the edge of the area yet shot wide. When, in added time, Branimir Subašić blazed over from a matter of metres, Azerbaijan's final chance had gone.



Armenia 1-0 Kazakhstan

Sergey Ostapenko's first international goal earned Kazakhstan a victory in Yerevan which took the visitors above Armenia in UEFA EURO 2008™ Group A.

Kazakh success
The 21-year-old's second-half strike came against the run of play and gave Kazakhstan only their second win of the qualifying campaign.

In control
Armenia had threatened to take control early on when Robert Arzumanyan shot wide following an Artur Voskanyan free-kick. Although Ostapenko tested Armenia keeper Roman Berezovsky's reflexes soon after, the home team continued to dictate matters. Karen Dokhoyan fired over when well-placed before an effort from Levon Pachajyan skimmed the top of the crossbar close to half-time.

Perfect response
The traffic carried on towards the Kazakhstan goal at the beginning of the second period, with a Samvel Melkonyan attempt flying just the wrong side of an upright. Ostapenko provided the perfect response for Arno Pijpers' men, first by demanding a save from Berezovsky following a Sergey Larin centre, then by blasting the ball beyond the Armenia keeper from the edge of the area.

Armenia low
Armenia came close to equalising soon after through an Artavazd Karamyan free-kick. However, the team now led by Vardan Minasyan following the death of coach Ian Porterfield could not prevent their campaign ending on a glum note. Armenia, who had won 2-1 in Kazakhstan in June, finished on nine points from 12 matches – having been unable to fulfil their two fixtures against Azerbaijan. The Kazakhs have ten points and a game still to play in Serbia.

Italy on top after France draw in Ukraine

Ukraine 2-2 France

Andriy Shevchenko's second-half header earned Ukraine a point from their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying Group B dead rubber against France in Kiev.

Frey error
The hosts had gone ahead early on through Andriy Voronin, but well-taken goals by Thierry Henry and Sidney Govou put France, who had already qualified for next summer's finals, in front. France goalkeeper Sébastien Frey failed to deal with Shevchenko's looping header in the opening minutes of the second half so the spoils were shared on a freezing night in the Ukraine capital.

Voronin strikes
France started well, dominating possession with Lassana Diarra and Claude Makelele bossing the centre of midfield. It was against the run of play that Ukraine, out of the running for qualification, broke the deadlock in the 14th minute. A cross from the right reached Oleh Gusev who laid the ball back for Voronin to score from 20 metres.

France danger
Les Bleus deservedly equalised six minutes later. Henry controlled Makelele's pass before finding space and curling a fine left-foot shot round goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov. Shevchenko had a stinging shot saved by Frey, but France still looked dangerous and they took the lead for the first time on 34 minutes. Govou spun his marker and played a one-two with Karim Benzema before bending a curling effort from the left into the corner.

Runners up
Ukraine were gifted an equaliser by Frey at the start of the second half. Shevchenko's looping header from a deep, left-wing cross looked harmless, but the ACF Fiorentina goalkeeper failed to catch the ball one-handed and tipped it into his own net. Both sides had chances before the end, but France had already done enough to claim the runners-up spot behind Italy in Group B.



Italy 3-1 Faroe Islands

Italy completed their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign by securing top spot in Group B with a 3-1 triumph over the Faroe Islands in Modena.

Faroes point-less
Defender Fródi Benjaminsen's own goal put the world champions in front after eleven minutes, Luca Toni doubled the lead on 36 minutes and Giorgio Chiellini's stunning strike four minutes before the break gave the Azzurri a commanding advantage. Rógvi Jacobsen's header reduced the deficit seven minutes from the end but the visitors ended the qualifying tournament without a single point.

Reshuffled side
Having already earned qualification for next summer's finals, Italy coach Roberto Donadoni made eight changes from Saturday's 2-1 triumph in Scotland but his reshuffled side did not take long to break the deadlock. Toni had already directed a close-range header just wide when Benjaminsen deflected Massimo Oddo's cross into his own net. Italy continued to press forward and shortly after the half-hour they increased their advantage, Toni getting on to the end of Fabio Grosso's cross before firing past Jákup Mikkelsen.

Reward
The home side continued to control possession and their efforts were rewarded again when Chiellini's 25-metre drive stunned Mikkelsen. At the other end, the Faroes threatened with Súni Olsen's shot from distance falling just wide of Marco Amelia's far post. Into the second half and Mikkelsen had to dive at full stretch to stop Toni's right-footed effort while Hanus Thorleifson made a goalline clearance from Italy substitute Fabio Quagliarella's powerful header.

Italia vs Far Oer 3-1 Qualif Euro2008

Job done
Jógvan Martin Olsen's team did not just defend, though, and on 83 minutes, they found the net when Jacobsen's powerful header towards the near post beat Amelia. Italy might have conceded a second had Amelia not saved Jóhan Davidsen's header but by then, the job was done.



Georgia 0-2 Lithuania

Lithuania rode their luck to beat Georgia in Tbilisi courtesy of second-half goals by Audrius Ksanavicius and Mindaugas Kalonas.

Second-half strikes
Ksanavicius put the visitors in front against the run of play on 52 minutes, before substitute Kalonas added a second deep into stoppage time to secure Lithuania's fifth victory of the UEFA EURO 2008™ campaign.

Home pressure
The hosts had begun positively, with David Kvirkvelia's 30-metre shot being well saved by Žydrunas Karčemarskas. From the resulting corner, Karčemarskas was called into action again to deny a David Siradze header, while Levan Kenia also threatened for Georgia with a close-range header that was blocked by Marius Stankevicius.

Key saves
Edgaras Jankauskas had Lithuania's first attempt on 26 minutes, a wayward drive from distance, while at the other end Georgia hit the post when Zurab Menteshashvili's inswinging free-kick narrowly evaded team-mates Kakha Kaladze and Lasha Salukvadze. Then Kenia played in Siradze whose effort from the left of the area was stopped by the legs of Karčemarskas. The Lithuania keeper would also thwart Kenia before the half-time whistle blew.

Points won
So Georgia had received little warning of danger when Ksanavicius beat Giorgi Makaridze with a low strike as he approached the home team's area. Stankevicius might have doubled the advantage in the 73rd minute as he volleyed Kalonas's corner over the bar, although Levan Mchedlidze went even closer for Georgia with an overhead kick. The next, deciding goal, however, went to Lithuania as Kalonas finished off good work down the right from Andrius Velička. The result left Lithuania on 16 points in Group B, six above the Georgians.