Group A
Manchester United, which desperately needed to collect points to hibernate in Europe, received Bayern Munich, which had already qualified for the next round. It had to win to have a chance to continue in the Champions League, a draw could be enough for the Europa League, but everything also depended on the second match in the group. The English themselves were unable to score in the first half and in that other match they also settled for a brilliant score, meaning Man United still had to work hard in the second half if they wanted to continue their European adventure.
Things went completely wrong for Manchester United in the second half. Kingsley Coman, the man who only plays champion, was able to shoot in from very close range on a pass from Harry Kane. The United fans were clutching their own hair, European elimination was now very close. That fear also became reality: Manchester is facing a quiet night. The English superpower makes their erratic season a lot grayer by their early European elimination.
© via REUTERS
In the second match of Group A, Copenhagen and Galatasaray faced off in a head-to-head match for second place and a legendary qualification for the 1/16th final. Depending on what Manchester United did, one of these two teams could advance. At halftime everything was still fine for Copenhagen. The fans were ready to kick off a memorable celebration within an hour.
That celebration started a little earlier when Lukas Lerager gave the Danes the lead. The former Zulte Waregem player could thus become the hero of the Copenhagen Champions League campaign. He confirmed that role by taking another red card while fighting. He won’t be there for the next game. Copenhagen defended their lead with all their might and secured qualification for the next round. A legendary moment for the Danes who qualified for the knockout phase for only the second time. The last time that happened was in 2011.
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Group B
Belgians upstairs at the beginning of this European evening. Johan Bakayoko, Yorbe Vertessen and Leandro Trossard kicked off between PSV and Arsenal. Both teams had nothing to fear on Tuesday evening, as they already managed to qualify for the next round of the champions ball. Even the order could no longer change, with Arsenal at number one and PSV at number two in the group. A busy Bakayoko set the tone for PSV, which diligently searched for the opening goal. At times Trossard saw stars in the direct duels with his compatriot. However, the first goal came on the other side: Reiss Nelson was able to pass Eddie Nketiah in the box and he fired wonderfully into the corner. The striker scored his first goal in the Champions League.
The same corner in the same goal is targeted again just after half-time. This time Yorbe Vertessen was able to capitalize on a smooth attack from the Dutch. While the post was still in Vertessen’s way before, it now added extra beauty to the goal. PSV finally got what it deserved. The Gunners saw another goal disallowed and PSV also came close to the winning goal through Pepi, but the match ended in a division of points that both teams will be satisfied with. Both Eindhoven residents and Londoners can look forward to the draw for the 1/16th final.
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Lens hosted Sevilla in a direct match for a ticket to the Europa League. The Spaniards had to win in France to have a chance of winning their most beloved competition. This quickly became clear in the first half: Sevilla had the upper hand, but were unable to score before half-time.
The first goal ultimately fell to the French side: Boubakary Soumaré committed a penalty error and it was punished with a real blow by Przemyslaw Frankowski. The first shot on goal for the French was an immediate hit. Lens had the Europa League ticket in hand. Sergio Ramos appeared to have other plans: he also had a chance from the penalty spot but missed. The Spaniard was given a second chance by the referee and he finished it with a delicious panenka. 1-1 and everything on the line. Lens ultimately defended the draw successfully and was even able to score the three points through Angelo Fulgini. It can prepare itself for the Europa League. Sevilla remains ill in the same bed and, after a difficult start to the competition, also sees their European adventure end early.
Sevilla remains ill in the same bed. — © EPA-EFE
Group C
Real Madrid visited Union Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. The Germans could no longer finish second, but if they won against the Madrilenians and Napoli defeated Braga, they could still prepare for the Europa League. Real had nothing left to lose and were already certain of the next round. It became clear that the pressure was not high for the Royals when Luka Modric simply decided a penalty on the keeper. Union Berlin immediately punished this. Just before half-time, Kevin Volland was able to push through after Alaba’s misdirection and fired in past Kepa. The Germans went to rest with one foot in the Europa League.
Joselu thought differently and headed in the 1-1 on a pass from Rodrygo. Everything to be done again for Union Berlin. Forward was the only option for the Germans and that created more space for Real. Joselu dived in his second of the evening, booking for Union Berlin, which was able to equalize through Alex Kral. Dani Ceballos crushed the last German hopes with the 2-3. Real continues with a perfect report.
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In Naples, Braga could secure an iconic qualification for the final round of the Champions League with a win. Then it had to beat Napoli, which only needed one point. Things were not going well for the Portuguese at the start of the match. Serdar Saatçi outwitted his own goalkeeper with a world-class goal in his own goal. The ball went over the goal line behind the defender’s supporting leg via the crossbar. Napoli’s second goal was equally clumsy. Victor Osimhen can push the ball past Braga’s goalkeeper with a lot of luck. This gives his African golden ball extra shine. Braga was not allowed to panic at halftime when hearing the score in Berlin, because at that moment European football was gone for the Portuguese.
The Madrid comeback in Berlin ensured that Braga was able to return to third place without doing anything themselves. The Portuguese shivered for a moment, but can breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to the Europa League draw.
© AFP
Group D
Inter and Real Sociedad went head-to-head in a match without high stakes. Both teams already managed to qualify and only group victory was still at stake. Virtually nothing happened in the first half. Both teams apparently wanted to make it a European practice match.
The signs remained the same throughout the match and both teams were satisfied. Unfortunately, the supporters who traveled saw little spectacle, but they can look forward to the next round at the champions’ ball.
© AP
Red Bull Salzburg only had to avoid losing by two goals or more to Benfica to be knocked out of the Europa League. The Portuguese were therefore faced with a feat. Di Maria liked that and scored an Olympic goal after more than half an hour of play. His corner blows in via the arm of goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. Rafa Silva opened up the game completely just before half time. 0-2 for the Portuguese and the Europa League beckons.
However, Luka Sucic threw a spanner in the works with a deflected shot. The Austrians fought back to third place. They pressed on through Rafa Silva, but Benfica ultimately had to count on Arthur Cabral to score the 1-3 and give them the Europa League.
2023-12-12 22:08:41
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