Real Madrid survived a late comeback from Shakhtar Donetsk to hold out for a 4-3 victory and claim top spot in Group A on Wednesday night.
– AFC: Why Ahmed Khalil should be named AFC Player of the Year
– SPURS: Dele Alli the key man to Pochettino’s vision
– RATE, SHARE & WIN: ValoraFutbol Fan Ratings
– LA LIGA TOP 5: Five-star Barcelona run the show
– XAVI: Barca legend Xavi on El Clasico and Messi
Having been hammered by rivals Barcelona in the Clasico at the weekend, Real looked to have made the perfect response as they cruised into a 4-0 lead thanks to a double from Cristiano Ronaldo and strikes from Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal.
But a late collapse almost cost them dear as Alex Teixeira scored twice – once from the spot – and Dentinho also registered as the hosts threatened a remarkable fight back.
Mario Mandzukic scored the only goal as Juventus leap-frogged Manchester City in Champions League Group D with a 1-0 win in Turin.
The Croatian struck after 18 minutes at the Juventus Stadium as the home side not only secured their place in the last 16 but put themselves in pole position to claim top spot.
The Italians were good value for their victory, with reported City target Paul Pogba outstanding, but the injury-hit visitors had a host of chances in an entertaining contest.
Substitute Raheem Sterling had one of the best of them as he shot wide late on while Fernando had a header turned onto the post and Fernandinho blasted over when well placed.
Manchester United will need to win their final Group B match to be sure of qualfication to the Champions League’s round-of-16 after a wasteful goalless draw against PSV Eindhoven.
Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial both missed good chances on a frustrating night at Old Trafford.
They will now need to emerge victorious in a tough final match at leaders Wolfsburg on December 8, who are on the brink of progression after defeating CSKA Moscow 2-0.
Substitute Andre Schurrle scored the second having inspired an own goal from Igor Akinfeev earlier in the second half.
Meanwhile, superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic secured a fairytale return to Malmo as he scored in a comfortable 5-0 triumph for Paris Saint-Germain.
Ibrahimovic, 34, began his storied career in the Swedish city and forced home his current side’s third high into the net.
Strike partner Edinson Cavani opened with a header, Angel Di Maria scored a pair and Lucas a fine free-kick, the result ensuring qualification for the knockouts. But the Ligue 1 holders are unable to catch Group A leaders Real Madrid with one game remaining after their victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Raul Jimenez struck twice as Benfica fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with now-eliminated FC Astana in their Champions League Group C fixture and move to the brink of reaching the tournament’s last 16.
Following a promising start, Patrick Twumasi and Marin Anicic had given Astana the lead, but a Jimenez-inspired Benfica gradually drew level.
In the same group, Atletico Madrid secured qualification to the next round as Antoine Griezmann’s double earned a 2-0 win against Galatasaray.
Sevilla’s feint hopes of reaching the last-16 was ended by Borussia Monchengladbach’s 4-2 win in Group D.
The victory gave Moenchengladbach a historic first Champions League win after a brace by Lars Stindl, plus goals from Fabian Johnson and Raffael capped a fine display which lifted them off the bottom of the group.
Bottom side Sevilla had needed a win at Borussia Park to keep alive their hopes of reaching the last 16 but left only with two late consolation goals from Vitolo and an Ever Banega penalty.
