Tuesday 27 November 2018

United squeak into last 16 of the Champions League

Manchester United have qualified for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League thanks to a late 1-0 win against Young Boys.
Ahead of Tuesday’s clash at Old Trafford, the Reds knew a place in the next round would be sealed with a win against the Swiss side, as long as Juventus beat Valencia in Turin.

While Young Boys made it tough throughout, that scenario is exactly how things panned out on the night thanks to Marouane Fellaini's injury-time clincher and Juve's 1-0 victory via a second-half Mario Mandzukic strike. Fellaini scored from close range after a knockdown from substitute Romelu Lukaku - who had latched on to Luke Shaw's pass - in the first minute of added on time.
The Reds final Group H tie, at home to Valencia, will therefore have no bearing on the complexion of the group, although United could still win the section if we win and Juve unexpectedly slip up.
 
Along with Juventus, United were one of six sides who ensured qualification for the next round on Tuesday.

In Group E, Ajax kicked off the fifth round of group games by beating AEK Athens 2-0 in Greece, meaning they will definitely finish in the top two spots. Bayern Munich did likewise later in the evening with a convincing 5-1 victory against Benfica.
 
 
Manchester City could only manage a draw away to Lyon, but that result also means they will be in the last 16, and only need a point in their final game against Hoffenheim in a few weeks to top the group.

Meanwhile, in Group G, Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory against Roma ensured the reigning European champions will also be in the draw for the next round. They are the second Spanish side to qualify along with Barcelona, who were the only team to achieve the feat with two group games to spare.
The draw for the last 16 will take place on Monday 17 December in Nyon.

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