Copenhagen go WILD as they seal unlikely Champions League last-16 progress by beating Galatasaray… while Inter Milan are pipped to top spot in their group by Real Sociedad
- Copenhagen reached the last 16 of the Champions League for the second time
- Sevilla will not be able to defend their Europa League crown after defeat at Lens
- Back off Erik ten Hag! Insipid Man United performances are on the players – not the manager – Listen to why on It’s All Kicking Off
Copenhagen celebrated with roars of unbridled elation after reaching the last 16 of the Champions League for only the second time ever on Tuesday night.
The Danish champions beat Galatasaray 1-0 to secure qualification and will continue their fairytale journey in 2024 after progressing from the second qualifying round, which began back in July.
A goal from Lukas Lerager, who was later sent off, was enough to put Copenhagen through to the knockout rounds for the first time since 2010/11.
The result meant Galatasaray finished third in Group A, dropping down into the Europa League, while Manchester United finished bottom and crashed out of Europe with a 1-0 loss against Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad clinched top spot in Group D after they drew 0-0 with Inter Milan, who came second but were level on points with the Spaniards.
Copenhagen reached the Champions League last 16 for only the second time in their history
The Danish champions beat Galatasaray 1-0 to book their place in the knockout rounds
It has been a historic journey for the Danish champions, who started their pilgrimage in the second qualifying round back in July
Sociedad will enter the last 16 of Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since 2003/04.
Elsewhere, it was heartbreak for Sevilla in Group A as they lost 2-1 at Lens, a result which sees them wave goodbye to Europe entirely.
Surprise French package Lens will drop down into the Europa League in the New Year, leaving Sevilla out of the competition they won last season.
In Group D, Benfica beat Red Bull Salzburg 3-1 in their own back yard to secure Europa League football and send the Austrain energy drink powerhouses packing.
Napoli secured second place in Group C with a 2-0 win at home to Braga after Serdar Saatchi’s ninth-minute own goal was added to by Victor Osimhen before half-time. Braga drop into the Europa League after finishing third.
Real Sociedad topped Group D after drawing 0-0 with Inter Milan and will play in the last 16 for the first time since 2003/04
Sevilla will not be able to defend their Europa League crown after losing 2-1 at Lens, dumping them out of Europe
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Real Madrid, already confirmed as group winners, required an 89th-minute Dani Ceballos winner to beat Union Berlin 3-2 to make it six successive wins.
Luka Modric’s missed penalty at the end of the first half was punished by Kevin Volland scoring in added time but two goals from Joselu turned things around, only for Alex Kral to equalise five minutes from time.
Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven, the top two already qualified from Group A, drew 1-1.
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