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UEFA Champions League Group F wrap: Bayern hit Lille for six
8 November 2012
Bayern Munich knocked Lille out of the Champions League with a crushing 6-1 victory that saw Claudio Pizarro strike a 15-minute hat-trick.
The Peruvian striker scored the fourth fastest treble in the competition's history, adding to early free kicks from Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben to send the Bavarians in at half-time with a five-goal lead.
Ex-Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou pulled one back for reeling Lille with a fine individual goal after half-time, but Bayern substitute Toni Kroos steered in another in the 66th minute to end a miserable night for the Ligue 1 outfit.
The win puts Bayern second in Group F with nine points, behind only Valencia, who were 4-2 winners at home to BATE Borisov.
The Belarusian side are still in contention for a place in the last 16 on six points, while for Rudi Garcia's Lille it's the end of the road with the French club pointless from four games.
At the Allianz Arena, Bayern were irrepressible at times with Thomas Muller firing the first shot before Schweinsteiger majestically swept in a free kick from 20 yards in just the fifth minute.
Pizarro exchanged a sharp one-two with Franck Ribery on the edge of the area and fired low into the bottom corner for his first shortly before Robben deflected in another free kick.
Pizarro turned in Philipp Lahm's low cross at the near post on 28 minutes for his second and after a brief period of respite for the Lille defence made it 5-0 when with a neat header for his hat-trick.
Kalou burst past Javi Martinez and lashed a fierce strike in off the underside of the crossbar 13 minutes into the second half but Kroos was the last to strike, making it 6-1 from the edge of the area from yet another Lahm deliver.
At the Mestalla, Valencia strolled to a three-goal lead, but a pair of sloppy errors gave BATE a window of opportunity before an eventual 4-2 result.
Jonas fired Valencia into the lead in the 26th minute, with Roberto Soldado adding a second from the penalty spot shortly after.
Sofiane Feghouli made it 3-0 five minutes into the second half, but Renan Bressen pulled one back for BATE within minutes.
Dmitri Mozolevski scored after an awful error from Valencia midfielder Fernando Gago to make matters tense with seven minutes to go, but Feghouli popped up with his second goal four minute from time to seal the victory.
BATE still have a chance of making the knockout phase with both themselves and Valencia to play Lille and Bayern in the remaining two match days.
UEFA Champions League Group G wrap: Celtic stun Barcelona
8 November 2012
Celtic clinched a shock 2-1 victory over Barcelona to hand the Catalan giants their first Champions League group stage defeat in three years.
The hosts took the lead in the first half through Victor Wanyama after the Kenyan got the better of left-back Jordi Alba to head home a beautifully curled in Charlie Mulgrew corner.
Despite constant pressure from the visitors, it was Celtic that grabbed that crucial second goal late in the second half with forward Tony Watt latching on to long ball, out-pacing Javier Mascherano before coolly slotting home into the far corner.
Barcelona managed to grab a late goal back through Lionel Messi, but it proved too little too late for the Spanish giants.
In a cagey opening, the visitors struggled to create anything of note and Celtic took the lead in the 20th minute through a Wanyama header at the back post.
This prompted an immediate response from Barcelona and Messi struck the bar from just inside the area shortly afterwards after a period of sustained pressure in the final third, while Alexis Sanchez hit the foot of the post with a header from a Dani Alves cross 10 minutes before the break.
After half-time the game began to open up more with Barcelona peppering the Celtic area with wave after wave of attack and Sanchez brought a terrific save out of Fraser Forster low to his right on the hour mark.
The constant probing and movement of Barcelona saw them carve open the hosts defence in the 70th minute and Messi forced another fantastic stop from Forster after latching on to Alba's cut-back down the left before hitting a sweet strike towards the bottom right corner only to see the goalkeeper claw it away.
With the visitors piling on the pressure, it was Celtic who struck next in the 83rd minute when a long punt down field by Forster was missed by Xavi and Watt was through in on goal past Mascherano before rifling his strike into the bottom left-hand corner to hand his side a two-goal lead.
Barcelona grabbed a goal back in the 90th minute through Messi after Forster parried a Pedro shot inside the six-yard box following an intricate, flowing move, leaving the forward to smash home high into the goal.
Nevertheless, despite some nervy moments late on with Barcelona flooding forward, Celtic were able to clinch the historic win in front of their own fans in what will go down as their best European result since winning the European Cup final back in 1967 against Inter Milan.
Benfica kept their hopes of qualification from the Group G alive with a 2-0 victory over Spartak Moscow with Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo proving the difference.
Cardozo wasted no time in leaving his mark on the game after being introduced at the break, as he scored two goals in quick succession, the first a powerful header from close range, and the second a well-taken half volley from 10 yards out.
Cardozo had one final chance to make it three goals in 45 minutes late in the game, but after racing through on goal he poked an effort just wide of Rebrov's right-hand post under pressure from Juan Insaurralde.
The result moves Benfica up to third place in the group, three points behind Celtic and five behind leaders Barcelona.
UEFA Champions League Group H wrap: United advance to knockout stages
8 November 2012
Manchester United rallied with three late goals at Braga to confirm their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League on Wednesday.
It was a fourth-straight group stage win for the Red Devils, who weathered an early Alan penalty and a power cut with strikes from Robin van Persie, a Wayne Rooney penalty and a Javier Hernandez scrambled effort all within the last 10 minutes.
The hosts had the first sight on goal in the fifth minute when Eder flashed a shot across David De Gea from a wide angle after Johnny Evans accidentally allowed the Braga forward through.
United managed to settle into the match following the early scare, but it was Braga who again came closest to scoring.
Ruben Michel was invited to shoot by United's retreating defence but the midfielder could only curl his shot a yard wide of the top corner.
Braga dominated the first hour of the game and were ahead early in the second when Alan converted a penalty for the hosts on 49 minutes after Evans had blocked Custodio's run into the box.
The lights went out in the 57th minute causing a 10-minute delay but it appeared to do wonders for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, after Rio Ferdinand and van Persie were brought off the bench.
United came out hungry after the power cut and found the equaliser with 10 minutes remaining.
A poor pass from Braga goalkeeper Beto fell into van Persie's lap and the Dutchman slotted home a relatively easy finish from the edge of the box.
Moments later Rooney was brought down in the area and he stepped up to break a streak of four missed penalties for United with a neatly dispatched spot kick.
With little time remaining Hernandez added a third in stoppage time with a close range finish after rounding the keeper and almost making a meal of the chance.
United lead Group H with 12 points from CFR Cluj, Galatasaray and Braga.
Romanian side Cluj are narrowly second with four points on goal difference from Galatasaray and Braga, who are still in the equation with three points.
Turkish giants Galatasaray revived their hopes of qualification on Wednesday with a quality away display in Romania as they handed Cluj a 3-1 loss.
Burak Yildrim completed a perfect hat-trick, nodding home his first on 18 minutes before adding a second and third with his right and left foot respectively in the second half.
Modou Sougou had equalised for the home side early in the second half with a fierce shot past Nestor Muslera Micol from Rafael Bastos' incisive through ball.
Champions League round-up: Bayern smash pointless Lille to go joint top of group
By MARK STANIFORTH PUBLISHED: 23:39 GMT, 7 November 2012 | UPDATED: 23:39 GMT, 7 November 2012
Bayern Munich brushed aside pointless Lille 6-1 at the Allianz Arena to open up Group F, with Claudio Pizarro leading the rout with a first-half hat-trick.Bastian Schweinsteiger had set Bayern on their way with a sixth minute opener and further goals were added by Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos, while Salomon Kalou replied for the French side.Valencia joined Bayern on nine points with a 4-2 home win over BATE Borisov.
Too easy: Bayern Munich dismantled Lille, beating the French side 6-1
Two goals from Sofiane Feghouli and one each for Jonas and Roberto Soldado saw off the Ukrainians, for whom Renan Bressnan and Dmitri Mozolevski got on the scoresheet.Juventus kept the destiny of Group E wide open with a comfortable 4-0 win over Norwegian side Nordsjaelland in Turin.Juve, who now sit a point behind Chelsea and Shakhtar, were never troubled with Claudio Marchisio opening the scoring after six minutes and further goals added by Arturo Vidal, Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella.
Smashing: Juventus brushed aside Nordsjaelland and sit behind Chelsea and Shakhtar by a point
Close: Galatasaray's Burak Yilmaz tries to beat FC Cluj's goalkeeper in Romania on Wednesday
Galatasaray's 3-1 win over Cluj in Romania guaranteed Manchester United's progression as winners of Group H. Burak Yilmaz scored a hat-trick for the visitors with Modou Sougou replying for Cluj, with the two sides now tied in second place on four points.After Celtic pulled off a momentous win over Barcelona, there was even better news to come for the Bhoys as Benfica beat Spartak Moscow 2-0 in Portugal to leave the Scottish champions three points clear in second place.Oscar Cardozo's second half double was enough to provide Benfica with their first group stage win, while Spartak's slim hopes ended after having Nicolas Pareja sent off in the 76th minute.
Deadly: Oscar Cardozo (left) sealed Benfica's first group win over Spartak Moscow
We are WAILING! Rod Stewart bursts into tears after Celtic's historic win over Barca
By ALEX HORLOCK PUBLISHED: 22:55 GMT, 7 November 2012 | UPDATED: 09:25 GMT, 8 November 2012
It all got a little bit much for Rod Stewart as he watched his beloved Celtic run out victors against one of the best sides in world football at Parkhead.The former Faces frontman was in the stands cheering on his Bhoys – on the week of the club’s 125th anniversary – on a momentous night in Glasgow.Victor Wanyama and teenager Tony Watt bagged a goal a piece, as a Lionel Messi-led fightback came all too late for the Spanish giants, handing Celtic a 2-1 win.
We are wailing: Emotions got the better of Rod Stewart as he burst into tears after the final whistle
CELTIC'S HISTORIC NIGHT
History men. One day after Celtic marked the 125th anniversary of the founding of the famed Glasgow club, the players of the modern era delivered a display and a result that will be talked about plenty of times in the next 125 years. Defeating Barcelona, Lionel Messi and all, is such a glorious achievement in itself that it was almost lost at a euphoric Celtic Park that Neil Lennon's side were under strength - and that they are now on the verge of the last 16. Just one more point might be enough and Celtic go to Benfica next.
But as the swathes of Celtic fans bounced to the tune of Depeche Mode’s I Just Can’t Get Enough at the final whistle and Neil Lennon ran onto the pitch, an overwhelmed Stewart was left in flood of tears as he came to grips with one of Celtic’s great nights in European competition across the ages.As he blubbers uncontrollably and holds a handkerchief to his eyes and mouth, a friend grabs him as if to say: ‘We’ve done it!’Celtic were unable to hang on for a draw two weeks ago at the Nou Camp, where Jordi Alba grabbed a last-dicth winner after Barca relentlessly pressed throughout the second half.But this time a robust Celtic outfit were more than up to the task.
Messi finally beat the near-impregnable Fraser Forster just after the 90th minute, but there wasn’t enough time for Tito Vilanova’s men to spoil the party this time.So strong is the 67-year-old rocker’s love for Celtic, that he mentions the club in his 1977 hit You’re In My Heart.He sings: ‘You're an essay in glamour/Please pardon the grammar/But you're every schoolboy's dream/You're Celtic, United, but baby I've decided/You're the best team I've ever seen’But based on the images on Sky Sports after Celtic’s 2-1 win, another of his hits springs to mind.‘It’s a heartache, nothing but a heartache…’
All smiles: Earlier in the game Stewart appeared a little calmer
Disbelief: 18-year-old Tony Watt took 11 minutes before scoring against Barcelona
Braga 1 Manchester United 3: Van Persie, Rooney and Hernandez see Red Devils into last 16
By CHRIS WHEELER PUBLISHED: 21:48 GMT, 7 November 2012 | UPDATED: 00:40 GMT, 8 November 2012
The lights went out at the Estadio Municipal de Braga, and for 80 minutes Manchester United suffered a quite shocking power failure too. Rarely have Sir Alex Ferguson’s team lacked a spark quite like this. Trailing to Braga once again before a broken generator led to floodlight failure and a 10-minute delay in the teeming rain in north-west Portugal, United somehow turned it around with three late goals.
Safe passage: As at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, United turned the game around against Braga and moved into the knockout stages with the minimum of fuss
Match facts
Braga: Beto, Leandro Salino, Nuno Andre, Douglao, Elderson (Ze Luis 90), Custodio, Hugo Viana (Mossoro 86), Alan, Ruben Micael, Ruben Amorim (Barbosa 86), Eder. Subs not used: Quim, Helder, Baiano, Ismaily, Djamal. Booked: Eder. Goal: Alan 49 (pen).
Man Utd: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Evans (Ferdinand 58), Evra, Nani (Da Silva 73_, Anderson, Giggs, Rooney, Hernandez, Welbeck (Van Persie 64).Subs not used: Lindegaard, Carrick, Young, Cleverley. Booked: Smalling. Goal: Van Persie 80, Rooney 85 (pen), Hernandez 90+2.
Referee: Felix Brych (Germany).
Attendance: 19,015.
Not for the first time this season Robin van Persie came to the rescue. But if the Dutchman’s late equaliser was undeserved, the goals from Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez must have left Braga feeling as if they had been mugged. Floodlight robbery, you could say. But the fact is that, without being at their best, United have qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League with two games to spare, and are guaranteed to finish top of Group H after maintaining their 100 per cent record in Europe this season.
Afterwards, as fans filed out via the stairs because the lifts were no longer working, Ferguson’s assistant Mike Phelan capped a bizarre night by conducting his press conference in semi-darkness. ‘It was a little surprising we scored three,’ admitted Phelan, filling in because Ferguson had to leave to attend the funeral of his sister-in-law in Scotland.
‘We didn’t do anything in the first half but the way the game panned out, with the lights going out and the heavy rain, it changed the evening for us. We were disappointed to go out early last season and our intention this year was to get through very quickly.’
Level pegging: Van Persie latched on to Ryan Giggs' wonderful free-kick to embarrass Beto with a smart finish
If United’s progress has not been in serious doubt since they came from behind to beat Braga at Old Trafford two weeks ago, victory last night was. David de Gea’s goal had already come under fire several times before the Portuguese took a deserved lead three minutes after the restart.
Custodio pushed the ball past Jonny Evans on the edge of the area but was stopped as he slammed straight into the defender. German referee Felix Brych decided Evans had deliberately failed to get out of the way, and pointed to the spot. Brazilian forward Alan smashed the ball home to make it three goals in two games against United.
In vain: Braga keeper Beto appeals to referee Felix Brych that Nuno Andre got the ball
Lucky break: Rooney failed to connect truly - but still sent the penalty into the net
The blackout gave Ferguson another chance to speak to his players and he sent on Rio Ferdinand for the injured Evans to play alongside Chris Smalling, making his first appearance in six months following a broken metatarsal.
It made little impact, but the introduction of Van Persie for Danny Welbeck in the 64th minute certainly did. ‘Robin was instrumental in getting us further up the field,’ acknowledged Phelan.
Wait for it: Javier Hernandez seemed to take an age to fire the third
Having failed to muster a solitary effort of note for 80 minutes, United produced three goals in the last 10.
First Braga keeper Beto charged out in an attempt to beat Van Persie to a through-ball. Van Persie won the race, sized up his left-foot shot, and curled it beyond the stranded keeper from 25 yards.
Plunged into darkness: Referee Felix Brych speaks to Ryan Giggs and Rooney before stopping play for 12 minutes
Then Custodio tripped Rooney in the penalty area and Brych gave his second penalty of the night on the advice of his assistant. The England striker missed from the spot against Arsenal on Saturday but this time made no mistake.
‘We were surprised Wayne took the penalty,’ confessed Phelan.
The main man: Alan lived up to his billing as Braga's star man, winning and taking the opening penalty
There was still time for Hernandez to make it three, the Mexican tapping home at the second attempt after Douglao blocked on the line.
In a stadium carved from the rock face of an old quarry, United had made hard work of chiselling out the win that makes their final two games, at Galatasaray and at home to Cluj, somewhat redundant.
Remember me? Nani skips past former Newcastle man Hugo Viana
But after last season, this is a marked improvement in what has been another relatively easy group. After after a night shrouded in darkness in Portugal, that’s at least one reason for Ferguson to look on the bright side.
Chelsea 3 Shakhtar Donetsk 2: Moses works a miracle as Di Matteo's luck holds
By MARTIN SAMUEL PUBLISHED: 21:40 GMT, 7 November 2012 | UPDATED: 13:16 GMT, 8 November 2012
And that's how it's done. The ball was kicked sideways from the centre spot, the referee's whistle sounded and the triumphant strains of Blue Is The Colour echoed around Stamford Bridge.There is often a debate about the best time to score. From the last attack of the match, four minutes into injury time. Usually works.When the big one goes off, you want to be standing next to Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo, really you do. As the Australians would have it, if he fell into a tub full of breasts he's not the sort to come out sucking his thumb.
Late drama: Moses is wrestled to the floor after heading home Chelsea's winner in injury time
Head boy: Moses scores a dramatic winner for the host with 94 minutes on the clock
Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov, Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat, Hubschman, Fernandinho, Alex Teixeira (Ilsinho 78), Mkhitaryan, Willian ,Luiz Adriano. Subs Not Used: Kanibolotskiy, Stepanenko, Eduardo, Shevchuk, Douglas Costa, Chygrynskiy. Booked: Alex Teixeira. Goals: Willian 9,47.
Attendance: 41,067 Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain).
Di Matteo introduced Victor Moses late in the game for Oscar and was rewarded with a header of match-winning quality and a result that propels Chelsea to the knockout stages if they can avoid defeat in Turin later this month.How, who knows? Shakhtar Donetsk deserved at least a draw from this match, probably more, and it will be a better tournament if they stay in it. It wasn't even as if they truly settled for a point at the end.Shakhtar stayed on the front foot all the way, had as many chances as Chelsea to secure three points and were caught out by the oldest trick in football's book: the well worked set-piece.
Conceding a corner at the latest moment possible, they failed to pick up Moses at the near post and his header from Juan Mata's perfect delivery left goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov without a hope.'Moses answered Chelsea's prayers,' punned one radio ham. There will be plenty of that material about on the back pages on Thursday morning, too.Yet it was Chelsea who were seconds from being cast into the wilderness, had they failed to win here. No reigning champions of Europe have ever failed to make it through the group stages of this tournament the following season, but that looked to be Chelsea's fate. Points shared would have left them needing a win against Juventus away to maintain control of their destiny. Now it is the Italians who could be rendered helpless.
All smiles: Oscar is mobbed after giving Chelsea the lead at the interval
It was the usual story in many ways. How wrong we are to doubt Chelsea. How wrong we almost always are to forget their quite remarkable talent for revival in Europe. This was a huge result, not just for the club but for Di Matteo's squad because it was achieved without the famous triumvirate of John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard.Terry was on the bench, lacking match fitness following his domestic suspension, Cole and Lampard injured. Not that this was an advert for a seamlessly unfolding future, either. Ryan Bertrand, in for Cole, had a horrid time, while Chelsea never looked secure at the back without their controversial captain.
Brace yourself: Willian scored two goals for the away side at Stamford Bridge
Brace yourself: Willian scored two goals for the away side at Stamford Bridge
The mood may alter from here, though. Chelsea showed that in Oscar and Moses, for instance, they have young men who can win a big match, while Mata and Eden Hazard will only improve with time in English football.The problem is at the back. Shorn of their old reliables, Chelsea offer a hell of a ride, but with no guarantee of staying on the rails. Moses's goal was the third time the champions had taken the lead and had there been even 10 minutes left in the match chances are it would not have been enough.Chelsea's 1-0 lead lasted three minutes, and the 2-1 advantage stretched to seven minutes, either side of half-time. They will need to raise their game defensively if they are to survive in Turin.
Pre-match entertainment was provided by the incongruous sight of Fernando Torres receiving the Golden Boot award from the 2012 European Championship, winning the prize having started just two games for Spain. As if to prove that when your luck's in, your luck's in, Torres then promptly opened the scoring for the home team with a goal after six minutes that had no small element of fortune.Goalkeeper Pyatov had already looked shaky under the pressure of a fairly innocuous David Luiz free-kick and when Oscar crossed the ball from the right after five minutes, his moment of hesitation appeared to have given Torres the opening a Golden Boot winner needs.Instead, he let the ball run and even allowing for another unconvincing gathering from Pyatov, danger was averted. Groans all round, and familiar sideways glances. So what a lovely surprise when almost immediately central defender Yaroslav Rakitskiy got into a pickle when receiving a pass from left back Razvan Rat.
Opener: Torres takes advantage of a howler from the away side to score the first goal of the game before celebrating with Oscar (below)
Rakitskiy turned towards goal but under-hit his pass to Pyatov who, forced into a dash, slammed his clearance against the right leg of Torres as the striker charged him down. Given no time to think about the moment, or even influence it, Torres made no mistake.It is rarely simple for Chelsea without Terry, however, and Shakh-tar were soon level. Misfortune dogged Bertrand as much as the spritely opposition and he slipped, giving Fernandinho a clearer path into the Chelsea penalty area than anticipated. His cut-back pass was perfectly weighted and the brilliant Willian kept his finish low. His combinations with Fernandinho were the best of Donetsk and they could be superb if purchased as a pair.
Ecstasy: Mikel looked to have scored a crucial third for the European Cup holders
Agony: The Chelsea midfielder reacts after seeing his goal disallowed
A Fernandinho shot in the 15th minute produced an outstanding save from Petr Cech, but the Brazilian had already turned to focus on his defensive priorities when the parried ball was cleared. He is that sort of player: skilled, yet dutiful. Willian is the headline act, Fernandinho the class act.After Oscar had restored Chelsea's lead just before half-time, Willian sliced through their defences shortly after the restart. Fernandino fed Darijo Srna on the right, his cross was stepped over by Alex Teixeira and Willian finished, sublimely.
On your bike: Terry's future is uncertain after being left out of Chelsea's starting line-up
Bench: The former England captain watches on from the sidelines at Stamford Bridge
In the aftermath, it was Donetsk who came closest to grabbing a winner when a Rat shot hit a post. Chelsea had the ball in the net through John Mikel Obi but it was rightly given offside, and a penalty appeal by Ramires after a clash with Srna looked less convincing with each repeated viewing.Moses's winner raised the roof, but the true technical highlight of the night for the home side was Oscar's goal. Mata overhit a pass which goalkeeper Pyatov headed out from well beyond the penalty area only for Oscar to strike the ball first time back over his head from roughly 40 yards. Give that man an Oscar, as they say. Stranger things have happened, particularly with Chelsea involved.
Sky blunder as TV cameras miss Torres scoring for Chelsea against Shakhtar
By NEIL MOXLEY PUBLISHED: 08:32 GMT, 8 November 2012 | UPDATED: 08:32 GMT, 8 November 2012 Torres score and Sky miss it
A slap on the wrist for the Sky Sports production team at Chelsea v Shakhtar Donetsk as they gambled on showing a re-run of Fernando Torres's missed fifth-minute chance as play was re-starting.While viewers were treated to the replay, Yaroslav Rakitskiy's backpass was being charged down by the Spain international for the evening's opening goal.All the TV subscribers saw upon returning to the live action was the ball nestling in Andriy Pyatov's net.
Breakthrough: Sky missed Fernando Torres giving Chelsea the lead against Shakhtar Donetsk
Oscar's a winner in Europe
Oscar certainly knows how to get himself noticed. All of his four strikes for Chelsea have come in the Champions League.The Brazilian was on target twice in the 2-2 draw against Juventus and grabbed one in the away defeat by Shakhtar before scoring against the same opposition last night.He is only one goal behind the competition's leading scorer, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, in joint second place with Schalke's Klass-Jan Huntelaar.
Far out, man: Brazilian Oscar fires home his 45-yard wonder goal in Chelsea's win over Shakhtar
Wallace secures his freedom
Chelsea are expected to announce the arrival of Wallace from Fluminense next week after pushing through a £5m deal.The Blues have held 40 per cent of the 18-year-old's economic rights since Deco's free transfer to the Brazilian club in 2010.Fluminense coach Abel Braga said: 'The kid has an extraordinary future.'
Di Matteo excels in holding role
Roberto Di Matteo has an enviable record since taking over from Andre Villas-Boas but at one stage on Wednesday night he looked at risk of being manager of the first holders to go out in the group stage. Chelsea's defeat in Ukraine certainly raised eyebrows, but the visitors were never going to be a soft touch. They arrived at Stamford Bridge boasting a 37-match unbeaten run, stretching back a year in all competitions.
Nervy night: Roberto Di Matteo had to wait until injury-time for Chelsea's winner at Stamford Bridge
Celtic 2 Barcelona 1: Wanyama and Watt sink Barca to celebrate Bhoys' 125th birthday in style
By MICHAEL WALKER PUBLISHED: 21:35 GMT, 7 November 2012 | UPDATED: 11:08 GMT, 8 November 2012
History men. One day after Celtic marked the 125th anniversary of the founding of the famed Glasgow club, the players of the modern era delivered a display and a result that will be talked about plenty of times in the next 125 years. Defeating Barcelona, Lionel Messi and all, is such a glorious achievement in itself that it was almost lost at a euphoric Celtic Park that Neil Lennon's side were under strength - and that they are now on the verge of the last 16. Just one more point might be enough and Celtic go to Benfica next.
Disbelief: 18-year-old Tony Watt took 11 minutes before scoring against Barcelona
Keep your cool: Tony Watt (left) slotted home late in the game to put the result beyond doubt
Flying start: Victor Wanyama wheeled away as Parkhead erupted early in the first half
Mismatch: Wanyama out-jumped Jordi Alba to put the header beyond Victor Valdes
Barcelona: Valdes, Alves, Bartra (Pique 71), Alba, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Mascherano, Song (Fabregas 71), Sanchez (Villa 67), Pedro Subs not used: Pinto, Montoya, Jonathan, Cristian Tello Booked: Song, Alba Goal: Messi 90
Referee: Kuipers
Lisbon is the scene of the club's greatest ever night, of course, the 1967 European Cup final. This was hardly that but it was something else in the context of modern economics. Victor Wanyama, scorer of the hosts' 21st-minute opener, wears No 67; he cost just £900,000 when he arrived from Belgium last year. The 21-year-old Kenyan is worth considerably more now. The same can be said of 18-year-old substitute Tony Watt, a Glasgow boy, who was nerveless as he struck in the Celtic second seven minutes from time.
Watt was one of four teenagers on the home bench. Barcelona, meanwhile, had David Villa, Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas on theirs. All three are World Cup winners and all came on. But for all the possession and shots, Barcelona were not at their fluent best here. Fraser Forster, nevertheless, made two magnificent saves from Messi - one in each half - and several others of real quality throughout.
Gotcha: Fraser Forster denies the diminutive Lionel Messi as Celtic battled to hold on to their lead
A stop from Alexis Sanchez on the hour proved pivotal by the man called into Roy Hodgson's last England squad. Forster was finally beaten - by Messi - in the first minute of four added on, but unlike in the Nou Camp a fortnight ago, there was no late green heartbreak. The final whistle signalled another huge roar and Lennon's entrance on to the pitch to hug as many of his deserving players as possible. Each merited one.
We are wailing: Emotions got the better of Rod Stewart as he burst into tears after the final whistle
Swamped: Andres Iniesta (centre) is surrounded by Hoops players
Lennon had to take on Barca without his chief striker, Gary Hooper, and Emilio Izaguirre, arguably his best defender. Barcelona were hit by injuries too but their squad is pumped to accommodate that rather better than Celtic's. And there was still the Messi- Xavi-Iniesta triangle on the visitors' teamsheet. They had to be dealt with and they were by a mixture of defensive defiance and attacking enterprise.
Lennon had tried the same in Catalonia. What will have concerned Tito Vilanova early is that Xavi was not dominant and Iniesta was peripheral. Messi was involved but when Wanyama scored, Forster had made only a token save.
Tough luck: Forster pats Messi on the back after the forward fails to beat him
Celtic had thought about the goal, the powerful Wanyama making his way to the far post to meet a Charlie Mulgrew corner directed there. Wanyama was under pressure but his header was strong enough to beat Victor Valdes. Parkhead went wild. Crucially Forster kept his head. Eight minutes later he got a fingertip to a Messi snapshot that took the ball onto the crossbar. It was a superb save. Eight more minutes and Sanchez hit an upright with a placed header. But Celtic saw half-time ahead. They had conceded in the 45th minute in Barcelona. A second-half siege was expected, and it came. But Forster stood tall and when they could break away, Celtic did. Have that! Celtic players went berserk after Wanyama put the side into the lead
Frustrating: Messi tried to sneak the ball round the corner to get Barca back into the game
That was how Watt scored the second - running on to a punt from his keeper and showing composure beyond his years to bury a shot beyond Valdes.
It was only the 11th game Watt has played for Celtic. Messi nabbed his late retort but it was not even a consolation. Celtic have new history.
Schalke 2 Arsenal 2: Rocky road for Gunners after Walcott's flying start
By SAMI MOKBEL PUBLISHED: 21:36 GMT, 6 November 2012 | UPDATED: 09:37 GMT, 7 November 2012
Theo Walcott may have put himself closer to a new deal at Arsenal with a goal on Tuesday night but manager Arsene Wenger may feel he would be better spending the money on shoring up his leaky defence. Walcott hit the opening goal and Olivier Giroud added a second soon after as Arsenal raced into a 2-0 lead.
On target: Jefferson Farfan's second-half strike goes in off the outstretched foot of Thomas Vermaelen (below)
But it was the Gunners' defensive frailties - evident in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on Saturday - that came to the fore yet again as they threw away their advantage to remain a point behind leaders Schalke in Group B with two games remaining. The England winger's eighth goal in four starts this season - and 50th for Arsenal - put his side ahead. An increase on the £75,000-per-week five-year deal offered to him and a regular chance to play as a centre forward remain the two sticking points in talks over a new deal.
But while Wenger may not be able to guarantee the £100,000-per-week deal Walcott is asking for, giving him a chance to play up front is something he can control and Walcott did his chances of being the club's No 1 striker no harm with a cool finish, although he missed a glorious chance to snatch a dramatic victory with the last kick of the game. Walcott was the shock name on Arsene Wenger's teamsheet, recovering from a stomach illness to make his first Premier League or Champions League start since rejecting a new contract at the end of August.
Theo joy: Walcott pounces to open the scoring
French fancy: Giroud celebrates after giving his side a two-goal lead over the German outfit
Touch of Klaas: Huntelaar scores on the stroke of half-time
As the Eye of the Tiger boomed out of the Veltins-Arena PA system ahead of kick-off, Wenger - who returned to the Champions League touchline after a three-match ban - knew it would take the iron will of Rocky Balboa to keep Schalke's attacking quartet of Lewis Holtby, Ibrahim Affelay, Jefferson Farfan and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar off the scoresheet. Inevitably, the Germans, who comfortably won 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium two weeks ago, started much the brighter, dominating early possession with right back Atsuto Uchida looking dangerous down the Arsenal left.
Christian Fuchs had the first clear chance of the night when his strike was blocked by midfielder Mikel Arteta after a rapid counter-attack before Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone was forced into an excellent low stop to deny Afellay's low effort.Huub Stevens's side went close again 60 seconds later as captain Benedikt Howedes headed narrowly over the bar.
Arsenal were rocking and should have been behind. But somehow, against the run of play, they conjured up a surprise opening goal for Walcott. Roman Neustadter's dreadful defensive header in the 18th minute gave Giroud the opportunity to bear down on goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall but just as the Frenchman was about to shoot, Howedes slid in with a brilliant last-ditch challenge. But following up was Walcott, who picked up the rebound before stroking the ball into an empty net. No-one, not even Wenger, could say his side deserved their goal.
Blow: Arsenal let slip a two-goal advantage in Germany
So, you can only imagine what was going through his mind when eight minutes later his side doubled their advantage. Schalke made a mess of clearing their lines after Walcott and Jack Wilshere combined down the right, with the ball eventually breaking to Lukas Podolski, whose cross was nodded home by Giroud. It was the France striker's first Champions League goal for the club. Giroud missed a glorious chance to double his tally with a poor header from Santi Cazorla's free-kick. But Huntelaar dragged the home side back into the game with the final kick of the first half, firing past Mannone from 12 yards after Holtby's intelligent flick.
Fury: Lukasz Podolski was booked for kicking the ball away in frustration when play was stopped with the Gunners on the attack after Marco Hoeger sustained an injury
Arsenal had Mannone to thank in the 51st minute when he thwarted Huntelaar in a one-on-one after Neustadter's through-pass. Schalke were throwing everything at Arsenal and had an appeal for a penalty turned down after Per Mertesacker looked to have handled in the box. But the Germans deservedly dragged themselves level in the 66th minute when Farfan fired home from close range, via a Thomas Vermaelen deflection, as Arsenal failed to clear Afellay's cross.
Level pegging: Schalke egualise with 67 minutes gone
Huntelaar, Farfan and Jermaine Jones missed decent chances to give the hosts the lead their dominance warranted. And the Germans' wastefulness in front of goal was nearly punished with the final kick of the game. But it was Walcott who fluffed his lines after capitalising on defensive uncertainty as, with only Unnerstall to beat, he shot straight at the goalkeeper. It would have been an epic end for Walcott and his side. But an end they would not have deserved.
Ozil salvages a point for Mourinho's Madrid while Porto and Malaga progress
By DAVID KENT PUBLISHED: 23:43 GMT, 6 November 2012 | UPDATED: 23:43 GMT, 6 November 2012
Real Madrid shared the spoils with Dortmund at the Bernabeu in Champions League Group D but will not be unhappy with a point - they twice came back from behind.Firebrand Marco Reus had given the German side the lead before Pepe drew Jose Mourinho's side level.Alvaro Arbeloa scored an own goal to put Dortmund back in front before Mesut Ozil equalised with a couple of minutes remaining.
Pure delight: Mesut Ozil celebrates his goal and is congratulated by his team-mates (below)
All four sides, including Manchester City and Ajax, can still progress from the undoubted group of death.Meanwhile Malaga, in their maiden campaign, and Porto became the first teams to progress through to the last 16.Both Malaga and Porto boasted 100% records from their opening three games, and although neither side were able to win tonight, respective away draws against AC Milan and Dynamo Kiev were enough to secure top-two berths for both clubs. Group C pacesetters Malaga took the lead at the San Siro through Eliseu's 40th-minute goal but were pegged back by Alexandre Pato's 73rd-minute effort - the Brazilian's first Milan goal since last December and the first the Spanish side had conceded in the Champions League.
Progress: Malaga went to Milan and drew, which was enough to take them through
Also in Group C, Anderlecht moved into third place, a point behind Milan, with a 1-0 home win over Zenit St Petersburg, Dieumerci Mbokani scoring the only goal in the 17th minute.Porto, meanwhile, moved on to 10 points in Group A following a goalless draw away to Dynamo Kiev. The Portuguese outfit look set to be joined in the last 16 by Paris St Germain, who remained just one point behind following a Zlatan Ibrahimovic-inspired 4-0 thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb.Ibrahimovic did not manage to get on the scoresheet but was involved in all four goals scored by Alex, Blaise Matuidi, Jeremy Menez and Guillaume Hoarau as PSG moved five points clear of third-placed Kiev with two games remaining.
Flair: Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not score but helped PSG control the game
In Group B closing the gap on Arsenal and Schalke were Olympiacos, who claimed a second successive victory over Montpellier.After earning a stoppage-time win in France a fortnight ago, Olympiacos again left it late before snatching victory tonight with two goals in the last 10 minutes from Leandro Greco and Kostas Mitroglou.Those strikes came after Younes Belhanda's second-half penalty for Montpelier had cancelled out Paulo Machado's early opener for the the Greek side.
Champions League exit likely after officials mar Ajax draw, fumes Mancini
The Manchester City boss hit out at referee Peter Rasmussen after apparently failing to spot two penalties and disallowing a legitimate winning goal from Sergio Aguero
Nov 6, 2012 10:46:00 PM
By Ryan Benson
Roberto Mancini slammed the match officials in charge of Manchester City’s 2-2 draw at home to Ajax, before admitting his side are on the brink of Champions League elimination.
And, in the final stages of the match, Sergio Aguero had a goal disallowed despite Aleksandar Kolarov seemingly onside and Mario Balotelli fell to ground in the area after having his shirt tugged, but again no penalty was given and Mancini was left furious.
“We were close to getting the miracle we needed. Unfortunately we took only one point and I think we are finished in the Champions League now.
“I think we played a good game. We did very, very well in the second half, creating a lot of chances and scoring three goals [including disallowed goal].
“But the referee and his linesmen were really poor.”
The Italian marched on to the pitch after the final whistle and confronted Rasmussen, but when asked why the goal was not counted Mancini was non-plussed.
He continued: “I don’t know [why it did not count]. I said it was a goal and not offside.
“I don't know how it is possible for one linesman to consider that wasn't a goal - incredible.”
Despite the questionable decision against City, Mancini was under no illusions that his side simply should have done better in the match, highlighting the poor defending for Siem de Jong’s double.
“We made two mistakes and can't afford to concede goals like this,” rued the Italian. “We should have paid more attention in those situations in an important game like this.
“We have two more difficult games and we still need to try and win, nothing has changed there. We will try and get into the Europa League if that is possible.”
Mancini escapes Uefa punishment after referee confrontation following Manchester City draw with Ajax
The Italian will not receive a ban despite angry scenes at the final whistle at the Etihad Stadium after the hosts were denied a late penalty and had a goal disallowed for offside
Nov 7, 2012 10:49:00 AM
Roberto Mancini will avoid punishment from Uefa following his outburst at Danish referee Peter Rasmussen in the aftermath of Manchester City's draw with Ajax on Tuesday.
The City boss was angry at the final whistle after his side were denied a penalty late on in their Champions League clash with the Dutch champions.
Earlier in the game the hosts had also had a Sergio Aguero goal disallowed after Aleksandar Kolarov had been ruled offside.
However, Uefa have confirmed that the Italian coach will not be facing any disciplinary action as the match officials did not mention the incident in their match report.
"Nothing was reported neither by the delegate nor by the referee," a Uefa spokesperson told the Guardian.
"No disciplinary proceedings are opened."
Mario Balotelli has also escaped punishment for his involvement in the closing minutes of the game, after the striker had to be held back by captain Vincent Kompany after also approaching the match official.
The decision may come as a surprise, particularly as Uefa handed Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger a fine and a ban following his comments about the referee's performance during Arsenal's 3-1 defeat to Barcelona in 2011.
Wenger also received further punishment for confronting referee Damir Skomina after last season's Champions League defeat by AC Milan at Emirates Stadium.
Mourinho says 'there is no drama' as Madrid sit second following Dortmund draw
The 49-year-old shrugged off suggestions the club would have trouble qualifying from Group D despite leaving it late to secure a point against their Bundesliga opposition
Nov 6, 2012 11:20:00 PM
By Charlie Scott
Jose Mourinho described the possibility of Real Madrid finishing second in Group D as a problem for those topping the other Champions League groups, after his side drew 2-2 with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
It took an 89th minute free-kick from Mesut Ozil to snatch a point for Los Merengues, after the German side had gone in ahead at the break through Marco Reus and an Alvaro Arbeloa own goal.
Mourinho believes his side finishing second in the group is a bigger concern for other clubs.
"If we qualify, if this is the most difficult group and we end up second, then, that's a problem for the other teams that end up first in their groups," Mourinho told reporters.
"The two times that I've won the Champions League my team ended the group stage in second place.
"There is no drama here. We played a great game versus Manchester City and today it's been another great game.
"We made two big defensive mistakes, you can't do that against a big team, they will kill you.
"Dortmund put us under a lot of pressure. In the first half we couldn't perform, but the second half was quite different, I liked the second half."
Los Blancos' trainer also brushed off a question about any hostility the crowd at the Bernabeu showed this evening.
He said: "After two years here I can't be surprised, whistles, support, a cold stadium ... it's a cultural issue."
When asked why Alvaro Morata was not in the squad after Karim Benzema was ruled out yesterday, he said: "Easy, I'm to blame for that. Morata played 90 minutes on Sunday. I didn't know I would not have Benzema and Pipa [Higuain].
"Benzema was injured during a training session, and then Pipa got injured in the first half.
"I was asked to let Morata play for Castilla and I said yes, so I'm to blame for not having him available today."
Mourinho then expressed his doubts that either Higuain or Benzema would be available for Madrid's Liga match against Levante on November 11.
"I guess that both Benzema and Pipa will not be available for Sunday."
Madrid's centre-back Pepe praised Dortmund after the match, but also took the opportunity to comment on the difficulty of Group D.
The 29-year-old, who scored his side's first goal, told reporters: "The first half was very open and I'm sure it was great for the spectators, but the second half was ours, against a great team.
"We are in a very difficult group, and we must keep on working."
The other two teams looking to qualify from Group D are Manchester City and Ajax, they also drew 2-2 tonight, despite the Dutch side leading 2-0 in the first half.
The Portugal international spoke of how Madrid must have faith in their ability with two rounds of matches left in the group stages.
"We still have to play against City [Manchester City]. We must trust ourselves, we're doing a great job."
The Liga champions face Roberto Mancini's side at the Etihad Stadium on November 21.
Juventus 4-0 FC Nordsjaelland: Bianconeri break duck to boost qualification hopes
The Vecchia Signora never looked back after Marchisio put the Italians into an early lead, with three other goals following in a comfortable win.
By Daniel Edwards
Juventus gave their hopes of making the next round of the UEFA Champions League a big boost after a commanding victory over FC Nordsjelland, running out a 4-0 winner at home to record the team's first victory in Group E. Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal, Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella all hit home against the hapless visiting side, which never looked like getting into a game against a Bianconeri outfit with a point to prove.
Juventus went into the game still hurting after seeing its 49-game unbeaten run in Serie A ended by Inter at the weekend. However, the healing process began almost instantaneously with Claudio Marchisio slotting home from close range just five minutes in after stealing a march on Jores Okore to get on the end of Mauricio Isla’s low cross from the right.
The Italy international was nearly celebrating again moments later but after deftly controlling Arturo Vidal’s through ball on his knee, his subsequent snap volley was well saved by Jesper Hansen.
The Bianconeri kept coming, though, and Vidal made amends for skying the ball over the bar when well placed in the area by making it 2-0. The Chilean beat Hansen at the near post with a tackle-cum-shot, after Kasper Lorentzen had dallied on the ball in the area.
There was no respite for the Danes, who were completely outclassed in a one-sided first half. A perfect corner from Andrea Pirlo found Alessandro Matri waiting, but his header could only find the crossbar. Moments later it was Hansen who once again came to the rescue when he fended away a storming effort from Marchisio, but Juve would not have to wait long to record the third.
Giovinco was given space to move on the right side of the box, and the striker released a beautifully-executed looping shot that gave the goalkeeper absolutely no chance. Up 3-0 going into the break, the Bianconeri were already closing in on what would be a crucial Champions League victory in front of their own fans.
Just three minutes after the restart, the vibrant home side was already on the march looking to add to its tally. Vidal had the chance to let loose with a volley from the edge of the box, but Hansen was equal to the challenge and held to keep Juve at bay. There followed, however, a noticeable drop in the match's intensity, as Angelo Alessio withdrew goalscorers Giovinco and Vidal and the Italians began to cruise to three points.
With an hour played FCN had its best effort of the match, finally forcing a save from Gianluigi Buffon after a decent effort off the boot of Patrick Mtiliga. Going straight back on the offensive, Alessandro Matri was left clean through against Hansen and should have added a fourth, but the striker hesitated in going round the keeper and saw his chance evaporate.
There was to be one more flourish for Juve. Pirlo's corner was headed across the goalmouth by Matri, and Quagliarella was on hand to complete the rout.
Benfica 2-0 Spartak Moscow: Cardozo double puts Portuguese back in contention
The Aguias kept their hopes of qualification from the group stage alive with a victory over their Russian opponents this evening, with the Paraguayan striker making the difference
By Charlie Scott
Jorge Jesus' decision to bring on Oscar Cardozo for Benfica at half-time put paid to Spartak Moscow's hopes of getting a point in this Champions League Group G match, as the 29-year-old struck twice in the second half to light up the Estadio da Luz and hand his side a deserved 2-0 victory.
Cardozo wasted no time in leaving his mark on the game after being introduced at the break, scoring two goals in quick succession, the first a powerful header from close range, and the second a well-taken half volley from 10 yards out.
Despite both teams being guilty of conceding a number of free kicks in the opening 10 minutes, the home side were clearly on top as the Spartak defence struggled to deal with the vibrant play of Ola John and Lorenzo Melgarejo playing on the left-hand side for Benfica.
Having started the match distinctly on the back foot, Spartak managed to fashion the first clear goalscoring opportunity in the 13th minute when Diniyar Bilyaletdinov forced a smart low stop from Artur, after the Russia international had latched on to a brilliantly disguised reverse pass from Dmitriy Kombarov.
The Aguias continued to dominate possession despite that Bilyaletdinov chance, and very nearly took the lead in the 22nd minute only for Eduardo Salvio to blast a shot into the side netting after the ball fell invitingly to him inside the Spartak penalty area, as the away side failed to clear their lines following Artem Rebrov's diving save from Lima's curling effort.
The visitors' full-backs, Kirill Kombarov and Evgeniy Makeev were enduring an increasingly torrid time as the first half wore on, as Benfica looked to play the ball out to John on the left and Salvio on the right, whenever they could.
Rodrigo came within inches of making it 1-0 to the hosts in the 40th minute, but could only look on in anguish as his devilish free kick from the right flew just wide of Rebrov's right-hand post with the Spartak goalkeeper well beaten.
Jorge Jesus made an attacking change at the break, bringing on Cardozo for Rodrigo, yet it was Spartak that came close to taking the lead early in the second half through Bilyaletdinov. The attacker wasted his second chance of the evening though, firing straight at Artur after some fine build-up play involving Ari and Dmitriy Kombarov.
After having one finely-taken effort ruled out for offside just minutes after being introduced, Cardozo then gave Benfica a legitimate 1-0 lead with a close-range header in the 55th minute. Melgarejo was instrumental as he ghosted into the box on the left, before lifting a perfect cross to the Paraguayan striker, who then headed the ball downwards past Rebrov and into the back of the net.
Spartak moved Evgeniy Makeev across from left-back to right-back after Kirill Kombarov was withdrawn following Cardozo's first goal, but this did little to stem Benfica's potent attacking threat down that side of the pitch as Melgarejo and John continued to wreak havoc.
Jesus' decision to bring on Cardozo continued to prove to be an inspired choice as the attacker then struck the crossbar in the 66th minute with a firm header after connecting well with John's inviting corner from the left.
That same duo combined again just moments later to make it 2-0 to Benfica, with Cardozo adjusting his body well to meet John's bouncing cross with his left foot and divert the ball into the back of the net from 10 yards.
Spartak's evening went from bad to worse in the 76th minute as Nicolas Pareja was dismissed for an awful challenge on Cardozo inside the penalty area. However the striker's chance to complete his hat-trick eluded him as his firmly-struck spot-kick was tipped on to the crossbar brilliantly by Rebrov.
Cardozo had one final chance to make it three goals in 45 minutes late in the game, but after racing through on goal he poked an effort just wide of Rebrov's right-hand post under pressure from Juan Manuel Insaurralde.
Benfica's impressive victory this evening reignites their hopes of progressing from Group G, and increased their unbeaten run of home games against Russian opposition to six.
Valencia 4-2 BATE: Los Che beat Belarusians to edge closer to qualification
It was set to be a walk in the park for the Liga outfit, who strolled into a three-goal lead, but a pair of sloppy moments made the mach closer than it should have been
By Keeghann Sinanan
Valencia continued their push towards the Champions League Round of 16 with an entertaining 4-2 victory over BATE Borisov at the Mestalla on Wednesday.
Both teams, as well as Bayern Munich, were level on six points in Group F at the start of play, but the importance of the match never fazed the hosts, who outclassed their Belarusian opponents on the night.
Jonas fired Valencia into the lead in the 26th minute, with Roberto Soldado adding a second from the penalty spot shortly after. Sofiane Feghouli made it 3-0 five minutes into the second half, but Renan Bressen pulled one back for the visitors within minutes.
Dmitri Mozolevski scored after an awful error from Fernando Gago to make matters tense with seven minutes to go, but Feghouli popped up with his second goal minutes later to seal victory, which moves los Che onto nine points, level at the top of the standings with Bayern, who thrashed Lille 6-1.
Valencia quickly got into their stride, and with seven minutes gone, a crucial block from Yegor Filipenko denied Jonas, who had done well to bring a tricky pass under control inside the area.
However, controversy would rear its head about a quarter of an hour into the match. Replays clearly showed Soldado lashing out at Maksim Bordachev, but the officials missed the incident and the Valencia vice-captain went unpunished.
The hosts were knocking on the door, but could not find a finishing touch to any of their attacking moves. But midway through the first half, a whirlwind three-minute spell saw the Spanish side stun their Belarusian opponents with a pair of quickfire goals.
Jonas broke the deadlock in the 26th minute after volleying home a cross inside the area, though replays suggested that the Brazilian may have gotten away with using his hands to help control the ball.
BATE felt hard done by, and moments after the restart, had more reason to be aggrieved after Andres Guardado won a penalty after going down under pressure from Artem Radkov, despite the contact occurring just outside the box. Soldado stepped up to bury low into the left corner to put the hosts further ahead.
It could have been three for Valencia just after the half hour mark, had Jonas’ effort from a corner not been blocked by a throng of bodies on the BATE goalline.
The visitors were devoid of ideas, and a moment of inspiration from Feghouli nearly carved them apart moments before the break, as the Algerian flicked the ball over Bordachev, but side-footed wide of the target.
But Feghouli would get his goal five minutes after the interval, latching on to a Fernando Gago feed to finish comfortably after a slick move from the home side.
However, in the 53rd minute, BATE were able to pull one back. Renan Bressen took charge of a free kick on the left side of the box, and his delivery went unmet by anyone, and bent in at the near post.
The tempo of the match died down shortly after that, with Valencia unwilling to commit huge numbers forward in order to avoid conceding again, and BATE simply unable to conjure up anything meaningful in attack.
But the visitors were gifted a lifeline in the 83rd minute by Gago, who was caught napping on the ball and robbed of possession in a dangerous area, from which Mozolevski was able to pounce and slot home.
Any hopes of a miraculous comeback were dashed two minutes later by Feghouli, who sent a fine half-volley into the back of the net at the far post to seal the win for Valencia, who now look to be in a straight shoot-out with Bayern for first place in Group F.
Cluj 1-3 Galatasaray: Burak treble claims crucial first win for Turkish champions
The Super Lig giants produced a classy display in Romania to keep their hopes of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League alive
By Harry Slavin
Galatsaray revived their Champions League hopes with a quality away display in Romania as they condemned Cluj to their second successive home defeat in this year's competition.
The Turkish giants had frontman Burak Yilmaz to thank for their victory as he completing a perfect hat-trick, nodding home his first before adding a second and third with his right and left foot respectively.
As ever, Cluj started brightly on their home patch and should have been ahead within four minutes when a raking long ball caught out Cris and Emmanuel Eboue in the visitors defence.
Pantelis Kapetanos capitalised and went through on goal but the attacker could only find the side netting after rounding Fernando Muslera in the Galatasaray goal.
Fatih Terim’s side responded by mounting their first meaningful attack and they too squandered a gilt-edged opportunity when Emre Colak could only poke wide past an on- rushing Mario Felgueiras after latching on to Burak's flick-on.
Galatasaray fed off the confidence instilled by their early opportunity and began to take a hold of the game, with wide man Emre looking especially dangerous with the ball at his feet.
The confidence almost led to complacency at the back however as Cris’s back-pass was almost seized upon by Kapetanos and only quick reactions of Muslera denied Cluj the easiest of opportunities.
The defensive lapse had been forgotten moments later however as Cluj conceded the opening goal for the first time at Dr. Constantin Radulescu Stadium thanks to a moment of areal genius from Burak.
The ball was worked to the right by Galatasaray and Hamit Altintop had the space to whip in a ball with pace which Burak met with his head to steer into the far corner from almost the edge of the area.
The visitors continued to dominate possession, but sloppy play threatened their dominance and Alberto Riera was another guilty party as his misplaced pass led to a fantastic chance for Modou Sougou to draw his side level.
Luckily for the Spaniard the attacker could only find the side netting on this occasion, steering wide when the ball eventually broke to him in the area.
The first half drew to a close with a number of clumsy challenges and a ill-timed challenge from Laszlo Sepsi on Hamit saw the Romanian come off worse and he had to make way for Rafael Bastos just before the break.
Bastos’ introduction, and the arrival of Sasa Bjelanovic at half time, seemed to renew Cluj’s attacking threat and the home side started the first half by grabbing a well-worked equaliser.
Bastos drove from midfield and carved open the Galatasaray defence with a cutting through ball which Sougou managed to latch onto and fire past Muslera via the post.
Despite clawing their way back to level terms, the home side failed to create a serious chance to take the lead and parity was short-lived as Galatasaray restored their advantage with their next noteworthy foray forward.
Ivo Pinto got caught in possession at right-back by Burak and when the defence failed to clear fully, Hamit slipped his way past Cadu and once again provided the cross for the former Trabzonspor striker to grab his second of the evening, adjusting well to lash home from six yards.
Burak was presented with a glorious chance to complete his hat-trick a few moments later but the Turkey forward was thwarted by Felgueiras as he got down well to stop Burak’s shot after Umut had unselfishly squared to his strike partner.
Burak however was not to be denied and he completed the perfect hat-trick as he finished off a devastating counter-attack by the visitors. Emre brought the ball out of defence and when the ball was eventually played through to the 27-year-old, the striker turned the last defender inside out before coolly slotting home past the Cluj keeper.
The win reignites Galatasaray’s Champions League campaign and they are now back in with a shout of getting out of Group H as they leap-frog Cluj in the race for second spot behind Manchester United.
Sir Alex Ferguson: Manchester United aiming to match Liverpool's European record
Following his side's progression to the Champions League knockout stages, the 70-year-old has stated his desire to close the gap on the Reds' five successes in the competition
Nov 8, 2012 8:25:00 AM
By Hayden Gribble
Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his Manchester United side to equal Liverpool’s European trophy haul following their progression to the knockout stages.
The Red Devils secured safe passage to the last 16 with a 3-1 win over Braga in Portugal on Wednesday night, a result which maintained their 100 per cent record in Group H.
And the 70-year-old, who guided the Old Trafford side to their second and third wins in the competition, is now keen to match the Reds' five European Cup victories.
“In terms of the history of our club, we should have won more and I want to win it again and get into the bracket of winners like Liverpool, our biggest rivals, Bayern Munich and Ajax," the Scot told reporters.
“AC Milan and Real Madrid have got separated from the rest but that definitely drives me on a bit.”
Despite his past success in Europe's premier cup competition, Sir Alex still rues the final defeats at the hands of Barcelona in 2009 and 2011.
“I get really frustrated when I think about the opportunities we have had to win it, but you can’t be greedy,” he continued.
“You look at my career and I have won two European Cups and the Cup-winners’ Cup and I am proud of that.”
Extra Time: Messi, Iniesta & Xavi pose with Celtic shirt
The Ballon d'Or nominees were more than happy to hold the famous hooped jersey, but not as happy as they'll be at the prospect of running riot against a depleted Bhoys side
Nov 7, 2012 6:00:00 PM
By Ewan Roberts
It’s an image Celtic fans could barely even dream about: Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta holding aloft the hooped jersey. Oh, and Xavi there too!
Has Henrik Larsson been extolling the virtues of Glasgow to his former team-mates? Does Iniesta long to face clubs as steeped in history as Ross County? Is the Ballon d'Or winner hooked on deep-fried Mars bars?
Sadly not Bhoys fans, unfortunately Messi & co. will not be strutting their stuff in green and white on the hallowed turf of Celtic Park. Nor is this a case of preemptive, Andre Santos-style shirt swapping.
The trio actually snuck past Tito Vilanova and out of training before stumbling upon Celtic's 125th anniversary celebrations. They posed for a cheeky snap before hitting the streets of Glasgow. Possibly.
