Champions League: PSG in last 16, but Atletico Madrid and Juventus slip up By PA Sport
Last Updated: 31/10/17 10:36pm
Paris St Germain are through to the Champions League knockout stages after a comprehensive 5-0 victory at home to Anderlecht in Group B on Tuesday night. The French club have won their opening four group games for the first time since their debut season in the competition in 1994/95, when they won all six matches. Marco Verratti got the ball rolling when he curled in a deserved opener and Neymar crashed in a 25-yard shot to extend the lead just before half-time.
After the break, Neymar's free-kick was pushed onto the post by the goalkeeper and Layvin Kurzawa turned in the rebound. The left-back then scored a header and produced a fine finish to complete an unlikely hat-trick as PSG remained three points ahead of Bayern Munich.
The German champions, without the injured Robert Lewandowski, are also through after they beat Celtic 2-1 in Glasgow. Barcelona stay top of Group D despite a goalless draw at Olympiakos but neither Juventus nor Sporting Lisbon could take full advantage after they drew 1-1 in Portugal. Bruno Cesar put the hosts in front but Gonzalo Higuain equalised after 78 minutes and Juventus remain three points behind Barca.
Atletico Madrid's struggles in Group C continued after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Qarabag, who took the lead through Miguel Michel. However, a superb strike from Thomas brought the hosts level. Pedro Henrique was sent off but Atletico could not take advantage and also finished with 10 men after Stefan Savic saw red four minutes from time.
Atletico are now in third, five points behind leaders Roma who enjoyed a 3-0 victory over Chelsea at Stadio Olimpico. Manchester United are on the brink of reaching the knock-out phase after a 2-0 victory over Benfica, which leaves them six points clear at the top of Group A, ahead of Basel and CSKA Moscow, who came from behind to win 2-1 in Switzerland.
Basel looked on course to clinch their place in the last-16 when Luca Zuffi put them in front but second-half goals from Alan Dzagoev and Pontus Wernbloom kept the Russians in the mix.
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11945/11107897/champions-league-psg-in-last-16-but-atletico-madrid-and-juventus-slip-up
