United blow two-goal lead; Gunners fire in six
Manchester United are facing elimination from the Champions League in the group stage after squandering a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Galatasaray in Istanbul on Wednesday, while Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven secured qualification for the last 16. Erik ten Hag's side appeared in control when Alejandro Garnacho's early opener was followed by a stunning strike by Bruno Fernandes on 18 minutes. Hakim Ziyech pulled one back with a free-kick, only for Scott McTominay to restore the visitors' two-goal advantage early in the second half. Yet Galatasaray were again given hope when another Ziyech free-kick was fumbled into the net by United goalkeeper Andre Onana, and the hosts equalised thanks to a brilliant 71st-minute strike by Kerem Akturkoglu. In order to go through United must now beat Bayern, who drew 0-0 with FC Copenhagen, at home next month and hope Copenhagen and Galatasaray draw. Arsenal's form in Europe this season has been in stark contrast to that of United, and the Gunners romped into the last 16 with a 6-0 demolition of Lens in London. Mikel Arteta's side were five goals up at the break with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard all netting. Jorginho completed the scoring from a late penalty as Arsenal wrapped up top spot in Group B ahead of PSV, who are also through, after a superb comeback to triumph 3-2 away to Sevilla. Real Madrid were already through to the last 16 before hosting Napoli and they clinched top spot in Group C with a 4-2 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. That result prevented Napoli from clinching qualification as they could still be caught by Braga, who drew 1-1 at home to Union Berlin in Portugal despite having Sikou Niakate sent off in the first half. Real Sociedad and Inter Milan were both already through from Group D and their meeting next month will decide who tops the section. On Wednesday Inter came from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Benfica in Portugal while Real Sociedad drew 0-0 with Red Bull Salzburg. (AFP)