Manchester United and Sevilla out of Europe
Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday and failed to even secure the consolation of a Europa League spot as Bayern Munich won 1-0 at Old Trafford, while Sevilla suffered the same fate with defeat to Lens. United were toothless as Harry Kane and his Bayern teammates only needed one penetrating move to create Kingsley Coman's winning goal. They finish bottom of Group A as FC Copenhagen took the second qualifying spot behind Bayern following their 1-0 win over Galatasaray in front of a delirious Danish crowd. "I think it is an extraordinary achievement that a Danish team can advance. The group was so strong and full of so many world stars," Copenhagen coach Jacob Neestrup said. Sevilla finished bottom of Group B after Lens scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory in northern France. It means the Spanish side won't even have the chance to add to their seven Europa League titles, with Lens grabbing third place in the group and a Europa League place. A much-changed Arsenal were held 1-1 at Dutch league leaders PSV Eindhoven but still top that group. Eddie Nketiah fired a low shot into the corner to put Arsenal ahead, but Yorbe Vertessen curled in an equaliser. Reigning Italian champions Napoli secured their place in the knockout phase by beating Sporting Braga 2-0 at home, with newly crowned African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen completing the job after Serdar Saatci's own goal. Napoli finished second behind Group C winners Real Madrid, who had already won the group even before they beat Union Berlin 3-2 in the German capital. Kevin Volland put Union ahead, but Joselu scored twice for Real and although Alex Kral equalised, Dani Ceballos notched the winner for the 14-time European champions in the 89th minute. Last year's beaten finalists Inter Milan finished second after a goalless draw with Group D winners Real Sociedad. Benfica also secured a late ticket to the Europa League after they beat Salzburg 3-1 in Austria to clinch third place in Group D. (AFP)_____________________________
Last updated: 2023-12-13HKT 09:16 