Porto also secured their places in the knockout rounds with a one-nil victory over APOEL. Falcao scored in the 84^th-minute to give Porto the win which sees them join Chelsea in the next phase of competition with two games to spare. The keepers were two of the best player’s on-field, with APOEL number one, Chiotis strong between the posts. The deficit could have been much bigger without his saves, meanwhile Helton also impressed in the Porto goal.

Group E

A huge match loomed for Rafa Benitez and Liverpool as they travelled to Lyon, desperately in need of a win. When Ryan Babel scored with a cracker on 83-minutes, Liverpool seemed like they would get the win they needed, but much to the Reds’ dismay, Lisandro somehow got through the Liverpool defence with minutes remaining and finished into the top corner. That saw wild celebrations for the fans at the ground, Lyon’s at least. Lyon keeper Lloris was simply outstanding though, making several excellent saves to deny Torres and Kuyt. Liverpool now sits dangerously close to elimination with only two games left, and must win both those games to have any chance of qualification to the next round.

Fiorentina took advantage of the draw in Lyon to hamper the pressure on Liverpool and tighten their grip on a knockout spot. It was another seven-goal match, this time the Viola ran riot on Debreceni, winning five-two. However, things were tight at the interval, as Rudolf’s 38^th-minute goal cancelled out Mutu’s early strike. But after half time, Fiorentina put away four goals in a devastating twenty-two minute period that sees them a win away from a position in the next round. The loss sees Debreceni stuck to the bottom of the group and eliminated from the knockout stages.

Group F

To Group F now, where Inter Milan came from behind to secure victory over Dynamo Kyiv and keep the late goals coming in this Matchday.  Two goals in the last four minutes from Milito and Sneijder cancelled out Shevchenko’s early strike. Samuel Eto’o’s usually reliable goal poaching abilities were not on show as he missed some great opportunities throughout the game. However, their possession was not to be as they went top of the group. To add to Dynamo’s misery, Almeida will miss the next Matchday through suspension.

Last time they met, Rubin Kazan shocked the football world when they beat current Champions League and Spanish Champions Barcelona, two-one. They kept the surprises coming as they held Barca to a nil-all draw. Looking to play of the counter, Rubin sat back and tried to soak the Barca attack. But when Iniesta put Imbrahimovic through, the Swedish striker beat Ryzhikov but the post came to Rubin’s rescue. After constant pressure, Bukharov had a great chance to win it for Rubin, but he was unable to control the ball at the crucial time. The draw sees the group become very tight, with both teams sitting of five points, one point of both top and bottom spot.

Group G

Unirea Urziceni and Rangers played out a one-all draw in Romania as the Scottish side continue to look for their first win of the campaign. They looked like they might get it here, when McCulloch put Rangers into the lead with ten minutes to play. Rangers looked to add the elusive second goal, but Onofraş, who came on as a substitute scored a screamer with minutes remaining to keep them on course for a knockout position. Rangers still have a chance to qualify, but sit at the foot of the group.

A one-all draw was enough for Sevilla to qualify for the next stage of the competition as another stunning goal, this time from Kuzmanović, saw Stuttgart grab a point. Sevilla looked like coming away with victory after an early Jesus Navas strike, but when Kone and Duscher both sustained injuries, the Spanish club had to play the last fifteen minutes with ten men. Kuzmanović’s thunderbolt ended Sevilla’s perfect home record and leaves the German club two points from second place.

Group H

Proceedings conclude at Group H where Arsenal was rampant over AZ Alkmaar. With a perfect record in all competitions at home this season, the Gunners maintained their record of scoring three or more goals at home with a four-one thrashing. Andrei Arshavin and Cesc Fabregas shone for Arsenal with the Russian maestro claiming three assists and the talismanic captain grabbing two goals. Samir Nasri and Diaby rounded the scoring for the Gunners, but AZ got a late consolation through Lens. Arsenal is comfortable atop of Group H and will look to wrap up a knockout position in the next Matchday.

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