Atlético Madrid will join Real Madrid and Barcelona in the knock-out stages after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Monaco on Wednesday. With only two minutes gone Badiashile deflected a shot from Koke in to his own net, and some twenty minutes later Griezmann got the second following a good run by Correa. Falcao had a chance to get one back late on when Savic was sent off for a second bookable offence after handling in the area, but the ex Atleti striker put the resulting spot kick wide. Simeone’s side now top their group after Borussia Dortmund could only draw against Club Brugge, and a win in Belgium in two weeks’ time will ensure they stay there. Barcelona meanwhile consolidate their position at the top of their own group after beating PSV Eindhoven 1-2. The Dutch side hit the woodwork three times in the first half, but another moment of Messi magic put the Catalans in front on the hour mark. Piqué added a second from Messi’s free kick some ten minutes later, and De Jong headed a late consolation for the hosts from Angeliño’s cross. (28.11.18)
Real Madrid bounced back from their surprise defeat at Eibar on Saturday with a 0-2 victory at Roma which ensures them top spot in their Champions League group. Both teams came into the tie knowing they were already sure of a place in the next round after Viktoria Plsen beat CSKA Moscow earlier in the evening, and after an even first half, Bale opened the scoring after intercepting a poor headed back pass by Fazio. A few minutes later Lucas Vázquez made it two after Benzema headed back Bale’s cross, and Marcelo and Benzema could have added to the lead later on. Valencia are out of the Champions League though after they lost 1-0 at Juventus, and they will have to make do with a place in the Europa League from now on. Mandzukic got the only goal from Ronaldo’s cross early on in the second half, but with Manchester United drawing in the other group game, the Ches looked as if they may still have a chance to continue. However Mourinho’s side got a last minute winner to end their hopes. (27.11.18)