Atletico qualify for Champions League last 16

Atletico Madrid 2-1 FC Rostov

Atletico piled on the pressure from the outset against Rostov notching 15 shots in the first half at the Calderon. However, it took a bit of magic from Antoine Griezmann to break the deadlock in the 29th minute. Yannick Carrasco’s ball into the area was flicked on by a Russian defender and the France striker, with his back to goal, volleyed the ball into the top corner as he twisted in the air.

Diego Simeone’s men, who had kept 15 clean sheets in 18 Champions League home games under the Argentine, were pegged back only a minute later. Sardar Azmoun beat Jan Oblak to become the first player to score against the Rojiblancos in Europe this season.

It was a monologue of Atletico pressure after the break but it wasn’t until time added on when a ball lobbed into the area was flicked on and Griezmann volleyed the ball in off the underside of the crossbar to spark wild celebrations. Atletico qualified for the last 16 with a perfect 12 points from four games in Group D.

Manchester City 3-1 FC Barcelona

Qualification for the Champions League last 16 will have to wait for Barcelona after they were defeated 3-1 by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. 

Luis Enrique’s side took the lead after 21 minutes through Leo Messi, who tucked home a pass from Neymar after a blistering counter-attack. Barcelona dominated play from that moment on but failed to capitalise on a number of clear chances to extend their lead and were made to pay when Ilkay Gundogan tapped in Raheem Sterling’s pass across goal to put the home side back on level terms shortly before half time.

Manchester City came out strongly for the second half and were quickly rewarded when Kevin De Bruyne rifled home a free kick on 51 minutes. The introduction of Arda Turan for Ivan Rakitic, who took a knock in the first half, injected some energy into the Barcelona midfield but City continued to press and have the better of the chances. Gundogan scored his second and the home side’s third of the night in the 74th minute, knocking in a loose ball after David Silva’s cross was deflected into his path by Sergio Aguero. 

Barcelona stay top of Group C but will now have to wait until Matchday 5 on the 23rd November, when they visit Celtic, to wrap up qualification for the knockout stages.