Sly dream goal saves Schmidt and Benfica
At the very last minute, Benfica Lisbon saved themselves to third place in their Champions League group. The German coach's team managed to do what Sergio Ramos and Sevilla FC were denied: qualify for the Europa League. FC Copenhagen seals Manchester United's elimination.
Roger Schmidt can at least continue in the Europa League with Benfica Lisbon after a botched Champions League season. The German coach won 3:1 (2:0) with Portugal's soccer champions at FC Salzburg and thus moved up to third place in Group D. This entitles them to participate in the Europa League from next year. For the Austrians, on the other hand, the season in the European Cup is over.
Ángel Di María (32nd minute) with a direct corner and Rafa Silva (45.+1) had initially put Roger Schmidt's team on course for the Europa League in Salzburg. But then Luka Sučić (57') reduced the deficit for the hosts. Only a two-goal victory would secure Benfica's place in Europe for the winter - and the decisive goal came from substitute Arthur Cabral in the second minute of stoppage time. The "final" for the group win between Real Sociedad San Sebastian and Inter Milan, who are level on points, ended 0-0 - meaning the Spaniards go into the round of 16 in first place on goal difference.
Sevilla FC, on the other hand, will not be able to defend their title as Europa League winners following their elimination from the Champions League. The Andalusians lost 2:1 (0:0) at RC Lens and only finished fourth in Group B behind the French side. Sevilla, record holders with seven UEFA Cup or Europa League titles, would have needed a win to stay in Europe for the winter.
Angelo Fulgini scored the winner for Lens (90.+6). The previous goals were scored from penalties, both of which were controversial decisions by German referee Felix Zwayer. Przemyslaw Frankowski scored for the hosts (63') and Sergio Ramos equalized (80') - at the second attempt: he had failed at the first, but goalkeeper Brice Samba had moved too early.
Copenhagen knock Manchester United out
In the second match between PSV Eindhoven and FC Arsenal, the only thing left to play for was the 2.8 million euro prize money - which was shared as a result of the 1:1 (0:1) draw. Nothing could change in the table anyway: The hosts had already been confirmed as group runners-up thanks to winning the direct comparison with Lens, while the Gunners were unassailable in first place.
SSC Napoli and FC Copenhagen also made it through to the round of 16. The Italian champions won 2:0 (2:0) against SC Braga. An own goal from Serdar Saatci (9') and top Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen (33') ensured a commanding win against Braga and secured second place, which entitles the team to take part in the round of 16.
Copenhagen surprisingly also made it into the knockout phase of the top flight for the second time since the 2010/2011 season, with Lukas Lerager (58) scoring against Galatasaray to secure their place in the next round. Galatasaray will be allowed to compete in the Europa League after the turn of the year, as FC Bayern won 1:0 at Manchester United in the parallel match - sending the Red Devils out of the European Cup in last place.
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Benfica Lisbon's last-minute goal secures their third place in the Champions League group, thereby qualifying for the Europa League, just like Manchester United's opponents in the group, Sevilla FC, were denied earlier. In the Europa League, Benfica's coach, Roger Schmidt, will aim to redeem himself after a less-than-impressive Champions League season. SSC Naples, another team in contention for European glory, secured their spot in the Europa League round of 16, securing second place in their group with a commanding 2-0 win over SC Braga. Ironically, FC Copenhagen's victory against Galatasaray Istanbul sent Manchester United out of the Champions League, ensuring the English side will not be competing in any European tournament next season.
Source: www.ntv.de
