Shakhtar Donetsk have reached the Champions League knockout stages after finishing on top of Group H.
The Ukrainian side, who have often come close to progressing in recent years, earned a 2-0 home win over Braga on Wednesday to finish three points clear of second placed Arsenal. Razvan Rat (pictured) and Luiz Adriano got the goals that condemned the Portuguese side to the Europa League.
Chelsea and Marseille had already qualified from Group F, while Spartak Moscow were assured of their place in the Europa League, so it is regrettable that the latter’s dead rubber game away to Slovakia’s MSK Zilina began with some ugly scenes.
A fire cracker was launched onto the pitch from the away supporters’ section delaying the game for 20 minutes before the Russians went on to win 2-1.
Tomas Matjan put the Slovenian side ahead just after half-time, but Alex and Ibson hit back for the visitors, the latter later sent off for violent conduct.
Roma ensured progression from Group E after a 1-1 draw with CFR Cluj in Romania. Marco Borriello gave them the lead, but Lacina Traore’s late equaliser was not enough to deny them qualification as they only needed a point.
Basle will play in the Europa League despite a 3-0 defeat away to Bayern Munich, Franck Ribery scoring twice for last year’s runners-up whose goal tally was also added to by Anatoliy Tymoschuk.
Real Madrid had long ensured top spot in Group G and finished their campaign in style as Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick in their 4-0 win at home to Auxerre. Cristiano Ronaldo scored just the one.
Demy De Zeeuw and Toby Alderweireld got the goals as Ajax ensured third place with an impressive 2-0 win away to already-qualified AC Milan.