Champions League Update

By: Gyang Dakwo

Arsenal took another step towards the knock-out stages of the Champions League as they breezed to a 2-0 victory over Sevilla.

The Gunners, who enjoyed 68% possession in the first-half, were on top from the off at the Emirates Stadium, with Kai Havertz guilty of missing an early sitter from close range.

A number of other chances from inside the box were wasted as the hosts were guilty of not hitting the target, but they eventually made their dominance count when Leandro Trossard converted from close range after good work by Jorginho and Bukayo Saka.

It took some time for the second to come, as the hosts often struggled with their final ball despite getting into many promising positions, but Saka eventually got it with an emphatic finish midway through the second half.

The Gunners are now on the verge of reaching the knock-out stages after their third win in four matches in Group B, the only blemish coming in that shock defeat in France to Lens.

In Spain, Real Madrid booked their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League with a 3-0 victory over Braga.

The match did not play out without alarm for Real, as Andriy Lunin saved a penalty from Alvaro Djalo after Cristian Borja had been hauled down in the box by Lucas Vazquez.

Brahim Diaz eased Real nerves when tucking home following an excellent run and cross from Rodrygo.

Real doubled their lead on 58 minutes when Vinicius tucked home a low shot from eight yards.

Rodrygo went from provider to scorer just past the hour, as Real broke forward at pace – Rodrygo exchanged passes with Vinicius before dinking a cute finish over Matheus Magalhaes.

The win moved Real to 12 points from four games, with the aim now to secure top spot in their final two matches.

There was huge drama in Denmark, as Manchester United let a two-goal lead slip in a 4-3 loss to Copenhagen.

Two goals from Rajmus Hojlund had United in cruise control, but Marcus Rashford saw red on 42 minutes and the game changed.

After drawing level at 2-2, Copenhagen conceded a penalty and Bruno Fernandes put United back in front.

Lukas Lerager drew the Danish side level, and the Parken stadium went wild when Roony Bardghji lashed home the winner three minutes from time.

The defeat leaves United bottom of Group A on three points, behind leaders Bayern on 12 – with Galatasaray and Copenhagen on four.