UEFA Champions League Update: Gunners Revenge at Dortmund as Messi’s Brace Sinks Milan

Arsenal became the first English team to win at Dortmund’s Westfalendstadion home, as the Gunners maintained an impressive away form with a 1-0 victory over the Germans.

The Gunners’ victory over Group F counterparts on Wednesday was their 14th win in 15 unbeaten away games and, even if it doesn’t secure their passage through to the last 16; it serves as a necessary revenge for their defeat at home to Dortmund a fortnight ago.

Elsewhere, Spanish teams Atletico Madrid and Barcelona eased through to the knockout stage with victories over Austria Vienna and AC Milan.

GROUP E

Chelsea moved three points clear at the top of Group E with their 3-0 win Schalke, who had started the night level on points with the Blues.

Jose Mourinho’s side just needs a point from their next match, at home to Basel, to secure qualification.

The Swiss side could have gone into second place if they had beaten Steaua Bucharest, but the Romanians were a goal ahead for much of the game after striker Federico Piovaccari fired them ahead after 17 minutes.

Steaua were a few minutes away from going up into second place when substitute Giovanni Sio equalised for Basel in injury time.

Aaron Ramsey Heads Past Roman Weidenfeller from a Mesut Ozil's Cross.
Aaron Ramsey Heads Past Roman Weidenfeller from a Mesut Ozil’s Cross.

GROUP F

Arsenal and Napoli are still level at the top of the group, on nine points, after their respective wins on Wednesday night.

Aaron Ramsey’s header gave Arsenal a much-needed revenge for their 2-1 home loss to Dortmund a fortnight ago, and they top the group after their victory over the Italian side earlier in the campaign.

Marseille had taken the lead after 10 minutes, but Napoli were ahead before half-time through two goals in as many minutes.

The French side drew level after the break, but Gonzalo Higuain’s second goal of the night gave the Italians a lead that they hung on to until full time, eliminating Marseille in the process.

If Arsenal beat Marseille at home, they will require just a point from their final match when they face Napoli away.

Napoli travel to Dortmund on match day five, but the German side must win to stay in the competition if Arsenal beat Marseille. Even a draw would not be good enough for Jurgen Klopp’s side if Arsenal win, as even if they drew level with Napoli with a win in the final match their head-to-head with the Italians would be inferior.

GROUP G

Atletico Madrid eased through to the last 16 with a 4-0 win over Austria Vienna.

The Spanish side were three goals ahead by half-time, through Miranda, Raul Garcia and Filipe Luis, and Diego Costa’s 14th goal in all competitions in the second half ensured that Atletico will qualify as group winners.

With 12 points, they cannot be caught by Zenit St Petersburg, who have five points after their 1-1 draw at home to FC Porto.

Lucho had put the Portuguese side ahead halfway through the first half, but Zenit striker Hulk, playing against his old club, levelled five minutes later.

The Brazilian had the chance to put Zenit ahead from the penalty spot in the second half, but his weak effort was saved by Helton.

A win for Zenit will move them onto eight points if they beat Atletico on match day five, while Porto face the Austrian outfit, who have one point from four games.

GROUP H

Barcelona booked their place in the last 16 with a 3-1 win over AC Milan.

Lionel Messi scored two goals either side of the break, with his first coming from the penalty spot, with Sergio Busquets grabbing the other while Gerard Pique’s own goal had given Milan hope just before half-time.

Lasse Schone’s superb goal was enough to give Ajax a win over Celtic that gives the Dutch side hope and leaves the Scottish champions struggling to qualify for the last 16.

Celtic needs at least a point from their home meeting with Milan to retain hope of qualifying.

(Matchday Four Update Sourced from the BBC Sport)