After a three week break Champions League returned as the second half of the groups played their penultimate group fixtures. We are now getting a clearer view on who is going to make it to the last 16 as groups are becoming all or nearly settled.
Group E: Roma came from two down to overcome Bayern Munich and almost guarantee their progression into the last 16 where Munich are already headed. Mario Gomez scored two goals in six minutes (33rd and 39th) to give last season's runners-up the lead at half-time. Marco Borriello pulled one back four minutes into the second half before two goals in the last ten minutes sealed the victory for Roma; first Daniele De Rossi equalised for Roma with nine minutes left before veteran substitute Totti scored three minutes later from the penalty spot.
FC Basle remain three points behind Roma and just about still in with a chance of stealing a place into the last 16 after beating Cluj 1-0 in Switzerland. Federico Almerares scored the only goal after fifteen minutes. Cluj were down to ten men in final couple of minutes when Felice Piccolo received a straight red.
Group F: Marseille all but sealed their place into the last 16 after beating Spartak Moscow 3-0 in Russia. After scoring against England last week, Valbuena opened the scoring after 18 minutes. Loic Remy doubled their lead nine minutes into the second half. Morais Welliton received a straight red for Spartak after 64 minutes and Marseille got their third just four minutes later from Brandao. Spartak remain just three points behind Marseille and could still clinch second from them in the remaining game.
Chelsea continued their 100% record, coming from behind to beat Zilina 2-1. Bello Babatounde gave the visitors the lead after nineteen minutes. Danny Sturridge equalised for Chelsea six minutes into the second half before Florent Malouda won the game four minutes from time.
Group G: Real Madrid secured their last 16 spot with an eventful 4-0 win against Ajax. Karim Benzema opened the scoring after 36 minutes and Alvaro Arbeloa made it 2-0 just before the break. Ronaldo made it three after 70 minutes before scoring his second of the night from the penalty spot with nine minutes left. The action didn't end there as Xabi Alonso was given a second yellow card three minutes from time and Madrid were down to nine men in injury time when Ramos also received a second yellow card.
AC Milan will join Real Madrid into the last 16 after beating Auxerre 2-0. Zlatan Ibrahimovic put the visitors ahead after 65 minutes before Ronaldinho came off the bench to settle the tie in injury time.
Group H: Arsenal squandered the opportunity to progress after a 2-0 defeat in Portugal against Braga. Two late goals from Matheus after 83 minutes and in second half injury time saw Braga go level on points with Arsenal going into the final group game.
Shakhtar Donetsk aren't completely safe despite beating Partizan Belgrade 3-0. Teras Stepanenko opened the scoring seven minutes into the second half before Jadson doubled their lead seven minutes later. Eduardo finished things off after 68 minutes to keep Shakhtar top of the group, but only three points ahead of Braga and Arsenal with Braga still to play Shakhtar Donetsk.
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