Wednesday, November 25, 2009 Full Version
Add Maktoob Business Blackberry Shortcut To Home Screen
Chelsea, Man Utd qualify in Champions League
Published: 11/3/2009 10:18:00 PM
By Pirate Irwin

PARIS - English giants Chelsea and Manchester United made hard work of it but ended up coming from behind to both qualify for the Champions League knockout stages on Tuesday.

French champions Bordeaux joined them as they earned an impressive 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in Munich, while Porto can also look forward to Champions League football in the spring after winning 1-0 at APOEL Nicosia.

However, things look stark for Bayern Munich and their Champions League-winning coach Louis van Gaal as his side trail second-placed Juventus by four points in Group A with two matches remaining.

Chelsea came from 1-0 down to draw 2-2 with Atletico Madrid - Didier Drogba scoring both goals on his return from a three-match Champions League suspension.

"It was a good game but frustrating because we didn't win it," said Drogba.

"I have played many Champions League games with Chelsea in the past and to be honest I am just happy to be back on the pitch.

"We have qualified which is great although it would have been nice to do it with a win."

United had to come from even further behind as they trailed 3-1 late into the match against CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford before two goals levelled matters and pushed them through.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was relieved to have progressed but was left less than happy by the referee's performance, especially over a penalty that was not awarded for a trip on Darren Fletcher - the Scottish midfielder being booked instead.

"I can't believe the decision. Its one of the worst I have seen in my lifetime," fumed the irascible Scot.

Page 1 of 3
Related Stories
» Olympiakos draw 0-0 with Alkmaar
» Unirea move closer to knockout phase
» Rangers suffer calamity as European hopes end
» Fiorentina win sends Liverpool crashing out
» Gunners cruise into last 16 with 2-0 win
» BACK
Article Tools
SINGLE PAGE

Article of 10
NEXT -
PREVIOUS -
» BACK

More

HOME | BUSINESS | NEWS | MAKTOOBfn | SPORT | JOBS