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Copenhagen through as Champions League group winners

Other News Materials 8 December 2010 02:56 (UTC +04:00)

Just one qualifying place for the knockout phase of the Champions League was up for grabs Tuesday with Danish champions FC Copenhagen pipping Rubin Kazan to a spot in the tournament's last 16, dpa reported.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United both go into Friday's draw as group winners after playing out draws, as do Barcelona and Bundesliga side Schalke 04 courtesy of victories over Kazan and Benfica, respectively.

Copenhagen eased to a 3-1 win over Panathinaikos thanks to goals from Martin Vingaard, Jesper Gronkjaer and an own goal from Djibril Cisse to book their place from Group D. Cedric Kante netted a last- minute consolation effort for the Greeks.

Kazan have to settle for a place in the Europa League after crashing 2-0 away to Barcelona, who were already assured of top spot in the group. The goals were scored in the second half by defender Andreu Fontas and midfielder Victor Vazquez, two of the many youngsters given a rare start by Barca coach Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola gave a well-earned rest to Xavi, David Villa, Dani Alves and Pedro, and left Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi on the bench.

"It was a complicated game, but we played well together," said Fontas.

Tottenham secured first place in Group A after a 3-3 draw away to Dutch side FC Twente. Spurs went ahead through an own goal from Peter Wisgerhof, whose weak backpass was inexplicably missed by Twente goalkeeper Sander Boschker.

Twente levelled matters before the break through a penalty from Denny Landzaat, who scored at the second attempt after being ordered to retake his first spot-kick due to an interrupted run-up.

Jermain Defoe twice restored the English Premier League side's lead in the second half but each time the home side fought back, first through Roberto Rosales and then Nacer Chadli.

Holders Inter Milan have to be satisfied with progressing in second spot from the group after going down 3-0 to German side Werder Bremen.

Sebastian Proedl netted the opening goal of the game on 38 minutes, heading home a Torsten Frings corner while Marko Arnautovic made it 2-0 shortly after the restart with a superb volley. Claudio Pizarro completed the rout two minutes from the end.

Although struggling down in 15th place in the Bundesliga, Schalke clinched top spot in Group B thanks to victory against Benfica.

Jose Manuel opened the scoring on 19 minutes for Felix Magath's side with Benedikt Hoewedes doubling the visitors' lead on 81. Luisao pulled one back for the Portuguese side three minutes from time.

"We only took our foot off the gas at the end of the game," said Magath. "We knew we were through by then."

Olympique Lyon, who were already assured of qualification, drew 2- 2 with Hapoel Tel Aviv, a result the sees the Israelis progress to the Europa League.

Manchester United got the draw they needed at home to Valencia to secure top spot in Group C.

The Spaniards looked on track to finish top themselves when going in front through Pablo Hernandez but a second-half equalizer from Anderson ensured the tie ended 1-1.

"Wayne Rooney certainly showed tonight he is getting back to his best," said United coach Sire Alex Ferguson.

The other group game between Rangers played and Bursaspor also ended 1-1.

The Champions League continues Wednesday with matches in Groups E,F,G and H. Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Olympique Marseille, Real Madrid and AC Milan are already assured of their place in the last 16.

The two top teams from each of the eight groups continue in the knockout stages, the third-placed teams go into the Europa League and the bottom clubs are eliminated from Europe.

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