Holders Atletico Madrid suffered a humiliating first-stage exit Thursday in this season's Europa Cup, after a draw at Bayern Leverkusen that consigns them to no better than third in their group, dpa reported.
In a match played in snowy conditions in Germany, Fran Merida's 72nd-minute equalizer gave Atletico hope, but Patrick Helmes' goal for Leverkusen was enough to secure a 1-1 draw.
With Aris Salonika beating Rosenborg 2-0, even an Atletico win on the night would not have been enough for them to qualify for the next phase of the event.
Leverkusen had already qualified for the next stage as winners of Group B, but they put out a strong team and more than matched Atletico on a cold, difficult night.
It is the first time the holders have crashed out in the first round since CSKA Moscow suffered the same fate five years ago.
Manchester City secured top spot in Group A with a 1-1 draw against Juventus in Turin. The Italian side had already been eliminated but put up a good fight, with Niccolo Giannetti putting them ahead two minutes before half-time.
With Lech Poznan winning 1-0 at SV Salzburg in Austria, City's hopes of topping the group were in doubt until Brazilian striker Jo fired the equalizer 14 minutes from time to put City top on goal difference.
City manager Roberto Mancini said it had been important that his side finished top of their group.
"We have a chance to go all the way, but it is important to have a good draw for the next round, and after that we will see," he said.
"Juventus have a good team, and we started very well. It was strange to concede the goal, but we played well, and for me this is important. I did not expect to play against such a strong Juventus team. Our players showed good character, and we hope to carry on like this. But in the end I think we deserved a draw, minimum."
Lille snatched a place in the last 16 thanks to a 3-0 win over AA Gent in France, securing second spot in Group C behind winners Sporting Lisbon.
The remaining places in the last 16 will be secured later Thursday, with AEK Athens needing a point from their match at home to Zenit St Petersburg.
The Russian side have already qualified as group winners, but if they beat AEK then Anderlecht could pip them for a place in the next stage by beating Hajduk Split in Belgium.
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