Champions League
Real, Inter and San Sebastián in the round of 16
Brahim Diaz (r) gave Real Madrid the lead against Praga. photo
© Jose Breton/AP
Real Madrid and Inter Milan are in the knockout phase of the premier class early, while surprise team Real Sociedad has also already qualified. Kai Havertz and Arsenal are well on their way.
Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Real Sociedad San Sebastián have reached the knockout phase early Reached the Champions League, Arsenal FC has taken a big step towards it.
Real beat Sporting Braga 3-0 (1-0) on Wednesday evening and took their fourth win in their fourth game. Inter made everything clear with the late 1-0 (0-0) win at FC Salzburg, Real Sociedad had previously easily defeated Benfica Lisbon 3-1 (3-0). Arsenal, with Kai Havertz in the starting line-up, defeated Sevilla FC 2-0 (1-0) and remains the confident leader of Group B.
Brahim Díaz (27th minute), Vinicius Júnior (58th) and Rodrygo (61st) ensured a relaxed evening for Real, who comfortably lead Group C with twelve points from four games.
Late Inter goal against Salzburg
Last year’s finalists Inter can also plan for the next round thanks to striker Lautaro Martínez. The Argentine soccer world champion scored the decisive goal with a penalty in the 86th minute in Salzburg, which now has no chance of reaching the knockout phase.
This also applies to coach Roger Schmidt and Benfica, who showed a dismal performance in San Sebastián. Former Dortmund player Mikel Merino (6th minute), Mikel Oyarzabal (11th) and Ander Barrenetxea (21st) made the decision before the break. After the break, Schmidt’s team at least improved a bit. Rafa Silva (49th) managed to score quickly, but it wasn’t enough for the quarter-finalists from last season.
Arsenal are on course towards the round of 16 thanks to their comfortable win against Sevilla. Leandro Trossard (29th) and Bukayo Saka (64th) scored the goals for coach Mikel Arteta’s team.