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, San Sebastián and Inter Milan are in the knockout phase of the premier class early. Kai Havertz and Arsenal FC are well on their way.
Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Real Sociedad San Sebastián have reached the knockout phase of the Champions League early, Arsenal FC have taken a big step towards it.
Real beat Sporting Braga 3-0 (1-0) and got 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 RC Lens 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 Lens. Leandro Trossard (29th) and Bukayo Saka (64th) scored the goals for coach Mikel Arteta’s team.