Manchester United are on the brink of elimination from the Champions League group stage after relinquishing a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Galatasaray in Istanbul on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven secured spots in the last 16.
United, three-time European champions, needed a victory against Galatasaray in Turkey to control their destiny for qualification, especially after losing to the same opponents at Old Trafford the previous month.
Erik ten Hag’s team initially seemed in command, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring early, followed by a remarkable strike from Bruno Fernandes in the 18th minute. Despite Hakim Ziyech pulling one back with a free-kick, Scott McTominay restored United’s two-goal lead early in the second half.
However, Galatasaray gained renewed hope as another Ziyech free-kick was fumbled into the net by United goalkeeper Andre Onana. The hosts completed the comeback with a brilliant 71st-minute strike by Kerem Akturkoglu.
United, having conceded 14 goals in five European matches, now find themselves at the bottom of Group A after this result. The situation is compounded by FC Copenhagen’s 0-0 draw against already-qualified Bayern Munich. With one game remaining, United must beat Bayern at home next month and hope for a draw between Copenhagen and Galatasaray to advance to the knockout rounds.
“We are going in the right direction, so I know we will be successful in the long-term but if you want to stay in the Champions League you need to win these games,” said Ten Hag.
In stark contrast to United’s European struggles this season, Arsenal have displayed impressive form, securing a spot in the last 16 with a commanding 6-0 victory over Lens in London.
Under Mikel Arteta’s management, Arsenal dominated the first half, establishing a five-goal lead with goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard.
The scoring was capped off by Jorginho, who converted a late penalty, allowing Arsenal to exact revenge for their 2-1 defeat by Lens in France the previous month.
“Today was the day to get it done. We did it in a beautiful way,” Arteta told broadcaster TNT Sports.
Arsenal have sealed the top spot in Group B, having scored an impressive 12 goals in their three home matches without conceding.
PSV, also advancing to the next round, secured second place with a remarkable comeback, winning 3-2 against Sevilla away.
Sergio Ramos and Youssef En-Nesyri had Sevilla leading 2-0, but a red card for Lucas Ocampos and goals from Ismael Saibari, a Nemanja Gudelj own goal and a stoppage-time strike from Ricardo Pepi secured the comeback for PSV.
Sevilla now need a win against Lens to salvage a spot in the Europa League.
Real Madrid, already through to the last 16, clinched the top spot in Group C with a 4-2 victory over Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Giovanni Simeone gave Napoli an early lead, answered immediately by Rodrygo’s superb strike. Jude Bellingham and late goals from Nico Paz and Joselu secured the win for Real.
Napoli failed to secure qualification as Braga could still catch up, drawing 1-1 against Union Berlin despite having Sikou Niakate sent off.
In Group D, Real Sociedad and Inter Milan, both already through, will determine the group topper in their upcoming meeting.
Inter recovered from a three-goal deficit to draw 3-3 with Benfica, with Joao Mario scoring a first-half hat-trick. Marko Arnautovic, Davide Frattesi, and an Alexis Sanchez penalty leveled the score, while Benfica ended with 10 men after Antonio Silva’s red card.
Real Sociedad drew 0-0 with Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday.
United, three-time European champions, needed a victory against Galatasaray in Turkey to control their destiny for qualification, especially after losing to the same opponents at Old Trafford the previous month.
Erik ten Hag’s team initially seemed in command, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring early, followed by a remarkable strike from Bruno Fernandes in the 18th minute. Despite Hakim Ziyech pulling one back with a free-kick, Scott McTominay restored United’s two-goal lead early in the second half.
However, Galatasaray gained renewed hope as another Ziyech free-kick was fumbled into the net by United goalkeeper Andre Onana. The hosts completed the comeback with a brilliant 71st-minute strike by Kerem Akturkoglu.
United, having conceded 14 goals in five European matches, now find themselves at the bottom of Group A after this result. The situation is compounded by FC Copenhagen’s 0-0 draw against already-qualified Bayern Munich. With one game remaining, United must beat Bayern at home next month and hope for a draw between Copenhagen and Galatasaray to advance to the knockout rounds.
“We are going in the right direction, so I know we will be successful in the long-term but if you want to stay in the Champions League you need to win these games,” said Ten Hag.
In stark contrast to United’s European struggles this season, Arsenal have displayed impressive form, securing a spot in the last 16 with a commanding 6-0 victory over Lens in London.
Under Mikel Arteta’s management, Arsenal dominated the first half, establishing a five-goal lead with goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard.
The scoring was capped off by Jorginho, who converted a late penalty, allowing Arsenal to exact revenge for their 2-1 defeat by Lens in France the previous month.
“Today was the day to get it done. We did it in a beautiful way,” Arteta told broadcaster TNT Sports.
Arsenal have sealed the top spot in Group B, having scored an impressive 12 goals in their three home matches without conceding.
PSV, also advancing to the next round, secured second place with a remarkable comeback, winning 3-2 against Sevilla away.
Sergio Ramos and Youssef En-Nesyri had Sevilla leading 2-0, but a red card for Lucas Ocampos and goals from Ismael Saibari, a Nemanja Gudelj own goal and a stoppage-time strike from Ricardo Pepi secured the comeback for PSV.
Sevilla now need a win against Lens to salvage a spot in the Europa League.
Real Madrid, already through to the last 16, clinched the top spot in Group C with a 4-2 victory over Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Giovanni Simeone gave Napoli an early lead, answered immediately by Rodrygo’s superb strike. Jude Bellingham and late goals from Nico Paz and Joselu secured the win for Real.
Napoli failed to secure qualification as Braga could still catch up, drawing 1-1 against Union Berlin despite having Sikou Niakate sent off.
In Group D, Real Sociedad and Inter Milan, both already through, will determine the group topper in their upcoming meeting.
Inter recovered from a three-goal deficit to draw 3-3 with Benfica, with Joao Mario scoring a first-half hat-trick. Marko Arnautovic, Davide Frattesi, and an Alexis Sanchez penalty leveled the score, while Benfica ended with 10 men after Antonio Silva’s red card.
Real Sociedad drew 0-0 with Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday.
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