Benfica's Rafa Silva scored two superb goals as they edged Juventus 4-3 in a thriller at Estadio da Luz on Tuesday to seal a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League and end the Italian club's chances in this year's competition.
Benfica have 11 points from five games, the same as Group H leaders Paris St Germain, while Juve's three points leaves them to focus on winning a place in the Europe League, something they can secure on the final matchday when they host the French giants.
The home side are now unbeaten in 20 games in all competitions this season and it is easy to see why as they were inventive with the ball and might have been out of sight at halftime before a late Juve rally meant a nervous finish.
As it was, it is the first time in Juve's history they have conceded three first half goals in the Champions League and the first time since 2013-14 they have failed to get out of their group.
Highlights: Juventus will not play in the knock-out stages for the first time in nine years after losing 4-3 at Benfica#ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/vSQNl24wIV
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 25, 2022
Paris St Germain's Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe both scored twice, with Neymar also on target, as the French club's fearsome attack tore apart Maccabi Haifa in a 7-2 win to send them into the last 16.
The irrepressible trio were simply too much for Maccabi to handle although the Israeli side showed plenty of spirit in the Group H clash, with Abdoulaye Seck scoring twice.
Despite their heavy defeat, Maccabi remain level on three points with Juve and will go into their last game at home against Benfica still hopeful of sealing a Europa League spot.
Highlights: Leo Messi and Kylian Mbappe both scored twice with Neymar also on target as PSG's fearsome attack tore apart Maccabi Haifa in a 7-2 win pic.twitter.com/xv4xH48PbE
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 25, 2022
RB Leipzig took a big step towards the knockout stage with a 3-2 home win over an under-strength Real Madrid side thanks to goals from Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku and Timo Werner.
The German side are second in Group F on nine points, one behind leaders Real and three ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk, who they face in their final group game next week in need of a draw to guarantee a top-two spot.
Donetsk earned a 1-1 draw at Celtic that ensured the Scots will finish bottom of the group.
Highlights: RB Leipzig took a big step towards the Champions League knockout stage with a 3-2 home win over an under-strength Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/cLlaFoi0RK
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 25, 2022
Borussia Dortmund drew 0-0 with already-qualified Manchester City to book their spot in the knockout stage with a game to spare.
The result made sure that City, who missed a second-half penalty and are on 11 points, will top Group G while Dortmund, on eight, punched the second qualifying ticket, locking down second spot ahead of third-placed Sevilla, who have five points.
Sevilla had earlier secured a convincing 3-0 home win against 10-man FC Copenhagen after second-half goals from Youssef En-Nesyri, Isco and Gonzalo Montiel.
A fine strike from Kai Havertz earned Chelsea a battling 2-1 victory at Red Bull Salzburg as they clinched a spot in the Champions League round of 16.
AC Milan revived their hopes of reaching the last 16 with a 4-0 win at Dinamo Zagreb in Group E.
Back-to-back defeats by Chelsea in their two previous matches had left Milan with plenty to do to qualify for the knockout stages, but Matteo Gabbia's first-half header set them on their way to a crucial victory in Croatia.
Portugal forward Rafael Leao's solo run and finish early in the second half put the game beyond the home side, before French striker Olivier Giroud made doubly sure of the three points with a penalty just before the hour mark.
A late own goal put the seal on the second win of Milan's European campaign that moves them up to second place on seven points. If they avoid defeat next week against third-placed Red Bull Salzburg they will reach the last 16.
