Paris: English champions Manchester City and rivals Arsenal both slumped to defeats in their final Champions League group matches leaving City without even the consolation of a Europa League spot and the Gunners failing to top their group and facing a tough Last 16 draw.
City bowed out with a passionless performance in a 1-0 defeat away to a largely second string Borussia Dortmund side, who topped the group, while City finished bottom with three points, the lowest amount recorded by an English side in the history of the group phase.
Ajax took the Europa League place despite losing 4-1 away at Real Madrid.
Arsenal let slip a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 away at Olympiakos, who secured a deserved Europa League place while German outfit Schalke 04’s 1-1 draw away at Montpellier ensured they edged out Arsenal for the top spot.
That will only increase the pressure on the English side’s manager Arsene Wenger with their domestic title hopes all but over as they trail Manchester United by 15 points.
“We had a good first half but dropped physically in the second. Many of the players are not used to that level,” he said.
Real Madrid eased to victory over Ajax with Brazilian star Kaka’s effort making him the most prolific all-time Brazilian in the Champions League with 28 edging ahead of fellow 2002 World Cup winner Rivaldo.
Real coach Jose Mourinho said that he wasn’t disappointed with their group campaign.
“Well we emerged from the Group of Death and there will be plenty of teams who topped their groups who will not wish to be drawn against us,” said Mourinho. (AFP)