MUNICH, Nov 9: Bayern Munich top scorer Harry Kane struck twice in seven minutes late in the game to guide his team to a 2-1 victory over Galatasaray on Wednesday and secure a spot in the Champions League knockout stage as group winners with two games to spare.
The England captain, who had scored a hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday, headed in a Joshua Kimmich free kick in the 80th minute and then tapped in his second six minutes later to make sure of a top two finish.
SAKA STARS IN GUNNERS WIN
Bukayo Saka set up the first goal before scoring himself to lead Arsenal to a 2-0 win over Sevilla that strengthened the English team’s position atop its Champions League group.
The England forward laid the ball off for Leandro Trossard to sweep home a low finish in the 29th minute at Emirates Stadium.
Saka then doubled the lead in the 64th by running onto Gabriel Martinelli’s pass, cutting inside and slotting home past goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic.
Saka hobbled off the field before the final whistle after being on the end of some rough tackles by Sevilla throughout the match. He’d done enough damage by then.
Arsenal moved onto nine points in Group B, four more than both PSV Eindhoven and Lens. Sevilla was languishing in last place on two points.
MARTINEZ FIRES INTER TO LAST 16
Lautaro Martínez came off the bench and scored as Inter Milan won 1-0 at Salzburg to advance to the knockout stage of the Champions League with two matches to spare.
Martínez was one of the players initially rested by Inter coach Simone Inzaghi. He was brought on in the 68th minute along with Nicolò Barella, who won the penalty which Martínez tucked away in the 85th.
It was the 14th goal of the season in all competitions for Argentine World Cup winner Martínez.
Inter, last season’s runner-up, is level on 10 points with Real Sociedad at the top of Group D.
Sociedad also booked its place in the round of 16 thanks to Inter’s result, after earlier beating Benfica 3-1. Salzburg has three points and Benfica zero.
Serie A leader Inter knew victory in Austria would see it advance in Europe and the team was coming off a run of five straight wins.
MADRID, SOCIEDAD THROUGH
Real Madrid beat Braga 3-0 in Group match to seal a place in the Round of 16 and extend their spectacular run in the Champions League Group Stage.
Goals for Brahim, Vini Jr. and Rodrygo clinch victory for Real Madrid against Braga to book a place in the next round on Wednesday night.
Brahim set the team on the way in the first half, stroking home from a Rodrygo pass, before the other two goals arrived in a stunning second half.
Vini Jr. extended the lead with 58 on the clock and Rodrygo made it three with an exquisite chip three minutes later.
Real Madrid only need a point against Napoli next time out to secure top spot in the group C.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad defeated Benfica (3-1) in a spectacular Group D contest to set up a third successive Group D win and sealed a place in the knockout stages.
Sociedad scored three goals inside the opening 21 minutes. Merino scored the first, capitalizing on an accidental pass from Aihen. Oyarzabal scored the second goal after outplaying Otamendi.
Barrene’s third goal was a masterpiece, with a cut and a ball into the top corner.
Merino had a goal disallowed for handball, while Brais missed a penalty by hitting the post. Benfica, except for a well-saved shot by Remiro, posed no threat. (Agencies)
