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Bellingham sets scoring record as Real beat Napoli

Man Utd on brink of Champions League exit

Arsenal, PSV into last 16


December 01, 2023 00:00:00


Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham celebrating after scoring his side's second goal during the Champions League Group C soccer match against Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday — AP

PARIS, Nov 29 (Agencies): Manchester United are facing elimination from the Champions League in the group stage after squandering a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Galatasaray in Istanbul on Wednesday, while Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven secured qualification for the last 16.

Three-time European champions United needed a win in Turkey, against opponents who beat them at Old Trafford last month, in order to keep qualification for the knockout rounds in their hands.

Erik ten Hag's side appeared in control when Alejandro Garnacho's early opener was followed by a stunning strike by Bruno Fernandes on 18 minutes.

Hakim Ziyech pulled one back with a free-kick, only for Scott McTominay to restore the visitors' two-goal advantage early in the second half. Yet Galatasaray were again given hope when another Ziyech free-kick was fumbled into the net by United goalkeeper Andre Onana, and the hosts equalised thanks to a brilliant 71st-minute strike by Kerem Akturkoglu.

United have now conceded 14 goals in five European matches and this result, combined with FC Copenhagen's 0-0 draw away to already-qualified Bayern Munich, leaves the Premier League side bottom of Group A with one game remaining.

In order to go through they must now beat Bayern at home next month and hope Copenhagen and Galatasaray draw.

"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.

Jude Bellingham became the first player to score in each of his first four Champions League appearances for Real Madrid as they saw off spirited Napoli.

The England midfielder headed in David Alaba's cross in the 22nd minute to put the 14-time winners 2-1 ahead.

It was the 20-year-old's 15th goal in his 16th appearance for Los Blancos.

He also assisted the fourth goal for Joselu in added time as Real continued their perfect record in this season's Champions League with a 4-2 win.

Giovanni Simeone, son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego, gave Napoli an early lead, but Rodrygo equalised immediately, continuing his fine form with a superb strike for his seventh goal in his last seven games.

However, teenage substitute Nico Paz made it 3-2 for Real with a long-range strike that evaded the goalkeeper's grasp, and Bellingham set up Joselu to wrap up the win late on.

That result prevented Napoli from clinching qualification as they could still be caught by Braga, who drew 1-1 at home to Union Berlin in Portugal despite having Sikou Niakate sent off in the first half.

Robin Gosens fired Union in front but Alvaro Djalo levelled for the hosts after the break.

Real Sociedad and Inter Milan were both already through from Group D and their meeting next month will decide who tops the section. Real Sociedad drew 0-0 with Red Bull Salzburg.

Arsenal's form in Europe this season has been in stark contrast to that of United, and the Gunners romped into the last 16 with a 6-0 demolition of Lens in London. Mikel Arteta's side were five goals up at the break with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard all netting.

Arsenal have scored 12 goals without reply in winning their three home matches in Group B and have now wrapped up top spot ahead of PSV, who are also through.


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