A brace from Kevin-Prince Boateng and a goal from Mario Balotelli handed AC Milan a 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven to seal the Italians’ entry to the Champions League group stages on Wednesday.
PSV had dominated proceedings when the sides drew 1-1 in the Netherlands last week and came to the San Siro hoping to qualify for the second stage of the competition for the first time since the 2008-2009 campaign.
But despite a commendable performance from Phillip Cocu’s side, the visitors ultimately failed to convert several chances as Milan booked their ticket for the group stage for the 17th time.
Lennon inspired Celtic comeback to beat Shakhter 3-0
GLASGOW: The Scottish champions had given themselves everything to do after losing 2-0 to Shakhter in Kazakhstan in the first leg last week, but a terrific strike from Kris Commons gave them hope just before half-time in front of a typically raucous Parkhead crowd.
Giorgos Samaras then levelled the tie on aggregate three minutes into the second period, but it was not all plain sailing for Neil Lennon’s side. Anthony Stokes hit the bar for the hosts before Sergei Khizhnichenko struck the woodwork at the other end. But it was to be Celtic’s night, with Stokes doing brilliantly to set up James Forrest to make it 3-0 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate with virtually the last kick of the game.
In contrast to Celtic, Lyon never really threatened to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit against Real Sociedad as the French club missed out on reaching the group stage for the second season running.
It proved too great a task as Mexican forward Carlos Vela scored a second-half brace to take the Liga club through 2-0 on the night, 4-0 on aggregate. In other games, Zenit St Petersburg eased past Portuguese minnows Pacos Ferreira with a 4-2 win in Russia to advance 8-3 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Czech champions Plzen won 1-0 away to Maribor in Slovenia to progress 4-1 on aggregate with Stanislav Tecl’s early goal easing their path through.
Franck Ribery is Europe’s best
MONACO: Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery won UEFA’s Best Player in Europe award pipping Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo here on Thursday. The France international played a key role in Bayern’s historic treble win last season.