Thaindian News

London, Dec 7 (IANS) Didier Drogba’s brace propelled Chelsea into the UEFA Champions League knockout stage as the Londoners beat Valencia 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Drogba’s third-minute opening goal gave the Blues a dream start while a mistake by defender Victor Ruiz helped Ramires score the second midway through the first half. A brilliant ball by Spaniard Juan Mata and smart finish by Drogba in the 76th minute paved the way Tuesday for the hosts into the last 16 of the tournament with a top of the table finish in Group E.

Bayern Leverkusen, who led the group before the last round of matches, laboured to a 1-1 draw away to Genk. The German side also entered the next round while the third-placed Valencia now head for the Europa League.

Elsewhere, Marseille grafted an unlikely victory in Germany beating Borrussia Dortmund 3-2 and in the process confirming their berth in the knockout stages along with English giants Arsenal who lost 3-1 away to Olympiacos FC on the night.

Barcelona were at their dominating best with a second string side, romping home to a 4-0 win over BATE Borisov. Italian giants AC Milan too progressed from Group H behind last last year’s winners, thanks to a 2-2 draw with FC Viktoria Plzen away at Synot Tip Arena in Prague.

In Group G, APOEL FC who had already qualified for the last 16 lost 0-2 to the Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk while Zenit St Petersburg too qualified by the virtue of a goalless draw against FC Porto.