Manchester United have one foot in the final 16 of the European Champions football League following their two-nil win over Benfica at Old Trafford this morning.
Jose Mourinho. Photo: Photosport
An own goal by Benfica's 18-year-old keeper Mile Svilar on the stroke of halftime and a Daley Blind penalty in the 78th minute were enough for United who struggled at times to find their fluency.
The result leaves United top of Group A on 12 points while CSKA Moscow and Basel each have six points with Benfica still without a point.
Meanwhile Stephan El Shaarawy struck twice, including the fastest goal of this season's Champions League after just 39 seconds, to help thrust AS Roma to the top of their Champions League group with a convincing 3-0 win over Chelsea.
Following the sides' thrilling 3-3 draw in London two weeks earlier, the Italian international striker's brace was the highlight of another impressive display from Roma which allowed them to leapfrog the English champions at the summit of Group C.
El Shaarawy's thunderous first-minute shot was the earliest recorded in any match in the competition this term and, despite Chelsea creating early chances, Antonio Rudiger's defensive indecision allowed him to nip in for a neatly-taken second after 36 minutes.
Barcelona must wait to confirm a place in the Champions League last 16 after dropping points for the first time in Group D in an absorbing 0-0 draw at Olympiakos Piraeus.
On his return to his former club, Barca coach Ernesto Valverde watched his in-form side dominate for long spells and create some great chances, but the determined home team held on for their first point as they bid for a Europa League spot.
Olympiakos goalkeeper Silvio Proto was a prominent figure in a frenetic and surprisingly open match at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium, coming to the rescue to deny Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez on several occasions.
Neymar. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
It was better news for Paris St Germain, the French outfit qualified for the next round with a five-nil win over Aderlecht.
Neymar, back in the team after being sent off during the French 'classic' against Olympique de Marseille, scored the second goal on the stroke of halftime after Marco Verratti's opener, with Kurzawa completing the scoreline after the interval.
PSG have 12 points from four games and lead Bayern Munich, who beat Celtic 2-1 away, by three points.
-Reuters
