Relieved Inter Lead 7 Champions League Teams Through

Holders Inter Milan earned their coach a reprieve to lead a group of seven teams through to the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday, a night lit up by Lionel Messi’s customary finesse and Wayne Rooney’s goalscoring return, Reuters reports. 

While Inter secured a nervous 1-0 win at home to Twente Enschede, a result that will come as a huge relief to Rafa Benitez, and Manchester United were grateful for Rooney’s late penalty for a 1-0 victory at Rangers, Barcelona showed effortless command in beating Panathinaikos 3-0.

The last three Champions League winners were joined by Valencia, Tottenham Hotspur, Olympique Lyon and Schalke 04 in securing their places in the next round, meaning there is just one remaining place up for grabs in groups A-D.

Valencia tore Bursaspor apart 6-1 to go through along with United, Tottenham made light work of Werder Bremen in a 3-0 win at White Hart Lane in Inter’s group and Schalke beat Olympique Lyon by the same scoreline, sending both sides through.

AC Milan and Olympique Marseille secured their qualification on Tuesday to join Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Real Madrid, who had already made certain of their places.

With one round of matches to go, 12 of the 16 teams for the next round are now known, with most of the tournament heavyweights already having done enough.