Antoine Griezmann scored a goal in each half as Atletico Madrid comfortably defeated Galatasaray 2-0 to advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League on Wednesday.
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Once Gabi set up Griezmann for his fourth goal against Galatasaray this season, a simple tap in from close range midway into the second half, Atletico’s passage into the next round was secure, with Gala left to fight Astana for a place in the Europa League.
In Wednesday’s action, Swedish worldwide Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored against his former club and Angel Di Maria netted a pair of goals as visitors Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) demolished Malmo FC 5-0 to clinch second place in Group A with 10 points.
The Portuguese club also have 10 points and the group victor will be determined by the outcome next month’s Benfica-Atletico clash in Lisbon.
“The best thing is to win and that’s what we’re looking for”, Simeone told reporters.
City had already secured their progress before the game but the defeat leaves them two points behind Juventus with one match remaining and therefore staring at the prospect of finishing second in the group and facing a tougher last-16 draw.
Mario Mandzukic turned in Alex Sandro’s cross to give Juve a 1-0 win over Manchester City in Turin and ensure that the Italian champions joined City in qualifying from Group D.
The eight group winners get to avoid each other in the draw for the round of 16.
It was the third group-stage win for Atletico, which came into the match needing only a draw to reach the next round for the third consecutive year.
SImple here for Galatasaray they must win in Madrid in order to keep their chances of qualification alive. “That difference was decisive”.
Atletico was in control for most of the match and the Turkish side couldn’t threaten much despite the presence of Wesley Sneijder and Lukas Podolski.
Simeone said of third-placed Galatasaray: “We’ll focus on their players who all have great experience”.
“In their last two games they have scored six goals and this shows that they are a side which is unsafe in front of goal which is something we will have to deal with and it will not be easy for us”.
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The home side almost doubled their lead shortly after the halftime break, as Koke’s effort from distance forced Muslera into a superb save.
