Champions League: Home win ensures Arsenal’s progression

Shahktar, Arsenal, Chelsea, Marseille, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Bayern and Roma all progress to the next round.

Arsenal 3-1 Partizan Belgrade

The Gunners got off to a flyer in their early group games, but recent losses to Braga and Shakhtar made things a little difficult for them. Arsenal went into the game against Partizan knowing they needed a win to ensure progress to the next round. The Serbian team defended stoutly in the first half hour, before Radoslav Petrovic bundled Robin van Persie over in the box. The Dutch striker converted the resulting penalty despite the best efforts of former Wigan stopper Radoslav Petrovic.

Things seemed to be going pear shaped for the London side early in the second half, however, when Cleo's shot deflected off of Sebastien Squillaci and into the net. At this stage, Shakhtar and Braga were level, and a goal for the Portuguese side would have dropped Arsenal to third in the table. The players and fans breathed a sigh of relief, however, when Theo Walcott netted in the 73rd minute. The victory was ensured five minutes later thanks to Samir Nasri's third goal in two games, coming after a flowing passing move.

Shahktar defeated Braga 2-0 in the other match, meaning the Ukrainian side finish ahead of Arsenal in the table. The Gunners will now face either Schalke, Bayern, Real Madrid or Barcelona in the next round.

Elsewhere

All the places in Group F had been decided before a ball was kicked, though Chelsea played with a relatively strong team. Marseille were the better team and Brandao's late winner was absolutely deserved. Karim Benzema grabbed himself a hattrick as Real Madrid hammered Auxerre 4-0, while Ajax ensured a place in the Europa League thanks to a 2-0 away victory against Serie A leaders AC Milan.

Franck Ribery scored twice as Bayern pick up their fifth victory of this season's Champions League at home to Basle. Roma, meanwhile, ensured their progression to the final 16 with a 1-1 draw against FC Cluj.

Results

AC Milan 0-2 Ajax

Arsenal 3-1 Partizan Belgrade

Bayern Munich 3-0 Basle

CFR 1907 Cluj-Napoca 1-1 Roma

Marseille 1-0 Chelsea

MSK Zilina 1-2 Spartak Moscow

Real Madrid 4-0 Auxerre

Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0 Braga