FC BARCELONA hosted English Club TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS with the former having the Top spot of the Group secure & thus not playing for much except prestige. On the other hand Tottenham was battling with Italian Club Inter Milan for the prized 2º place & for them a tonight victory was vital ( or that Inter to lose their game to keep 2º place).
Under the "relaxed" circumstances for Barça Coach Valverde used the occasion to give less regular & younger players a run as you can see in the above image of the starting 11 side.
The first half was entertaining with plenty of occasions for both teams. FC Barcelona managed to score first early after "maverick" Frenchman DEMBELE did his magia with a long spirit, dribble & great goal in the 11th min. The first half end with Barça ahead by the only goal scored by the French forward.
The 2º half saw a more active & determined Tottenham Hotspurs which had one ear (via the radio) listening to what Inter Milan was doing & the other needing to score. However while Barcelona had opportunities - Coutinho hitting the post - FC Barcelona goalkeeper Cillessen was earning himself the "MVP" tag with some spectacular & match winning saves. However, just when one thought that Tottenham was "jinxed" a counter-attack from the mentioned post hitting Barça occasion lead to the equalizing goal by LUCAS MOURA in the 85th min.
With Inter Milan drawing 1 -1 in their game this result was enough for Tottemham to keep the second position of the Group & give them the ticket to the next phase of the Champions League. Thus both Barça & Tottenham "won" tonight.
FINAL RESULT : FC BARCELONA 1 - TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS 1
ATLETICO DE MADRID travelled away to play Belgian Club FC BRUGGE to attempt to secure the Top spot of their group which they were competing with German Club Borussia Dortmund. Thus a win for At. Madrid was a priority tonight for them & as you can see in the above image of the starting 11. Coach Simeone went out with the available "big names".
The 1º half gave plenty of occasions to Atletico de Madrid that were not converted into goal. Two opportunities to note were those of Griezmann & Thomas that came close, while Brugge goalkeeper Horvath played his part. Atletico midfielder Saul deserves a mention for his Football & outstanding plays that contributed to At Madrid dominating & being the more dangerous but not scoring. The first 45 mins finished with both teams scoreless.
The 2º half complicated things for Atletico de Madrid which could not find the way to score the needed goal. In fact FC Brugge got stronger as the anxiety levels increased for the Spanish team, added with the extra frustration of not being able to score to secure the Top spot of the Group. Atletico goalkeeper Oblak was forced to do some great saves to avoid the Belgian team from taking the match & victory.
FINAL RESULT: FC BRUGGE 0 - ATLETICO DE MADRID 0
Atletico goes through to the next stage as second placed of their group behind Borussia Dortmund. Not good at all as Atletico could be matched in their next game against the likes of either Bayern, Man City, PSG or Juventus FC.
Tomorrow more Champions League games with Real Madrid & Valencia FC scheduled for their Group games.
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