Five in one night, eight more to go

VfB Stuttgart’s 1-0 win over Rangers, after Timo Wenzel volleyed home in the first half stoppage time, ensured their place in the second phase along with Manchester United, who won 1-0 at Panathinaikos thanks to an 85th minute goal from Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan.

Porto clinched their passage into the last 16 after a 2-1 home win over Partizan Belgrade, with South African Benny McCarthy scoring twice, meaning they go through to the knockout stage from Group F along with already-qualified Real Madrid. Madrid won 2-1 at Marseille after David Beckham opened the scoring with a trademark 35th minute right-foot free-kick. Ronaldo struck a well-executed 73rd minute winner with the outside of his right foot for Real’s 600th goal in European competition after Mido’s 63rd minute equaliser. A quick break involving Luis Figo, Beckham and Raul created the opportunity for Ronaldo to score the landmark goal to delight Real’s all-time great Alfredo Di Stefano, watching from the stands, but a current great had a relatively quiet night.

Zinedine Zidane, returning to the city of his birth and playing against the side he supported as a boy, was one of Real’s least effective performers on a bitter-sweet night for him personally, but he still received a standing ovation from his countrymen when he was substituted five minutes from time.

Chelsea, tipped by some as possible winners of the competition, looked anything but European champions in a drab goalless draw at Stamford Bridge against Sparta Prague, although the point was enough for them to reach the last 16.

Sparta can still qualify as can Lazio and Besiktas, who drew 1-1 in the other Group G match in Rome to keep their chances alive. Lazio kept their chances alive with a 56th minute equaliser from Roberto Muzzi. (Reuters)