LONDON, Nov 2: English clubs shone in the Champions League on Wednesday as Tottenham humbled Real Madrid and Manchester City beat Napoli to secure their places in the knockout stages with two games remaining.

Tottenham ended Real’s five-year unbeaten run in the Champions League group stage with a storming 3-1 at Wembley. Dele Alli scored twice on his return from a three-game suspension. City muscled its way to a 4-2 win over Napoli as Sergio Aguero took the club’s all-time scoring record.

Liverpool made it three wins from three for English clubs with a straightforward 3-0 victory over Slovenian outsider Maribor. Liverpool can qualify by beating Sevilla in its next game.

Monaco and Leipzig risk elimination after their Group G rivals Besiktas and Porto picked up valuable points.

GROUP E

Liverpool wasn’t quite as imperious as in its previous 7-0 hammering of Maribor, but three second-half goals were enough for a win that makes the Reds highly likely to qualify.

Maribor’s defense managed to hold Liverpool at bay until Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 49th minute. More goals followed from Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge, while James Milner missed a penalty.

That leaves Liverpool in first place, one point ahead of Sevilla, which beat Spartak Moscow 2-1 to gain a measure of revenge for its 5-1 loss in the Russian capital two weeks ago.

In contrast to the disarray in Moscow, Sevilla played with a calm authority from the start and took a 2-0 lead through Clement Lenglet and Ever Banega. A consolation goal from Ze Luis came too late to spark a comeback from the Russian champion.

GROUP F

Manchester City made it four wins from four with victory in Naples as it qualified for the knockout stages for the fifth year in a row.

Lorenzo Insigne put Napoli ahead in the 21st — the first time since August that City had conceded the opening goal of any game. Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones scored for City to turn the match around, before Jorginho equalized for the hosts from the penalty spot. But Aguero’s goal on a counterattack, his 178th for the club, gave him the City scoring record and Raheem Sterling added the visitors’ fourth in stoppage time.

Shakhtar Donetsk hasn’t made it past the group stage since the 2014-15 season, but looks likely to do so this campaign after beating Feyenoord 3-1 to tighten its hold on second place.

For the second time in two games against Shakhtar, Feyenoord took an early lead but was later overwhelmed by the Ukrainian team, whose attacking midfielder Marlos finished with two goals.

GROUP G

Turkey’s Besiktas continued its strong group stage campaign with a 1-1 draw against Monaco that keeps it unbeaten.

With just two points from four games, Monaco is last in the group and facing an early exit. However, its prospects would have been very different if a shot by Keita Balde hadn’t been saved by Besiktas goalkeeper Fabri in stoppage time.

Monaco must now beat Porto and Leipzig in its last two games to stand any chance of qualifying.

Aiming for its first appearance in the knockout phase, Besiktas now sits four points clear at the top from Porto. The Portuguese club beat Leipzig 3-1 to move second in the group, two points ahead of the defeated German team, which is in its debut Champions League campaign.

GROUP H

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane will face criticism from fans of the reigning Spanish and European championa after a poor showing away to Tottenham.

Two goals from Dele Alli and one from Christian Eriksen gave Tottenham a commanding lead that ensured the London club qualified for the knockout stages for only the second time, and first since 2010-11.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 80th-minute goal meant little outside this season’s Champions League goalscorer standings, which he leads by one goal from Tottenham’s Harry Kane.

Madrid has now won only two of its last five games in all competitions, including a draw at home with Tottenham and a loss in the Spanish league to Girona on Sunday.

The group’s other two teams, Borussia Dortmund and APOEL Nicosia, are mathematically still in contention to qualify but realistically have almost no chance after their 1-1 draw. Either would now need to beat both Tottenham and Madrid to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stages.

PARIS, Nov 1: Layvin Kurzawa scored an unlikely hat-trick as Paris Saint-Germain powered into the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday with a 5-0 rout of Anderlecht, while Bayern Munich joined them in the knockout stage.

Marco Verratti curled in a terrific opening goal — his first in Europe since September 2014 — on the half-hour at the Parc des Princes, with Brazilian superstar Neymar firing in a second before the break.

The world’s most expensive player was involved in PSG’s third goal as well, as his free-kick was tipped onto the post with France international Kurzawa forcing in the rebound.

The left-back then headed in another from a Dani Alves cross and completed an improbable treble with an angled drive as PSG increased their goals haul to 17 — with none conceded — in four Group B matches.

“The hat-trick is thanks to my teammates. I am delighted and the goals will give me confidence,” Kurzawa told beIN Sports.

The French giants top their section with a maximum 12 points, with Bundesliga leaders Bayern progressing alongside them following a 2-1 victory away to Celtic.

Kingsley Coman pounced on hesitant Celtic defending to latch onto a long clearance upfield from goalkeeper Sven Ulreich and round Craig Gordon to slot into an empty net on 22 minutes.

Callum McGregor slotted in a second-half equaliser, but Javi Martinez’s brave towering header — which left the Spaniard bloodied — clinched qualification for the Germans in Glasgow.

“I knew that today would be a very difficult, intensive game. We’ve had a busy schedule recently,” said Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes.

“It’s important that we have qualified, but it’s going to be difficult to finish top of the group because of our head- to-head record.”

Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United were made to wait to seal their passage into the next round despite a 2-0 win over Benfica.

Benfica’s Mile Svilar, who became the youngest goalkeeper in Champions League history a fortnight ago, suffered more misfortune at Old Trafford as his own goal handed United a 45th-minute lead.

The 18-year-old, at fault for the 1-0 defeat in Lisbon, atoned for that error by saving an Anthony Martial penalty, but Svilar was helpless when Nemanja Matic’s low drive cannoned off the post before hitting him on the arm and squirming over the line.

Daley Blind wrapped up victory from the penalty spot on 78 minutes after a foul on Marcus Rashford.

“We must get that point from the two remaining matches,” United manager Mourinho told BT Sport. “I am more than happy.”

CHELSEA THUMPED, ATLETICO TOILS

CSKA Moscow reignited their campaign with a 2-1 victory at Basel in the other Group B fixture. Luca Zuffi’s brilliant lob put Basel in front, but CSKA levelled through Alan Dzagoev in the second half before Pontus Wernbloom steered in the winner to leave the Russians level on six points with their Swiss hosts.

Lionel Messi and Barcelona were frustrated in a goalless stalemate with Olympiakos in Greece, while Juventus salvaged a 1-1 draw at Sporting Lisbon after Gonzalo Higuain levelled late on following Bruno Cesar’s opener.

Barcelona remain top of Group D with 10 points, three ahead of last year’s runners-up Juve, with Sporting on four.

Chelsea squandered a chance to secure a berth in the knockout stages as Stephan El Shaarawy inspired Roma to a 3-0 success over the Premier League champions in Italy.

El Shaarawy drilled Roma ahead after just 40 seconds at the Stadio Olimpico as he ran onto an Edin Dzeko knockdown to slam home from the edge of the area.

The Italy striker netted a second on 36 minutes with Diego Perotti rifling in a third from 25 yards as Roma replaced Chelsea at the top of Group C with two matches remaining.

Roma are on eight points, one above Chelsea, but Atletico Madrid — finalists twice in the past four seasons — are heading for elimination following a 1-1 draw at home to Qarabag.

Journeyman Spaniard Michel headed the Azerbaijani champions in front from a corner, and while Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey hammered in an equaliser, Diego Simeone’s side must now beat both Chelsea and Roma and hope other results work in their favor. AFP

BERLIN, Oct 18: Tottenham held defending champion Real Madrid to 1-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Liverpool racked up its biggest ever away win in Europe.

Juergen Klopp’s side ended its run of seven group matches by crushing Maribor 7-0 in Slovenia. And to cap a good night for English sides, Manchester City defeated Napoli 2-1.

Spartak Moscow enjoyed a big win in Group E, thrashing Sevilla 5-1, and Besiktas made it three wins from three with a come-from-behind 2-1 win at Monaco.

Leipzig defeated visiting Porto 3-2 for its first ever win in European competition, but the other German side in action – Borussia Dortmund – was left contemplating an early exit after being held at APOEL Nicosia to 1-1.

Here’s a closer look at the four groups:

GROUP E

Liverpool’s record away win coincided with Maribor’s worst Champions League loss.

Maribor had lost only one of its last 11 home games in the competition, but it appeared quickly out of its depth as Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool 3-0 up inside 20 minutes.

Salah and Firmino would go on to grab seconds, substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had Klopp celebrating with the side’s sixth late on, and Trent Alexander-Arnold completed the rout in the last minute. Liverpool’s previous highest score on the road in Europe was 5-0, three times.

“It’s nice to write history,” Klopp said.

Sevilla’s heavy defeat in Moscow means Liverpool is well-placed to top the group with a home game against Maribor next.

Liverpool has five points, the same as Spartak, while Sevilla is third on four.

GROUP F

Napoli ended Manchester City’s Champions League debut in the group stage in 2011, but Pep Guardiola’s side doesn’t look like it will be denied by Napoli this time.

Guardiola kept faith in the side that routed Stoke 7-2 at the weekend and was rewarded with early goals through Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus.

Dries Mertens had the chance to pull one back from the penalty spot after Kyle Walker hauled down Raul Albiol, but Ederson saved the spot kick just as Napoli appeared to be getting back into the game.

Amadou Diawara did better with Napoli’s second penalty with just over 15 minutes remaining but there wasn’t to be an equalizer.

“You cannot beat Napoli unless you produce a good performance,” Guardiola said.

Shakhtar Donetsk was three points behind City after beating Feyenoord 2-1, and Napoli was third with only three points from three games. Feyenoord has no points.

GROUP G

Besiktas came back to stun a Monaco side which took the lead through Falcao.

Monaco isn’t the same side which reached the semifinals last season, and this defeat was the side’s fourth across all competitions.

The Turkish side tops the group, five points ahead of Leipzig, which defeated Porto 3-2 for its maiden Champions League win. All the goals came in the first half.

Porto coach Sergio Conceicao sprung a surprise when he left Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas on the bench in favor of Jose Sa, who was at fault for Leipzig’s first goal.

Porto was third, two points ahead of last-placed Monaco.

GROUP H

Much was expected of the meeting of two of the competition’s most prolific strikers in Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Tottenham’s Harry Kane, but the anticipated shootout failed to materialize.

Ronaldo matched Kane’s tally of five goals from three games when he equalized with a penalty, but the Portuguese also missed several chances, while Keylor Navas denied Kane with a fine save in the first half.

The visitors showed no fear in Madrid and led when a retreating Raphael Varane turned in Serge Aurier’s cross for Kane in the 21st.

Ronaldo equalized after Aurier brought down Toni Kroos.

Hugo Lloris produced a string of saves to deny Madrid a winner.

The 18-year-old Achraf Hakimi started at right back for Madrid for his competition debut.

Dortmund’s hopes of making the second round took a major blow after being in Nicosia to 1-1. After losing its opening games Dortmund needed a win to kick-start its campaign, but had to rally against APOEL. AP

MADRID, Sept 14: After watching rival Lionel Messi score twice the night before, Cristiano Ronaldo did likewise for Real Madrid to open its bid for a third straight Champions League title with a 3-0 win over Cypriot club APOEL on Wednesday.

Messi helped Barcelona beat Juventus by the same score on Tuesday.

Harry Kane also chipped in two goals as Tottenham defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-1 at Wembley Stadium, while central defender John Stones surprised with two goals in Manchester City’s 4-0 away rout of Feyenoord.

Leipzig drew 1-1 with Monaco on the German team’s debut in Europe’s premier competition.

Here is a look at Wednesday’s games:

GROUP E

Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp questioned officials after defender Joe Gomez was sent off in stoppage time of his side’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Anfield. But Klopp’s anger could have been directed at his players after they switched off at a throw-in and allowed Joaquin Correa to earn a point for the Spanish team.

Sevilla took an early lead thanks to another defensive error, but Liverpool managed to lead at the break with goals from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.

Firmino missed a chance to make it 3-1 from a penalty before Correa curled home his finish.

Spartak Moscow drew 1-1 at Maribor, where the game was briefly held up after the referee narrowly escaped being hit by a flare.

GROUP F

John Stones was an unlikely hero as Man City equaled its biggest win in the competition and spoiled Feyenoord’s return after 15 years.

Stones, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus scored in the first half as the visitors made a mockery of Feyenoord coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s decision to play a five-man defense with a display of display of swift-passing, attacking football. Stones doubled his tally in the 63rd for City to win 4-0.

Goals from Taison and Facundo Ferreyra were enough for Shakhtar Donetsk to beat Napoli 2-1.

GROUP G

Only founded in 2009, Leipzig announced its arrival in the Champions League when Emil Forsberg scored the club’s first goal in the competition. But Youri Tielemans replied straight away for Monaco to claim a point in a 1-1 draw.

Besiktas leads the group after a 3-1 win at Porto, which hadn’t conceded this season until Talisca, Cenk Tosun, and Ryan Babel all scored for the visitors at Estadio do Dragao.

GROUP H

Cristiano Ronaldo took his Champions League tally to 107 goals on his return as Real Madrid beat APOEL 3-0. It was the Portuguese’s first game since being suspended for shoving a referee in the Spanish Super Cup final last month.

Sergio Ramos scored the third goal at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where Madrid hasn’t lost a group-stage game in almost eight years.

The Spanish powerhouse has won 12 of its last 13 Champions League home games.

Dortmund’s return to Wembley, where it lost the 2013 final, was another unhappy one after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s would-be equalizer was ruled out despite TV replays showing the Gabon striker was onside.

Kane’s brace gave Tottenham only its third victory in 13 matches in a decade at Wembley, its temporary home for the season while White Hart Lane is being redeveloped.

The only setback for Tottenham in its 3-1 win was finishing with 10 men after Jan Vertonghen was sent off late for catching Mario Goetze in the face with a swinging arm. AP

Sept 13: As the Champions League opened with a series of one-sided games, Jose Mourinho was blunt. For the Manchester United manager, it wasn’t the Champions League at all.

“For the Real Madrids, Barcelonas and Bayerns, the Champions League starts in February. Now is just the warming up,” Mourinho said after a routine win for his Manchester United team over Swiss club Basel. “Let’s qualify, let’s make the points to qualify for the knockout phase. When we do that, let’s enjoy playing against the big guys.”

United, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich all cruised to easy wins on Tuesday, scoring 17 goals between them and conceding none.

Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Juventus was something of an exception, if only because the Italian team — last season’s defeated finalist — had been expected to put up more of a fight.

In the event, Lionel Messi started another European campaign in imperious fashion with two goals against an injury-depleted Juventus side.

GROUP A

Manchester United’s players didn’t have to exert themselves too much to see off Swiss side Basel 3-0, as Romelu Lukaku scored his sixth goal in six United appearances.

Marouane Fellaini and Marcus Rashford’s goals completed the win for United.

In a worrying sight for United fans and coach Mourinho, captain Paul Pogba hobbled off with a possible left hamstring injury.

In Lisbon, Benfica let slip a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to CSKA Moscow, with substitute Timur Zhamaletdinov scoring the winning goal four minutes into his Champions League debut.

GROUP B

Two woefully uncompetitive games saw Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich post easy wins.

PSG’s expensively assembled forward line of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani ran riot against Celtic in a 5-0 win, scoring four between them. A Celtic own goal ensured a night to forget for the Scottish champion.

Bayern seemed rustier in its 3-0 win over Anderlecht, leading by just one goal at halftime despite Anderlecht having a man sent off in the 11th minute.

The red card allowed Robert Lewandowski to score from the penalty spot, before Bayern wasted a string of opportunities. Thiago Alcantara and Joshua Kimmich added to the scoreline in the second half.

GROUP C

Davide Zappacosta’s stunning long-distance goal from the right flank impressed the Stamford Bridge faithful, but Chelsea needed nothing special to thrash Azerbaijan’s Qarabag 6-0.

A poor Qarabag defense also conceded goals from Michy Batshuayi, Pedro Rodriguez, Cesar Azpilicueta and Tiemoue Bakayoko. There was also an own goal by Maksim Medvedev.

Atletico Madrid sees itself as a contender to win the Champions League, but poor finishing made it look well short of that standard in a 0-0 draw with Roma.

GROUP D

Lionel Messi started the new European season with yet another game-winning performance for Barcelona, while the Catalan club’s record signing Ousmane Dembele made his debut.

Still, Barcelona’s three-goal winning margin against a weakened opponent was slight revenge for its loss to Juventus in last year’s quarterfinals.

On Tuesday at the Camp Nou, Juventus was missing defender Giorgio Chiellini, forward Mario Mandzukic and midfielder Sami Khedira through injury, while Juan Cuadrado was suspended.

Sporting Lisbon won 3-2 at Greek side Olympiakos, taking the lead after just 69 seconds through forward Seydou Doumbia, on loan from Roma. AP