UCL : Glorious Win by Roma

AS Roma 3 - 1 Chelsea

AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti's job is looking a lot safer following his team's stunning 3-1 victory over 10-man Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma gave themselves a Group A lifeline with the victory that moves them up to second, just a point behind the Londoners. Defeat would have almost certainly signalled the end of their European ambitions but the struggling Romans picked the right moment to rediscover their form against the English Premier League leaders.

Roma have lost six of their nine Serie A matches this term and sit one point and one place above the relegation zone. But a goal from Christian Panucci and a brace from Mirko Vucinic will have done wonders to their fragile confidence. Chelsea captain John Terry scored a consolation but the Blues finished with ten men after Deco was shown two yellow cards.

Liverpool 1 - 1 Atletico Madrid

Steven Gerrard came to Liverpool's rescue once again as his fortunately awarded last-gasp penalty salvaged a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. With the final seconds of stoppage time ticking away at Anfield, Rafa Benitez's side were heading for a shock defeat thanks to Maxi Rodriguez's first-half strike. But Gerrard has a habit of digging his team out of trouble in European matches and the Liverpool captain did it again by winning and converting a penalty in the 95th minute.

The England midfielder's spot-kick kept Liverpool on course for the second round and stopped Atletico securing a place in the last 16, but Benitez must be concerned by the way his team continue to squander chances to turn their dominance into goals. Just four days after losing to Tottenham despite out-playing them for long periods, the Reds once again struggled due to their lack of cutting edge. Benitez had opted not to risk Fernando Torres as the Spain striker makes recovers from a hamstring injury, but Liverpool looked toothless without their talisman.

See the highlight (Maxi Rodriguez goal)

Barcelona 1 - 1 Basel

Barcelona qualified for the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League with two games to spare despite losing their 100 per cent record in the competition following a 1-1 home draw with FC Basel. Argentine international Lionel Messi scored his fourth Champions League goal in as many games to put Barcelona ahead on 62 minutes - just 120 seconds after coming on as a substitute - but Eren Derdiyok equalised for the Swiss visitors eight minutes from time.

It spoilt Barca's flawless Champions League start and ended their run of 11 successive victories in all competitions but qualification is secure. Barcelona's next European game is against Sporting Lisbon on 26 November when they will tussle for top spot but they can now focus on the league knowing they are already in the last 16. With a perfect nine points before the game and big matches to come Barca coach Pep Guardiola gave fringe players a chance with Sylvinho, Sergio Busquets and Victor Sanchez starting while Samuel Eto'o, Messi and Xavi started on the substitutes bench. FIFA


Other Results

Group A
AS Roma 3 - 1 Chelsea
CFR Cluj 1 - 2 Bordeaux

Group B
Anorthosis 3 - 3 Inter Milan
Werder Bremen 0 - 3 Panathinaikos

Group C
Barcelona 1 - 1 Basel
Sporting Lisbon 1 - 0 Shakhtar Donetsk

Group D
Liverpool 1 - 1 Atletico Madrid
Marseille 3 - 0 PSV Eindhoven