Champs League: Man U, Arse First Teams To Advance To Round of 16

Despite only managing a scoreless draw at Slavia Prague, Arsenal were able to join Manchester United as the first teams to advance into the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Man U. made quick work of Dynamo Kiev, winning 4-0 at Old Trafford. The Red Devils victory opened the door for AS Roma to advance as well, but the Italian side only managed a 2-2 draw at Sporting Lisbon (and were fortunate to make off with the point, as the equalizer came on an 89th minute own goal by Anderson Polga). Roma can settle matters if they manage just one point in their last two games (at hapless Kiev on Nov. 27 and home to Man U on Dec. 12) or if Man U beats Sporting at Old Trafford in the next round. This means the dreaded Man U visit to Roma next month will in all likelihood be a meaningless affair.

Elsewhere, Inter Milan are all but through, with a five point advance on third place. Ditto Sevilla, who turned in an impressive victory at Steaua Bucharest thanks to a brace by Renato. Barca are also in the driver's seat thanks to their victory over Rangers. The Scots have hard-charging Lyon one point behind them. The two teams meet at Ibrox in the group stage finale Dec. 12 but that game becomes meaningless if Rangers win at Stuttgart and Lyon lose to Barca at home Nov. 27.