Source: CCTV.com

12-06-2006 12:45

Defending champions Barcelona have won a must-win match in their final Group A game against Werder Bremen. Tuesday's 2-nil victory awards them a place in the last 16. It also dispels any doubts about their ability to defend their crown. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Valencia all head to the final 16 by topping their own groups.

Holders Barcelona need to beat Bremen to avoid becoming the first champions to fall in the group stage. In the first 20 minutes Ronaldinho gave Barca the lead with an inspired free kick. Eidur Gudjohnsen doubled the lead soon after with a powerful close-range score. The win allows the Catalans to head into the knockout phase, together with group winners Chelsea.

In Group B, both Bayern Munich and Inter Milan were already assured of qualification. But Bayern secured top spot... despite conceding a last-gasp equalizer to Inter Milan in a 1-all draw. Roy Makaay put Bayern ahead in the 62nd minute. But later, the Italians, minus some first team regulars, grabbed a point when Patrick Vieira blasted the ball into the roof of the net... with just seconds remaining.

Galatasaray came from a goal behind to beat Liverpool 3-2 in their final Group C fixture. This, as the English side returned to the scene of their 2005 Champions League final triumph. The match had little significance... since Liverpool had already won the group. The Turkish side finished fourth... despite earning what was the only win of their campaign.

Roma reached the knockout phase of the Champions League for the first time with a 1-nil win over Valencia on Tuesday. Defender Christian Panucci scored the winner for the Italian side in the 13th minute. Valencia were already assured of topping Group D... and lacked dynamism in the match.

And in other matches of the day.Chelsea beat Levski Sofia 2-nil, and Moscow and Bordeaux both sealed 3-1 victories. And Olympiacos drew 1-all with Shakhtar.

To the final standings.Chelsea tops group A, Barca is in second, and Bremen goes to the UEFA Cup. Bayern Munich secures the top group B spot, and Inter Milan is in second with 10 points. Liverpool and PSV Eindhoven will head to the knockout stage by finishing first and second in Group C. Meanwhile, Valencia and Roma make a one-two finish in group D.