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Home  » Sports » Ronaldo takes Real into last 8

Ronaldo takes Real into last 8

March 19, 2003 13:58 IST
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European Champions Real Madrid and twice winners Juventus clinched their places in the last eight of the Champions League on Tuesday as they joined already-qualified Manchester United, Barcelona and AC Milan.

Real secured their spot when they won 1-0 win over Lokomotiv in Moscow to finish second in Group C behind AC Milan.

Juventus also reached the last eight despite losing 2-1 to a stoppage time goal in Basel.

Real's first victory in nine visits to Russia came thanks to a 35th minute goal from Ronaldo and meant Real finished second behind Milan even though Borussia Dortmund won 1-0 at Milan.

A skilful display by Ronaldo and Figo -- two of the world's best players -- swung the match in Real's favour.

Ronaldo, voted World Player of the Year in 2002 for the third time in his career, headed home from close range in the 35th minute after a pinpoint cross by Luis Figo.

Ronaldo tested the Russian defence once again with a well-taken volley from the edge of the box 10 minutes into the second half, but his shot was blocked by a defender.

Milan topped the group with 12 points, Real finished on 11, Dortmund on 10 and Lokomotiv with just one.

Dortmund's elimination means that for the first time since the 1956-57 season there is no German representative -- including the old West and Eastern halves of the country -- in the last eight of a European competition.

JUVE THROUGH

Juventus duly clinched their place in the quarter-finals despite their last-gasp defeat at Basel.

Basel needed to beat Juventus by 4-0 or better to climb into second spot but that never looked likely after Alessio Tacchinardi put Juventus ahead on 10 minutes.

Mario Cantaluppi equalised for Basel seven minutes before the break and Christian Gimenez scored their winner two minutes into stoppage time.

United clinched their place in the last eight a month ago and won the group by five points despite their young, largely reserve side, losing 2-0 at Deportivo Coruna in their final match.

United topped the group with 13 points followed by Juventus, who took second place because of their better results against the other two teams on seven points -- Deportivo and Basel.

Deportivo beat United with goals from Victor after 32 minutes and an own goal from young defender Mark Lynch two minutes after the break.

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Source: REUTERS
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