Holders Atletico Madrid suffered a humiliating first-stage exit
Thursday in this season's Europa Cup, after a draw at Bayern Leverkusen
that consigns them to no better than third in their group.

In a match played in snowy conditions in Germany, Fran Merida's
72nd-minute equalizer gave Atletico hope, but Patrick Helmes' goal for
Leverkusen was enough to secure a 1-1 draw.

With Aris Salonika beating Rosenborg 2-0, even an Atletico win on the
night would not have been enough for them to qualify for the next phase
of the event.

Leverkusen had already qualified for the next stage as winners of
Group B, but they put out a strong team and more than matched Atletico
on a cold, difficult night.

It is the first time the holders have crashed out in the first round since CSKA Moscow suffered the same fate five years ago.

Manchester City secured top spot in Group A with a 1-1 draw against
Juventus in Turin. The Italian side had already been eliminated but put
up a good fight, with Niccolo Giannetti putting them ahead two minutes
before half-time.

With Lech Poznan winning 1-0 at SV Salzburg in Austria, City's hopes
of topping the group were in doubt until Brazilian striker Jo fired the
equalizer 14 minutes from time to put City top on goal difference.

City manager Roberto Mancini said it had been important that his side finished top of their group.

"We have a chance to go all the way, but it is important to have a
good draw for the next round, and after that we will see," he said.

"Juventus have a good team, and we started very well. It was strange
to concede the goal, but we played well, and for me this is important. I
did not expect to play against such a strong Juventus team. Our players
showed good character, and we hope to carry on like this. But in the
end I think we deserved a draw, minimum."

Lille snatched a place in the last 16 thanks to a 3-0 win over AA
Gent in France, securing second spot in Group C behind winners Sporting
Lisbon.

The remaining places in the last 16 will be secured later Thursday,
with AEK Athens needing a point from their match at home to Zenit St
Petersburg.

The Russian side have already qualified as group winners, but if they
beat AEK then Anderlecht could pip them for a place in the next stage
by beating Hajduk Split in Belgium.

الموضوع الاصلى : Holders Atletico Madrid crash out of Europa Cup المصدر :منتدياتالأكام الكاتب: الأمير