Champions League Group A wrap: Inter, Spurs qualify

Inter Milan and Tottenham confirmed their places in the knockout stages of the Champions League after wins in Group A on Wednesday.

Reigning European and Italian champions Inter were less than impressive as they battled to a 1-0 victory over Twente at the San Siro.

With their injury toll continuing to mount, Inter boss Rafael Benitez was forced to field a makeshift Iine-up against the Dutch champions.

Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso was the hero on the night, scoring the game’s only goal 10 minutes after half-time.

After a scoreless first half, Cambiasso gave Inter the lead when he pounced on Wesley Sneijder’s blocked free kick and slammed the ball past Twente goalkeeper Nikolai Mihaylov.

Twente were not deterred though and continued to press forward in search of a goal which would keep their qualification chances alive.

Denny Landzaat went close, striking the bar with a long-range effort in the closing stages, but Inter held on to book their spot in the last 16.

Tottenham continued their impressive run of form and ensured they stayed on top of the group with a 3-0 win over Werder Bremen at White Hart Lane.

Harry Redknapp’s side were brimming with confidence following their recent victory over Inter Milan at White Hart Lane and their north London derby win over Arsenal on Saturday.

The home side got off to a dream start when Kaboul opened the scoring after just six minutes, slamming home his volley after getting on the end of Aaron Lennon’s cross.

Spurs doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Luka Modric found the back of the net, volleying home after Peter Crouch had nodded down Alan Hutton’s cross.

Gareth Bale failed to repeat his heroics from Spurs’ win over Inter Milan last time out when he missed a penalty on 54 minutes after Modric was brought down in the box.

But it mattered little as Crouch sealed the win in the 79th minute, knocking the ball in from close range after another Lennon cross.

Inter and Spurs are now both on 10 points, with the group winner to be decided after the final round of matches in a fortnight.