Europa League wrap: Atletico advance, Inter thrashed

Atletico Madrid booked a place in the round of 32 with a narrow 1-0 win over Hapoel Tel Aviv in Group B of the Europa League on Thursday.

Raul Garcia’s seventh-minute goal proved the difference between the two sides in a largely defensive and turgid encounter.

Diego Simeone made eight changes from the game against Granada as he celebrated 50 official games in charge of the Europa League holders.

But it did not hamper his side and after a controlled start, the hosts broke the deadlock in the seventh minute.

Adrian Lopez’s measured cross was poorly judged by goalkeeper Apoula Edel and Emre took control to tee up Garcia, who fired into the net.

The result was enough for Atletico to qualify from Group B alongside Viktoria Plzen, who claimed a 1-1 draw at Academica.

Inter Milan will finish second in Group H behind Rubin Kazan after the Russian club recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Karadeniz Gokdeniz’s second-minute strike and a brace from substitute Salomon Rondon in the latter stages highlighted the gulf in experience between the two teams, with Inter manager Andrea Stramaccioni opting for a youthful starting line up.

The other Group H result saw strugglers Neftci and Partizan Belgrade play out a 1-1 stalemate in Baku.

Rubin top the group, three points clear of the Serie A giants, with one round of matches remaining, but their superior head-to-head record means the Russians progress as leaders.

Liverpool’s place in the competition remains in the balance after Elsad Zverotic’s late goal secured a smash-and-grab 2-2 draw for Young Boys on a frustrating night for the hosts at Anfield.

Anzhi Makhachkala’s 2-0 win over Udinese in the early game meant a win for Brendan Rodgers’ men would have sealed their progress but they failed to deliver despite a dominant performance.

Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven bowed out of the competition following a 2-1 defeat at home to Group F leaders Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, while Napoli ensured progression thanks to a late 2-1 win over AIK.

Newcastle booked their place in the next round despite an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Maritimo in Group D action at St James’ Park.

Alan Pardew’s side will join Bordeaux in the round of 32 after the French outfit edged Club Brugge 2-1.

Hugo Lloris produced a man-of-the-match display as Tottenham held Group J leaders Lazio to a scoreless draw, ensuring victory in the final game will guarantee progression ahead of Panathinaikos, who beat Maribor 1-0.

In Group G, Genk qualified for the next around after defeating Videoton 1-0, while Basel are well-placed thanks to their comfortable 3-0 triumph at home to Sporting Lisbon.

Levante secured their passage into the round of 32 with a commanding 3-1 victory at Helsingborg as Group L leaders Hannover held Twente to a goalless draw.

French side Lyon wrapped up top spot in Group I thanks to a 1-1 draw with Sparta Prague, while the game between Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona and Athletic Bilbao was postponed due to security concerns.

Stuttgart thumped Group E pacesetters Steaua Bucharest 5-1 to move within touching distance of the next round but Copenhagen are hot on their trail after ousting Molde 2-1.

Bruno Labbadia’s Stuttgart need victory in the final game to confirm progression but defeat and a Copenhagen win would see the Danish club advance.

In Group C, Marseille were eliminated following their 1-0 loss to leaders Fenerbahce and Borussia Moenchengladbach’s dominant 2-0 victory over AEL Limassol.

Meanwhile, Metalist Kharkiv accounted for Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 and Rosenborg came from behind to beat Rapid Vienna 3-2 in Group K.