Champions League: Barcelona Triumphs Over Dortmund to Secure Second Place, Arsenal Moves Up to Third
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New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Barcelona has guaranteed their spot in either the knockout phase playoffs or the round of 16 by climbing to second place in the league phase table, thanks to a 3-2 triumph over Borussia Dortmund.
Ferran Torres made a significant impact off the bench, scoring twice to secure the win for Barcelona, confirming their place in the upcoming knockout rounds.
Following a scoreless first half, Raphinha opened the scoring for the visitors with a well-placed low shot. However, Serhou Guirassy equalized from the penalty spot after being fouled by Pau Cubarsi.
The Dortmund striker quickly leveled the match again shortly after Torres's initial goal, but the Barcelona forward capitalized on Lamine Yamal's assist to find the back of the net once more, pushing Hansi Flick's team three points ahead of their rivals.
In another match, Arsenal maintained their flawless home record in the league phase as Bukayo Saka netted twice, leading them to a 3-0 victory over Monaco.
Gabriel Jesus's precise low cross found Saka at the back post in the 34th minute, although the Gunners missed opportunities to extend their lead before halftime, with Martin Odegaard among those who shot wide.
Monaco pushed for an equalizer in the second half, but Saka scored again in the 78th minute after substitute Kai Havertz intercepted the ball in the box. The third goal came when Havertz converted Saka's pass, with a deflection off Thilo Kehrer sealing the win.
AC Milan and Juventus also moved up the table with victories against Crvena Zvezda and Manchester City, respectively.
Tammy Abraham secured the winner for Milan, marking their fourth consecutive league phase victory with a 2-1 win over Zvezda. After an early scare from Andrija Maksimovic's shot hitting the crossbar, the Rossoneri dominated the first half, taking the lead with a classy finish from Rafael Leao.
Crvena Zvezda fought back after the break, nearly scoring when Mike Maignan saved Mirko Ivanić's shot, and they eventually equalized through Nemanja Radonjic. However, Abraham netted the decisive goal three minutes from time after Ivan Gutesa deflected a shot.
Juventus secured a vital win in Turin with second-half goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie. Manchester City, now with just one win in their last ten matches across all competitions, lamented Erling Haaland's missed opportunity when Michele Di Gregorio brilliantly saved his chipped effort.
Vlahovic capitalized on a Kenan Yildiz cross to score his fourth goal in as many Champions League matches after the break, while Timothy Weah assisted fellow substitute McKennie for the second goal just six minutes later.
