A late fightback from Manchester United was not enough as they lost 3-2 at RB Leipzig on Tuesday and exit this season’s UEFA Champions League.
The result means United finish third in Group H and drop to the Europa League play-off phase.
Leipzig got off to a very good start after Angelino broke the deadlock in the second minute.
Just eleven minutes after their opener, Leipzig went 2-0 up thanks to Amadou Haidara.
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In the 69th minute Justin Kluivert, son of Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert made it 3-0 in the 69th minute.
United pulled a goal back after Bruno Fernandes converted from the penalty spot on 80 minutes.
Two minutes later Paul Pogba got on the score sheet to bring score to 3-2.
United poured everything forward to get the third goal which would have secured qualification into the round of 16 but Leipzig held on for the win.
In the group’s other game in France between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir, it was abandoned over allegations of racism.
It was alleged that the fourth official made racist comments towards Istanbul Basaksehir’s assistant coach and former Cameroon striker Pierre Webo.
This led to players from both clubs walking off the pitch.
However, the PSG came back on to the pitch but the Turkish club failed to show up, a situation which could see the French giants being awarded three goals and three points.
The standing saw Leipzig top the group on 12 points, PSG for now are second on nine points, United also on nine points in third place while Istanbul Basaksehir are bottom on three points.
At the Nou Camp Cristiano Ronaldo outshined rival Lionel Messi as he led Juventus to a comfortable 3-0 win against Barcalona in Group G.
Ronaldo netted two goals from the penalty spot to inflict on Barcelona, who were on a 38-game unbeaten streak, their first Champions League home loss since 2013.
Juventus’ other scorer was new signing Weston McKennie.
Ronaldo is now the first player in Champions League history to score two penalties against Barcelona in the same match.
Also, he has scored 14 goals in his last 13 visits to Camp Nou.
With the victory, Juventus finish top on 15 points, same points tally as second-placed Barcelona.
And in Group E, Kepa Arrizabalaga returned to action for Chelsea who were held to a 1-1 draw by Krasnodar at Stamford Bridge while Sevilla beat Rennes 3-1 in France.
By James Agberebi
