The next to last day of the league stage of the Champions League took place midweek, with Luis Fabiano and ex Spurs striker Kanouté on target in Sevilla's 3-1 win over Arsenal. Sevilla are through to the last sixteen, as are Barcelona, who drew 2-2 at Lyon with another penalty goal from Messi. Goals from Robinho and Van Nistelrooy were not enough to prevent Real Madrid from a 3-2 defeat at Werder Bremen, and they still need a point to qualify. And Valencia are out after they could only draw 0-0 with Schalke.

In the UEFA Cup, Diego Forlán returned from injury to score a first half penalty in Atlético's 2-0 win over Aberdeen, but Getafe were surprisingly beaten 1-2 by Hapoel Tel Aviv. Forlán was on the scoresheet again at the weekend as Atlético beat Betis 0-2 to move up into the Champions League spots, but they are still some way behind neighbours Real Madrid, who beat Racing Santander 3-1 with two more goals from a born-again Raúl. (03.12.07)