Champions' League round-up: Renato's double strike keeps Seville in race to win group
While Seville narrowed the gap on Arsenal to one point in the race to finish top of Group H by beating Steaua Bucharest 2-0 in Romania last night, Manchester United's nearest pursuers, Roma, fell off the ferocious pace set by the Old Trafford team by drawing at Sporting Lisbon.
Seville dominated with their quick, short passing and their Brazilian midfielder Renato scored the goals, the first in the 25th minute, a tap in after Steaua's keeper could only parry Christian Poulsen's header from a corner. Renato added his second with a diving header after great build-up play in the 65th minute. Daniel Alves left three defenders behind before back-heeling for Jesus Navas to cross.
In Group F, Roma fell five points behind United after drawing 2-2 with Sporting. Marco Cassetti gave Roma a fourth-minute lead before Sporting's Brazilian striker Liedson struck twice, in the 23rd and 64th minute, to put the hosts ahead. Roma were then indebted to midfielder David Pizarro for rescuing a point with a deflected last-minute strike.
Lyons kept hot on Rangers' heels by eliminating VfB Stuttgart with a 4-2 home win. The French club lost their first two games but are now one point behind Rangers in third. Comeback of the night was by Internazionale, who trailed 2-0 to CSKA Moscow before winning 4-2 and knocking the Russians out.
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