Spain Sports News
Sevilla qualify for the Champions League last 16
By h.b. - Nov 5, 2009 - 7:00 AM
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Jesús Navas beats Jens Lehmann - EFE
Barcelona failed to score in Russia and now face a tough qualification
Despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Stuttgart, Sevilla have become the first Spanish side to qualify for the last 16 in the Champions League. Manolo Jiménez’s side went ahead with a goal from Jesús Navas in the 13th minute, and qualify despite the equalizer which came after the local side relaxed. They may not end up first in their group but Sevilla are through.
Things are now more complicated for Barcelona who could not break the 0-0 deadlock against Rubin Kazan in Russia. The Catalan side now has to win its last two remaining games.
Barça’s best chance last night came in the very first minute when Ibrahimovic hit the post. Had that gone in the game could well have had a totally different feel, but after that the Russian side closed down its defence. Barça were the better side, but the Russians defended well and generated some dangerous chances of their own towards the end.
Barça now have to beat Inter at home and Dinamo in the Ukrainian winter to reach the last 16.