Real Madrid secures play-off spot for Champions League last 16

The reigning champions took the lead in the 27th minute through Rodrygo, before Jude Bellingham doubled their advantage in the 56th minute. Rodrygo struck again in the 78th minute to seal the win, in a match that also saw manager Carlo Ancelotti sent off in the 64th minute following a heated exchange with the officials. 

The victory lifts Real Madrid to 15 points in 11th place, while Brest remains on 13 points in 18th, with both sides advancing to the play-off round. 

Liverpool suffers first defeat but remains top

Liverpool, having already secured direct qualification to the last 16 as one of the top eight teams, suffered their first league-stage defeat, falling 3-2 to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. 

Despite the setback, Liverpool remains atop the table with 21 points, while PSV’s win moves them to 14 points in 14th place, earning them a play-off spot. 

Liverpool took an early lead through a Cody Gakpo penalty in the 28th minute, only for Johan Bakayoko to equalise for PSV seven minutes later. Harvey Elliott restored Liverpool’s lead in the 40th minute, but Ismael Saibari levelled the score on the stroke of half-time before Ricardo Pepi netted PSV’s third in stoppage time. 

Arsenal books last-16 spot with win over Girona 

Arsenal secured direct qualification to the Champions League last 16 after a hard-fought 2-1 win against Spanish side Girona. 

Girona took the lead in the 28th minute through Arnaut Danjuma, but Jorginho equalised for Arsenal from the penalty spot ten minutes later. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri then put the Gunners ahead in the 42nd minute, ensuring their progression. 

Arsenal now sits third with 19 points, level on points with second-placed Barcelona but trailing on goal difference. Girona, meanwhile, remains on just three points in 33rd place and had already been eliminated. 

Inter Milan sweeps past Monaco