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Udinese through to next round with win over Zagreb

Wed 3rd, December 2008

Udine, Italy (Sports Network) - Udinese remained perfect in Group D play in the UEFA Cup as the Italian side booked a spot in the next round with a 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb at the Stadio Friuli on Wednesday.

Fabio Quagliarella put Udinese ahead just five minutes into the match and Christian Obodo's goal with 12 minutes to play put the result out of reach for Zagreb, which pulled a goal back in stoppage time through Igor Biscan.

The result leaves Udinese on top of the group, three points clear of Tottenham and six ahead of NEC, Zagreb and Spartak Moscow, with just one round of matches left to be played.

Tottenham can secure passage with a draw at home against Spartak, while Zagreb must hope for huge losses by both Spartak and NEC to have a chance.

The home supporters could not have asked for a better start with Antonio Di Natale's cross finding Quagliarella in the middle of the box and the striker beating goalkeeper Tomislav Butina with a right-footed shot.

Zagreb was only able to muster a few long-range efforts on target in the first half, but although they were more positive in the second half, it was still difficult to break down a stubborn Udinese defense.

The home side finally extended its lead in the 78th minute when Simone Pepe's cross was met by Obodo to put the Italian side up two goals, while Biscan took advantage of some confusion in the Udinese defense to grab a late goal, preventing a clean sheet.

Spartak Moscow could have all but secured a berth in the next round but NEC rallied late to snatch all three points. Serghei Covalciuc put the Russian club ahead two minutes into the match, but the goal didn't hold up as Jhon Van Beukering equalized in the 84th minute and Lasse Schone scored three minutes later to put all three points in the bag.

Standard Liege had no trouble staying perfect in Group C as the Belgian side cruised to a 3-0 win over Sampdoria. Liege is now assured of a spot in the next round while Sevilla scored a huge 3-0 win over Partizan Belgrade to move into second place. Sevilla will travel to Sampdoria on the final day of matches needing a draw to advance while Sampdoria is level on points with Stuttgart for the third and final spot. Stuttgart holds an edge in goal difference and will be hosting Liege.

Manchester City has moved on despite playing to a dull 0-0 draw at home against PSG, while Twente scored a 2-1 win over Schalke to join City in the next round. Schalke has now played all four of its games and sits two points clear of both PSG and Racing, meaning that the German club can only advance if neither side records a win. PSG will be at home against Twente while Racing hosts City.

Galatasaray finished up its Group B play with a 1-0 win over Hertha Berlin as Milan Baros converted from the penalty spot 20 minutes from time. The win leaves the Turkish side on top of the group, two points clear of Metalist Kharkiv, which also advanced with a 1-0 win over Olympiakos on Wednesday. The battle for the last spot involves Olympiakos, Hertha Berlin and Benfica, with the three teams separated by two points. The Greek side will likely advance with a draw at home against Hertha Berlin, while Benfica must win big against Metalist to even have a chance.