The UEFA Champions League play-off had finished. Several names are happy, while the other perhaps feel bitter with the result.
Arsenal coming from behind to beat Udinese at the Stadio Friuli. Both sides started at a high tempo, the stifling heat was having little effect on the pace of proceedings. Antonio Di Natale's 39th-minute header cancelled out the Udinese’s deficit from the 1st leg result, but goals after the break from Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott sending Udinese to Europa League, while they are going to group phase of UEFA Champions League Season 2011/2012.
In the other place, late goal from Rubin’s Nacho was not enough for sending them to next phase. Thirteen minutes left for the end of the game, Nacho was giving a hope for the home team. With his goal, his team needs only one more goal to eliminate Lyon. They have struggled enough for that, but, Kone’s goal three minute before the end of the game, ended their hope. And Europa League is a consolation for the Russian side, after their failure to going to UEFA Champions League group phase for the 3rd time in a row.
Other result from last night game was Plzen going to next phase with convincing aggregate wins against Kobenhavn of Denmark. After their away win, 3-1 in Copenhagen, Plzen continuing their domination with 2-1 wins last night. The aggregate is 5-2 for the home team.
BATE of Belarussia is giving a big surprise. After their unconvincing home result, BATE sinking Sturm Graz of Austria with 2-0 away wins! Benfica of Portuguese is also going to the group phase of European Champions League after eliminating FC Twente of Netherland.
For the resume, Lyon, Arsenal, BATE, Plzen and Benfica are accompanying other teams such as, APOEL, Villareal and Bayern Munich which had already going to the group phase of UEFA Champions League season 2011/2012. In the group phase, which drawing will be held this friday, they will have to face the big name such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, AC Milan, etc.
