The Italians barely saved 2: 2 against Club Brugge, which also managed with ten players • The Germans came back from a 1: 2 deficit against Zenit away
Lazio celebrates promotion to the top 16.
barely
Photography:
AFP
With great difficulty and after a drama, Lazio tonight (Tuesday) secured their place in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2000. The Italians needed a home draw against Club Brugge, which in turn owed a victory, and business almost escaped their hands.
Joaquin Kora's advantage goal was erased by Bruges within three minutes when Rod Wormer took advantage of a bad deflection by Pepe Reina.
An accurate Immobilia penalty and a red card from Edward Sobol before the end of the first half gave Lazio the sure path to an easy victory, but even with ten players Bruges managed to equalize.
Hans Vananek made it 2-2 in the 74th minute, and in the 92nd minute the crossbar saved Lazio from a loss that would have led to their dismissal.
Luckily for Simona Inzaghi who made some puzzling substitutions this game ended without a draw, and Lazio advanced to the last eight.
At one point the Italians were also in first place at home as Dortmund trailed 0-1 against Zenit, but goals from Lucas Fishek and Axel Witsel (against his former team) gave the Germans a 1-2 victory and first place.