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On Wednesday evening, the 5th round of the UEFA Champions League will take place, featuring the penultimate group stage matches.
Today, teams from groups A-D will be seeking to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. A total of eight matches will be played in stadiums across Europe.
Madrid "Real" - Istanbul "Galatasaray"
The first match between the Turkish champions and the Spanish vice-champions took place in Istanbul, where Madrid "Real" left no hopes for the hosts and celebrated a victory with a score of 1-6. Cristiano Ronaldo was unstoppable in this match, scoring a hat-trick. The Turks had no chance against the "Royal Club" in front of their own fans, so it is unlikely they will achieve a positive result at the "Santiago Bernabeu" stadium.
In Group B, the winner of the first place is nearly clear. Carlo Ancelotti's players comfortably lead with 10 points, while "Galatasaray" is still fighting for second place with other teams that have equal chances to advance to the next stage.
Leverkusen "Bayer" - "Manchester United"
At "Old Trafford" stadium, "Man Utd" managed to secure a victory against opponents from Leverkusen. In a fierce six-goal match, David Moyes' team earned the first three points, but later it became increasingly difficult for the "Red Devils" squad.
In Group A, three teams are still battling for a spot in the quarterfinals, but none of them are guaranteed yet. "Manchester United" (8 pts), "Bayer" (7 pts), and "Shakhtar" (5 pts) can improve their position in the group with a victory, while newcomer San Sebastian "Real Sociedad" remains in last place with just one point.
Moscow CSKA - Munich "Bayern"
The reigning champions of the Champions League from last season easily defeated Moscow opponents. Goals from David Alaba, Mario Mandzukic, and Arjen Robben at the Allianz Arena secured the victory. This match is almost inconsequential for the Bundesliga champions, as they along with "Manchester City" have already secured their spot in the next stage.
There could still be a battle for first place in the group, as the "Citizens" are only three points behind Josep Guardiola's team. CSKA does not intend to surrender to the German champions, as every point is crucial for the team to secure third place in the group and advance to the Europa League, while Plzen's "Viktoria" remains without points.
Turin "Juventus" - "Copenhagen"
In Denmark, the first encounter ended with a somewhat surprising result. Multiple Italian champions Turin "Juventus" could not defeat the "Copenhagen" team away. The hosts had an advantage in the beginning of the match, but Fabio Quagliarella's goal secured a draw for the "Bianconeri" team.
In the mentioned group, the leader is clear, but the second team, which will continue the Champions League journey, is still unknown. "Galatasaray" and "Copenhagen" have 4 points each, while Antonio Conte's team has only 3 points and has not won a single match. A victory at home is crucial for "Juventus" players.
Other Wednesday matches:
Donetsk "Shakhtar" - San Sebastian "Real Sociedad"
Brussels "Anderlecht" - Lisbon "Benfica"
Paris "Saint-Germain" - Piraeus "Olympiacos"
Manchester City - Plzen "Viktoria"
