Audio By Carbonatix
Spain became the first nation to have five teams in the Champions League group stage in a single season after Valencia squeezed past Monaco 4-3 on aggregate in the play-off round despite a 2-1 defeat at the French side on Tuesday.
Valencia joined holders Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, who gained an automatic berth as last season's winners of the second-tier Europa League.
On a night of pulsating action, Malmo, Dinamo Zagreb, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Shakhtar Donetsk also booked money-spinning group stage spots in Europe's premier club competition.
Former Manchester City forward Alvaro Negredo put Valencia in the driving seat with a deft fourth-minute chip but the Spaniards were forced to hang on after Andrea Raggi and Elderson revived Monaco's hopes in the principality.
Swedish title holders Malmo advanced for a second successive season after Markus Rosenberg and a Dedryck Boyata own goal gave them a 2-0 home win over Celtic which a overturned a 3-2 first leg deficit over Celtic to overturn a 3-2 first-leg away deficit.
Former European Cup winners Celtic lost their lead after Rosenberg met a corner, the ball sliding in off his shoulder. Malmo missed several chances before Boyata's desperate attempt to clear in a goalmouth scramble ended with the Celtic defender sliding the ball into his own net.
Croatians Dinamo qualified for the third time in the past five seasons, beating Skenderbeu 4-1 at home to complete a 6-2 overall victory over the Albanians.
Algeria striker El Arabi Hilal Soudani netted a fine brace, with Jeremy Taravel and Armin Hodzic also on the scoresheet for the Croatians.
A nervy 2-2 home draw with Rapid Vienna saw Shakhtar through after a 1-0 win in the first leg while Maccabi edged out Basel on away goals, a 1-1 home draw being just enough following last week's 2-2 tie in Switzerland.
The top match of Wednesday's action features Manchester United's visit to Bruges, where the three-time winners will defend a 3-1 first leg advantage over the Belgians.
-
Follow Joy Sports on Twitter: @Joy997FM. Our hashtag is #JoySports
Latest Stories
-
Iranian minister says only negotiation can end conflict after Trump rejects Hormuz deal
3 minutes -
Some Ghanaians use free speech to destroy reputations – Bobby Banson
17 minutes -
Crowds, deals and home solutions as Republic Bank-JoyNews Habitat Fair enters final day
3 hours -
Fire Service finds only five functional hydrants in Ministries enclave
4 hours -
Government to sign 1,200MW gas power deal before end of 2026 – Mahama
4 hours -
West Mamprusi launches community-led WASH and livelihoods project across 100 communities
4 hours -
Iran says it will wait for official US response after Trump rejects Strait of Hormuz proposal
4 hours -
90 Oti communities to benefit from government electrification project
4 hours -
Floods leave 246 without shelter as 93 houses collapse in North East Gonja
4 hours -
Labour Minister wants SOEs to help shape new public pay system
9 hours -
IPEC will ensure Equity and Sustainability in SOEs Compensation
9 hours -
White House bars CNN from travelling with Trump on Air Force One
10 hours -
Fennis wins second consecutive ITF J60 title in Accra
10 hours -
Spain beat England in thriller after Kane penalty miss
10 hours -
GPL 2026/27: Zaidan’s late goal ends Hearts of Oak unbeaten start
10 hours