Atletico Madrid win group after 2-0 win over Lazio

MADRID: Antoine Griezmann and Samuel Lino scored in each half to give Atletico Madrid a 2-0 win over Lazio on Wednesday (Dec 13) that secured them top spot in Champions League Group E.

A year after being knocked out of the competition in the group stage, Diego Simeone's side went into the last matchday unbeaten and sure of a place in the last 16, but they needed at least a point against the Italian team to finish top.

They finished with 14 points, four ahead of Lazio in second place. Feyenoord finished third on six points and will play in the Europa League, with Celtic bottom of the group on four points.

Atletico dominated proceedings and were never in danger, with Brazil's Lino a constant menace motoring up and down their left wing.

He put the ball on a plate for Griezmann to open the scoring in the sixth minute after winning possession on the edge of the box and crossing for the French forward, who slotted in a first-time strike.

It was Griezmann's fifth Champions League goal this season which put him level with Erling Haaland, Rasmus Hojlund and team mate Alvaro Morata as the competition’s top scorers.

The French forward has found the back of the net 14 times in 21 matches played in all competitions this season and he is only two goals behind Luis Aragones' record as Atletico's all-time top scorer with 173.

Atletico had a Mario Hermoso goal ruled-out just before the break for offside in the build up and wasted a couple of great chances through Memphis Depay before Lino secured the points for the hosts with a fine volley on the rebound inside the box in the 51st minute.