Real Madrid and PSG miss automatic qualification on frenetic group-stage finale

LONDON, Jan 28 : Real Madrid missed out on automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds as they crumbled to a 4-2 defeat at Benfica on a frenetic final night of group-stage action across Europe on Wednesday.

Kylian Mbappe's goal had put the 15-time winners on course for the win they needed to secure a top-eight finish, but their night ended in chaos as Jose Mourinho's Benfica roared back.

Benfica were still heading for elimination despite leading 3-2 but goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored their fourth goal in the 98th-minute - a header that meant the Portuguese giants crept into the playoffs on goal difference in 24th spot.

Real, who began the night third but ended it ninth and could face Norwegian upstarts Bodo/Glimt in the playoffs, also had Raul Asencio and Rodrygo sent off in stoppage time.

Holders Paris St Germain also slipped out of the top eight as they could only draw 1-1 at home to Newcastle United - a result that left both sides facing a playoff despite starting the final night in the automatic places.

Liverpool thrashed Qarabag 6-0 to end their group campaign in style and finish in third place - Alexis Mac Allister scoring twice and Mohamed Salah also among the goals.

Barcelona began the evening in ninth spot but spared themselves a playoff tie as they came from a goal down to beat Copenhagen 4-1. Goals from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Marcus Rashford ensured they finished fifth, one place behind surprise package Tottenham Hotspur who won 2-0 at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Chelsea trailed 2-1 at Napoli but two goals by Joao Pedro earned them a 3-2 win to clinch sixth spot while defeat left Napoli down and out in 30th place.

That meant five of the six English clubs are in the last 16 and