Aston Villa’s hopes of automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16 took a blow after a 1-0 loss to Monaco on Tuesday, while Atalanta won big to keep up its strong campaign.

Liverpool have qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League and will likely finish top of the pile. The Reds beat Lille 2-1 at Anfield to remain in pole position as the expanded group stages draw to a close. However, Barcelona beating Benfica 5-4 meant they have not officially sealed top spot yet.

LILLE, France (AP) — French club Lille has loaned defender Rafael Fernandes to Glasgow Rangers until the end of the season. The 22-year-old Fernandes joined the Ligue 1 club in January last year but didn’t see any playing time. Fernandes, who honed his skills at Sporting Lisbon’s youth academy, has represented Portugal at youth levels.

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Liverpool are on the verge of progressing into the knockout stages of the Champions League this season as they welcome Lille to Anfield on Tuesday evening. READ

Liverpool secures Champions League last 16 spot, Barcelona stuns Benfica, and Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa face setbacks.

Liverpool became the first team to guarantee a place in the last 16 of the new Champions League format by beating Lille 2-1 on Tuesday, while Barcelona fought back from two goals down to stun Benfica

Coach Bruno Genesio has made Lille tough to beat, however, and the club's last defeat was on Sept. 17 against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. Marseille has won the French Cup 10 times but ...