English champions Manchester City have failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League after drawing 1-1 with Spanish champions Real Madrid.

In truth the Spanish side dominated the first 25 minutes and took the lead after 10 minutes.

Striker Karim Benzema scored from close-range from a cross from winger Angel Di Maria. Real had more chances, but failed to extend their advantage.

City came out looking brighter in the second half.  The breakthrough didn’t arrive until the 74^th minute though. Sergio Aguero was brought down in the penalty area by full-back Alvaro Arbeloa and the referee deemed the tackle a foul.

The Italian official also decided to give the full-back a second yellow card and send him off. Aguero stepped up himself and scored with the spot kick. Although City had a man advantage they couldn’t make it count and the game finished level.

The result means that Manchester City can no longer qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Elsewhere in the group Dortmund defeated Ajax 4-1 in the Amsterdam Arena. Goals from Marco Reus, Mario Gotze and a brace from Robert Lewandowski put the visitors in complete control. A consolation goal from Danny Hoesen for Ajax meant very little in the end.

Dortmund have gone through to the knockout stages of the competition as group winners, while Ajax will compete with Manchester City for a Europa League place.

Arsenal qualified for the knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Montpellier at the Emirates Stadium. Midfielder Jack Wilshere opened the scoring with a chipped effort in the 49^th minute. German international Lukas Podolski doubled the Gunners lead with a stunning volley.

Arsenal will be joined in the knockout stages by Schalke, who defeated Olympiakos 1-0. The only goal of the game came from Christian Fuchs.

Other Champions League results:

Zenit 2-2 Malaga

Anderlecht 1-3 AC Milan

Dynamo Kiev 0-2 PSG

Porto 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb

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