Rondon double helps Rubin book top spot

22 November 2012 21:17

Jose Salomon Rondon scored twice in the last three minutes as Rubin Kazan booked top spot in Europa League Group H with a 3-0 win over Inter Milan.

The Italians named an inexperienced line-up for a game between two sides who had already reached the knockout stages, and it showed as Gokdeniz Karadeniz struck in the opening minute and substitute Rondon added his late brace.

Also in Group H, Aleksandar Mitrovic scored and was later sent off as Partizan Belgrade came back from behind to draw 1-1 away to Neftchi, for whom Venancio Flavinho opened the scoring early on.

Group G leaders Genk sealed their place in the knockout stages with Elyaniv Barda's 19th-minute goal enough to see off Videoton in Hungary. Swiss side Basle moved two points clear in second place as they shrugged off the 59th-minute dismissal of midfielder Cabral to beat Sporting Lisbon 3-0 with goals from Fabian Schar, Valentin Stocker and David Degen.

Sporting, last season's semi-finalists, are now out of contention for a last-32 berth. Lyon confirmed top spot in Group I with a 1-1 draw against Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic. Teenager Yassine Benzia gave the French side a 46th-minute lead and Josef Husbauer replied seven minutes later.

The point is also enough for the Czechs to progress at the expense of Hapoel Kiryat Shmona and last year's runners-up Athletic Bilbao, whose match in Israel was postponed due to safety fears.

Tournament debutants Levante confirmed qualification from Group L, the Spaniards advancing with a 3-1 win at Helsingborgs with goals from Angel, Pape Diop and Vicente Iborra, before Thomas Sorum hit a late consolation for the hosts.

Already-qualified Hannover, meanwhile, were held to a goalless home draw by FC Twente, who had Rasmus Bengtsson sent off late on. Jonathan Cristaldo and Cleiton Xavier scored in the second half to confirm Metalist Kharkiv as winners of Group K after a 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, who had also already qualified.

Also in Group K, Rosenborg hit back to beat Rapid Vienna 3-2. John Chibuike put the hosts ahead before the Austrians hit back through Thomas Schrammel and Terrence Boyd. Rosenborg won it in the last 10 minutes with goals from Tarik Elyounoussi and Rade Prica.

Second place in Group J remains far from certain after a Victor Vitolo penalty gave Panathinaikos a 1-0 win over Maribor, as Tottenham held on for a goalless draw against Lazio.

Source: PA