Milan inch closer to knockout phase

Italian champions AC Milan closed on the Champions League knockout phase after an entertaining 1-1 draw at Belarusian side BATE Borisov in Minsk on Tuesday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave Milan the lead in the 22nd minute from a pass by Robinho, who then wasted a chance to make the game safe when he rounded the goalkeeper but hit the outside of the post with the goal at his mercy.

The Brazilian's miss was punished in the 55th minute, with Renan Bressan equalising from the penalty spot after Artyom Konsevoi had been bundled over in the box by Ignazio Abate.

The draw took Massimiliano Allegri's side a point clear of defending champions Barcelona in Group H and Milan will be assured of a place in the last 16 if the Catalans win at Czech champions Viktoria Plzen later on Tuesday.

In the day's other early game, Russian Premier League leaders Zenit Saint Petersburg won 1-0 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk to move two points clear at the top of Group G.

Belgian defender Erik Lombaerts scored the game's only goal with a header in first-half injury time.

Former group leaders APOEL Nicosia host reigning Europa League champions FC Porto in the day's other game.

Arsenal can seal a berth in the knockout stage for a 12th consecutive season if they win at home to Marseille in Group F later, while Borussia Dortmund will bid to keep their qualification hopes alive at home to Olympiakos.

Chelsea, thrashed 5-3 by Arsenal on Sunday, can also go through, but they must win at Belgian outfit Genk in Group E and hope that Bayer Leverkusen avoid defeat at Valencia.