Champions League dream ends for FC Zurich
FC Zurich's hopes of qualifying for the Uefa Champions League in the knockout phase of the competition were squashed after losing 6-1 to Marseille on Tuesday.
Bernard Challandes’ team were already 2-0 down just 11 minutes into the game at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille. Midfielder Silvan Aegerter’s own-goal in the third minute put Marseille ahead before Fabrice Abriel doubled the lead in the 11th minute with a free kick.
Zurich striker Alexandre Alphonse scored the team’s only goal in the 31st minute, but Marseille captain Mamadou Niang then extended the lead.
Zurich, who had won 1-0 at AC Milan in September, were handed a further blow when striker Johann Vonlanthen was forced to leave the field following a challenge by Argentina defender Gabriel Heinze.
Vitorino Hilton, Benoit Cheyrou and Brazilian striker Brandao sealed Zurich’s fate, all scoring in the last ten minutes.
Marseille have six points from four games in Group C but are a point behind AC Milan and Real Madrid. Zurich are last with three points.
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