A rare goal from Christian Panucci helped AS Roma edge Valencia 1-0 and secure their place in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage while Shakhtar Donetsk held Olympiakos to a 1-1 draw to book a place in the UEFA Cup. Spanish side Valencia advanced as Group D leaders with 13 points, three ahead of second-placed Roma. At the Olimpico Stadium, Roma dominated most of the encounter as Valencia manager Quique Flores fielded a second-string lineup after securing their place in the knockout stages from the last round. Roma grabbed the lead in the 13th when Philippe Mexes headed Rodrigo Taddei's free-kick at the far post into the path of Panucci, who slotted home from close range.
Shakhtar booked their place in the UEFA Cup Francesco Tavano wasted a golden opportunity to grab the equalizer in the 70th minute when he was released by Curro Torres' pass before chipping the ball just wide. In Athens, Shakhtar midfielder Francesco Matuzalem broke the deadlock in the 27th minute but Alberto Castillo equalized for the hosts nine minutes after re-start. Shakhtar full-back Razvan Rat was sent-off one minute from time for a second bookable offense. The Ukraine giants finished as third in their group with six points while Olympiakos are fourth on three points.
