UCL Group B: Knockout Stage Tickets Punched For Schalke As They Defeat Lyon, Who Already Advanced

Two Wednesday UEFA Champions League contests took place in Group B.

At Gelsenkirchen, Germany:



Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored twice (20', 89', he's seen celebrating after his first tally), as FC Schalke, slowly awaking from their sleeping-pill start to their domestic campaign, clinched a Champions League knockout stage berth with a 3-0 home beatdown of fellow Round-of-16 entrants Lyon.

At Tel Aviv, Israel:


Eran Zehavi scored twice (24', 90') as Hapoel Tel Aviv stunned visiting Benfica 3-0.  They not only knocked the visiting Portuguese club from Champions League contention, they also still have a shot at overtaking the Eagles for a berth in the Europa League's knockout stage.  Here are jubilant Hapoel players saluting their fans after the match.

Both photos from Getty Images

GROUP B STANDINGS:

1. FC Schalke 04* (GP: 5; GD: +6; PTS: 10)
2. Lyon* (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS: 9)
3. SL Benfica# (GP: 5; GD: -4; PTS: 6)
4. Hapoel Tel Aviv# (GP: 5; GD: -3; PTS: 4)

*Clinched berths in Champions League knockout stage
#Eliminated from Champions League contention but still alive for berth in Europa League knockout stage