Football: Atletico eye Europa League progress

PARIS: Defending champions Atletico Madrid head a list of several teams that can advance to the knockout stages of the Europa League today, as the group phase reaches the business end. Group B leaders Atletico can assure themselves a berth in the last-32 with a victory against Academica in Coimbra. Lyon, who have also recorded three wins from three, will be out to book their spot in the next round against Athletic Bilbao. The picture is slightly more complicated for Tottenham, however, as their campaign remains grounded after three draws to start Group J. Spurs sit third, trailing Lazio by two points and unheralded Maribor by one, but summer signing Clint Dempsey believes the Londoners still have every chance of advancing. Liverpool occupy first place in Group A and can give themselves breathing space with a win over Anzhi Makhachkala.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2012.