Arsenal thrash Alkmaar, Liverpool draw

Cesc Fabregas struck twice as Arsenal thrashed AZ Alkmaar 4-1 at home on Wednesday and were on the brink of a place in the Champions League knockout round.

Inspirational skipper Fabregas scored a goal in each half with Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby also cashing in against a Dutch side who were outclassed all over the pitch.

With two matches remaining Arsenal top Group H with 10 points from four games, followed by Greek side Olympiacos on six and Standard Liege, who Arsenal host next, on four.

Alkmaar, who have now lost all five of their matches away to English clubs in European club football, gained something to show for their efforts late on when substitute Jeremain Lens beat Manuel Almunia with a well-struck low shot although they are in danger of finishing bottom of the group.

Lyon through after draw with Liverpool

A last-gasp goal by Lisandro Lopez earned Olympique Lyon a 1-1 draw with Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday that sealed the French team's place in the last 16.

Argentine striker Lopez fired home from close range in the 90th minute as Lyon progressed from the group stage for the seventh time in a row.

Liverpool went ahead after a thunderbolt 25-metre shot from Ryan Babel in the 83rd.

Lyon top Group E with 10 points from four matches followed by Fiorentina (9), Liverpool (4) and Debrecen (0).