United, City out of Champions League
THE city of Manchester is in despair today after both English Premier League heavyweights - Manchester United and Manchester City - were knocked out of the European Champions League.
The Mancunian sides were facing different scenarios to progress to the Champions League's round of 16, but both failed in their endeavour to grab the necessary points.
Needing only a draw away to Swiss side Basle, United was forced to play catch-up for most of the match after conceding the opener to Marco Streller in the ninth minute.
The Red Devils pushed for the much-needed equaliser but Basle secured its passage into the last 16 when Alexander Frei scored his side's second goal.
Defender Phil Jones scored a late consolation, but it wasn't enough to stop United falling out of the competition at the group stage for the first time in six years.
On the blue half of Manchester, City were facing a destiny out of their hands, needing a win against Bayern Munich at home while hoping Spanish side Villarreal could defeat Italian side Napoli.
City's David Silva and Yaya Toure made sure City held up its side of the bargain with a 2-0 win, but a corresponding scoreline to Napoli made sure of City's early exit.
Both sides move into the Europa League due to their third place finishes.
