Holders Atletico Madrid crash out of Europa Cup in first stage

LONDON - Holders Atletico Madrid suffered a humiliating first-stage exit in this season’s Europa Cup Thursday after they could only finish third in their group following a draw at Bayern Leverkusen.

In a match played in snowy conditions in Germany, Fran Merida’s 72nd-minute equaliser gave Atletico hope, but Patrick Helmes’ goal for Leverkusen was enough to secure a 1-1 draw.

As it turned out, with Aris Salonika beating Rosenborg 2-0, even an Atletico win on the night would not have been enough for them to qualify for the next phase of the event.

Leverkusen had already qualified for the next stage as winners of Group B, but they put out a strong team and more than matched Atletico in cold, difficult conditions.

It is the first time the holders have crashed out in the first round since CSKA Moscow suffered the same fate five years ago.

Manchester City secured top spot in Group A with a 1-1 win draw against Juventus in Turin. The Italian side had already been eliminated but put up a good fight, with Niccolo Giannetti putting them ahead two minutes before half-time.

With Lech Poznan winning 1-0 at SV Salzburg in Austria, City’s hopes of topping the group were in doubt until Brazilian striker Jo fired the equaliser 14 minutes from time to put City top on goal difference.

Lille snatched a place in the last 16 thanks to a 3-0 win over AA Gent in France, securing second spot in Group C behind winners Sporting Lisbon.

The remaining places in the last 16 will be secured later Thursday, with AEK Athens needing a point from their match at home to Zenit St Petersburg.

The Russian side have already qualified as group winners but if they beat AEK then Anderlecht could pip them for a place in the next stage by beating Hajduk Split in Belgium.