Saúl Ñiguez’s stunning solo strike, inspired Atlético Madrid to a deserved 3-0 win against Lokomotiv Moscow.
The midfielder struck a superb opener as the two-time Europa League winners put themselves on course for the quarter-finals.
The goal came after he rode a challenge near the halfway line before advancing and, as the Moscow defence backed off, unleashing an unstoppable effort which darted into the top corner.
Diego Costa then added a second two minutes after the break and Koke bagged a late third with Atlético in control.
Valon Berisha’s double earned Red Bull Salzburg a 2-1 win at Borussia Dortmund.
The Norway midfielder scored twice for the Austrians in the second half, his first a penalty, but Andre Schurrle pulled a goal back to keep the tie alive for Dortmund.
In Russia, Lyon also grabbed a slender 1-0 first-leg lead against CSKA Moscow thanks to Marcelo’s first-half goal.
Lazio were held to a 2-2 draw in Rome by Dynamo Kiev, while Marseille will take a 3-1 lead into the second leg against Athletic Bilbao. A late Domenico Criscito goal for Zenit St Petersburg kept the Russian side in the mix, though they were beaten 2-1 in Germany by RB Leipzig, and Sporting will be confident of progressing after beating Plzen 2-0 in Lisbon, Fredy Montero with both goals. (The Guardian, UK)
