Four-time winners Bayern Munich crashed out of the Champions League last night - the first time ever the Germans have failed to make it through to the last 16 since the competition replaced the old European Cup.
The 2001 champions were beaten 2-1 by Deportivo La Coruna in a crucial Group G tie which also means they cannot even claim a consolation spot in the UEFA Cup as they have no hope of finishing third in the group.
Bayern went into the game knowing they had to win, but goals from Deportivo's Victor and Dutch striker Roy Mackaay spelled disaster for a team rated the best ever by Franz Beckenbauer at the start of the season.
Two minutes after Michael Ballack was taken off injured in the second half Deportivo broke the deadlock. Brazilian midfielder Mauro Silva fed Victor with the Spaniard firing home in the 54th minute.
Five minutes later Santa Cruz equalised, the substitute jumping high to head home a Scholl cross from the right. But Deportivo extinguished any hope of a Bayern reprieve when Makaay scored with a minute to go, his 13th goal in 12 matches. The win leaves Deportivo's hopes of progressing alive and kicking.
In the other group game, a goal by Nigerian international John Utaka gave Lens a 2-1 win over AC Milan, the Italian's defeat in the competition this term.
It gives the French side a great chance of making the second phase but only if they beat Bayern Munich next week and Deportivo La Coruna lose in Milan.
Andriy Shevchenko had opened the scoring for Milan in the 31st minute, nipping in to head home after Jon-Dahl Tomasson had headed on. Lens, however, hit back brilliantly 10 minutes later as Daniel Moreira ghosted in unmarked to head home.
Barcelona beat Club Bruges 1-0 in their Group H clash with Juan Riquelme grabbing the winner in the 64th minute, while Lokomotiv Moscow caused an upset in Turkey, beating Galatasaray 2-1.
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