Lyon 0-0 Sevilla: Spanish side secure place in Champions League last 16

Sevilla secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League after seeing out a 0-0 draw against Lyon to ensure they finished second in Group H.

Lyon needed to win by two clear goals two pip their Spanish opponents to a place in the knock-out stages and twice hit the crossbar in the opening 45 minutes.

But the French club could not break down a resolute Sevilla side and will have to settle for a place in the Europa League.

Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes was passed fit after being hit by a firecracker during last Saturday's Ligue 1 game against Metz, while Manchester City misfit Samir Nasri returned from injury to make the Sevilla starting XI.

Lyon who started the game brightly with Mathieu Valbuena forcing Sergio Rico into an early save, before Sevilla carved out their best chance of the game after 18 minutes when Vitolo strolled into the box unchallenged, only to hit the far post with his side-footed effort. 

The hosts almost took advantage of their reprieve five minutes later but Corentin Tolisso contrived to miss from close range as his downward header bounced back up and onto the bar, following good work from Rafael on the right. 

Lyon were once again left cursing the woodwork when Valbuena curled an effort from the edge of the area against the bar towards the end of the first half.

Both teams had penalty shouts turned down with the lively Valbuena going down under a challenge from Mariano Pereira before Vitolo was felled as he tried to round Lopes.

After the break, Lyon emerged determined to continue where they left off but were unable to match their energy and endeavour of the first half, while Sevilla seemed content to sit deep, soak up the pressure and attack on the counter.

As time ticked by Lyon cut an increasingly frustrated and deflated figure and were unable to muster any chances of real note until a flurry of late half-chances, the best of which falling to young defender Mouctar Diakhaby whose despairing diving header flashed wide after Rafael's fizzed cross-shot.

With Juventus ensuring they topped Group H with a 2-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb, the result means Sevilla will now make the knock-out of the Champions League for the first time since 2009/10 and will not be challenging for a fourth consecutive Europa League title.