Holders AC Milan secured a place in the knockout phase of Champions League with a 1-1 draw against Benfica on Wednesday. Milan led through midfielder Andrea Pirlo's fierce shot from 30 metres on 15 minutes.

Benfica, who needed a win to keep their slim qualification hopes from Group D alive, equalised five minutes later when Uruguayan midfielder Maxi Pereira scored with an angled strike from outside the area.

Benfica captain Nuno Gomes had a goal disallowed for offside just past the hour while Milan's Brazilian striker Kaka missed two good chances in the final minutes.

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