LONDON, Dec. 12-- Manchester United had to settle for second place in the UEFA Champions League Group H after suffering a 2-1 defeat at Valencia while Manchester City topped Group F by beating Hoffenheim at home on Wednesday. Carlos Soler fired the La Liga side ahead and an own goal from Phil Jones early in the second period doubled their lead. Second-half substitute Marcus Rashford made it 2-1 in the 87th minute. The result meant Jose Mourinho's men finished the runners-up in the group after Juventus, who topped the group with two more points despite losing 2-1 against Young Boys in Switzerland. Mourinho was pleased with Manchester United's progression to the last 16 although it was already secured before the final match. He said, "I don't think we were brilliant in this group phase, but with the problems we had and the injuries we had we managed to come here already qualified." Two goals from Leroy Sane saw Manchester City fight back from falling behind to overcome Hoffenheim and seal top spot in Group F. The German side took a first half lead through Andrej Kamaric's 16th minute penalty, but Sane brought City level against his compatriots with a stunning free-kick in first half injury time. The winger then capped a fine man-of-the-match performance by finding the target again midway through the second half to seal the win and secure pole position for Pep Guardiola's men. |