Dutch courage helps AZ edge past Udinese

Dutch Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar survived the third minute sending-off of Nick Viergever as they clung on for a 2-1 defeat at Serie A side Udinese which was enough to send them through 3-2 on aggregate.

Things looked bleak when two goals from Antonio Di Natale drew the hosts level on aggregate inside 15 minutes. But Udinese failed to make the most of their chances and AZ went back in front through a 31st minute strike from Erik Falkenburg, and held on for a last-eight place.

Hannover left no room for doubt with a crushing 4-0 second leg win over Standard Liege in Germany to send them through to the quarter-finals, 6-2 on aggregate.

Former winners Valencia moved through 5-3 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw at PSV. Adil Rami opened the scoring for Valencia on 47 before Ola Toivonen equalised. Goalscorer Rami was sent off in injury time.

Ukrainians Metalist Kharkiv staged a fine late comeback to nudge out Olympiacos with a 2-1 win in Greece, enough to see them through on away goals after a 2-2 aggregate result.

A Klaas Jan Huntelaar hat-trick helped Schalke also come back from behind to beat Steve McClaren’s FC Twente, with a 4-1 win on the night giving them a 4-2 aggregate win.

Atletico Madrid wrapped up an impressive 6-1 aggregate win over Besiktas with a 3-0 win in Turkey.