Champions League: Real Madrid flying high

Madrid emerged as hard-fought 1-0 winners against Porto to virtually book their place in the quarter-finals.

Madrid midfield player Luis Figo lasted just 16 minutes after limping off injured and Porto proved enterprising visitors, with Deco hitting the outside of the post in the first half.

The second period saw Porto hold firm until seven minutes from time when Argentinian Santiago Solari, who had replaced Iván Helguera just ten minutes before, beat his marker before driving a low, long-range effort past.

Vítor Baía. Porto are now bottom of the group on just one point with Sparta third on three behind Panathinaikos (four points) and runaway leaders Madrid (nine points).