体坛英语新闻：Leipzig snatch late 2-2 draw against Benfica to qualify for Champions League's last 16

BERLIN, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Emil Forsberg's injury-time brace secured Leipzig a two-all draw and a berth in the round of the last sixteen after sharing the spoils with Benfica at the 5th round of the UEFA Champions League group stage on Wednesday.

Leipzig rallied back from two goals down and wrapped up a 2-2 stalemate to ensure a berth in the round of the last 16 for the first time in the club's history.

The hosts knew that a draw would be enough to progress whereas Benfica needed a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

However things went in favor of Benfica as they opened the scoring with their first real chance of the game when Abdel Taarabt's square pass allowed Pizzi to break the deadlock from very close range in the 20th minute.

Leipzig tried to respond but Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos denied promising chances from Forsberg and Marcel Sabizter as the match progressed.

The visitors remained dangerous and should have doubled their lead before the break but instead Pizzi rattled the woodwork while Vlachodimos defused another Forsberg effort on target.

After the restart, Benfica caught the hosts flatfooted as Carlos Vinicius overcame onrushing custodian Peter Gulacsi to double their advantage at the hour mark.

It looked like Leipzig would have to wait another round for their qualification but substitute Patrik Schick was brought down inside the box allowing Forsberg to halve the deficit after converting the subsequent penalty in the 90th minute.

Leipzig piled on the pressure and shocked the visitors with the equalizer six minutes later when Forsberg headed home Timo Werner's cross to book the ticket for the last 16 with one round to spare.

With the draw, Leipzig top Group G with 10 points from five games followed by FC Zenit (7 points), Olympique Lyonnais (7 points) and Benfica (4 points).

"It feels great. I am really happy for the club, the fans and the city. We are now looking forward to the round of the last 16," Forsberg said after the match.