Liverpool's chances of progressing in the Champions League took a big hit yesterday when the five-time European champions conceded late to draw 1-1 at Lyon, which advanced to the next round.

After two defeats in the group stage, Liverpool would be knocked off if they have grabbed nothing from Lyon. The hosts just need one more point to book their berth in the last 16 after three victories in Group E.

Ryan Babel fired a late goal on 83 minutes and Liverpool seemed to be the winners. But Lisandro Lopez surprisingly slotted in a late equalizer in the 90th minute.

The Reds are five points behind Fiorentina who swept Debrecen 5-2 to collect nine points in all.

In a freezing away match, defending champions Barcelona were held off by Rubin Kazan to a goalless tie, enabling Inter Milan to take the top position with a one-point advantage in Group F after overcoming Dynamo Kiev 2-1 away.

Sevilla and Stuttgart tied 1-1 in Group G. Unirea Urziceni and Rangers also drew 1-1 in this group.

In Group H, captain Cesc Fabregas bagged a brace to help Arsenal sink AZ Alkmaar 4-1 at home. With the Dutch champions' well-organized defence, the dominant hosts didn't break the stalemate until 25 minutes later. Fabregas collected the ball on the edge of the area and beat keeper Sergio Romero with a seemingly sloppy shot.

Two minutes before the interval, Russian forward Andrei Arshavin fed Samir Nasri and the French midfielder drove the ball into the left bottom of the net.

AZ Alkmaar conceded the third goal seven minutes after the break while Fabregas fired home Arshavin's pass.

The visitors put themselves nearer with substitute Jeremain Lens' goal in the 82 minutes after Abou Diaby added a score for Arsenal on 72 minutes.

Leading the Group H with 10 points, Gunners are on the verge of qualifying for the last 16 with two matches left.

Olympiakos are four points behind Arsenal as they were beaten 2-0 by the hosting Standard Liege.