Champs League: Barca through, Griezmann scores, Monaco out

PARIS >> With voting for the 2018 Ballon d’Or closing this week, Antoine Griezmann boosted his chances of lifting the most prestigious individual trophy in soccer with an inspired display and a goal in his 50th Champions League game on Tuesday.

Griezmann helped Atletico Madrid bounce back from a heavy loss to Borussia Dortmund with a 2-0 win over the German club, a result that sent last year’s semifinalist Monaco crashing out.

Liverpool was handed a 2-0 shock loss at Red Star Belgrade while Barcelona, without Lionel Messi, drew 1-1 at Inter Milan in the evening’s showcase match to become the first team to progress to the knockout stage this season.

Red Star’s victory left Group C wide open after Napoli was held to a 1-1 home draw by Paris Saint-Germain, with all four teams still in contention in a very tight pool.

Griezmann, who has scored 10 goals in his last 10 home matches in the tournament, was set up by midfielder Thomas Partey and concluded the smooth counterattack with a soft touch from inside the area in the 80th minute after Saul Niguez had put the hosts ahead.

Dortmund and Atletico are atop Group A. Dortmund routed Atletico 4-0 last month at home in what was the Spanish team’s worst loss under coach Diego Simeone.

Earlier, Monaco was handed a humiliating 4-0 defeat by Club Brugge that prematurely ended the club’s Champions League ambitions as Thierry Henry once again failed to secure a first win as coach. It was Club Brugge’s first group win in 13 years.

Hans Vanaken scored twice, Brazilian forward Wesley made it 3-0 and captain Ruud Vormer completed the rout.