PARIS – Tottenham withstood an AC Milan onslaught to reach the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday, while Schalke came from behind to overcome Spanish high-fliers Valencia. Champions League debutants Spurs produced a masterful defensive display to secure a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane, after Peter Crouch’s 80th-minute goal had given them a 1-0 win in the first leg at San Siro. Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri named an attacking line-up and saw his side go close on several occasions, most notably when William Gallas cleared off the line from Robinho in the first half.
Gallas formed a resolute rearguard action with centre-back partner Michael Dawson, as current Serie A leaders Milan were eliminated in the last 16 for the second season running.
Schalke ignored reports that coach Felix will lose his job next summer by hitting back from a goal down to beat Valencia 3-1 for a 4-2 aggregate success. Centre-back Ricardo headed the visitors in front in the 17th minute but a sublime free-kick from Jefferson Farfan drew Schalke level five minutes before half-time. Mario Gavranovic nudged the German side ahead with his first goal for the club and with Valencia pressing forward for an equaliser that would have sent them through, Farfan claimed an injury-time goal to kill the tie.
Meanwhle, Birmingham edged out of the relegation zone Wednesday after securing a vital point in a 1-1 draw with mid-table Everton at Goodison Park. Alex McLeish’s side climbed above West Ham on goal difference into 17th spot as they battle to beat the drop.
Spurs hold off Milan as Schalke vanquish Valencia
