Three-time European kings Inter Milan are on the verge of the Champions League knockout phase after Edin Dzeko's double secured a 2-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
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Dzeko broke the deadlock after an hour of frustration for Inter, who previously had two goals disallowed and missed several other chances.
His second in the 67th minute ensured there was no way back for Shakhtar, who did hit the post late on.
Inter provisionally lead Group D on 10 points and will be confirmed in the last 16 with a game to spare if Real Madrid avoid defeat at Sheriff in the day's other group game.
"The day that I signed my contract here I said that this was our objective," coach Simone Inzaghi, who took the reins at Inter in the off-season, said.
Meanwhile, Ajax won Group C thanks to Sebastien Haller's second-half brace earning a 2-1 win at Besiktas, who led through Rachid Ghezzal's first-half penalty.
The 27-year-old Haller has nine goals in five games in the group phase, tied with Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich in this season's Champions League scoring chart.
Dutch giants Ajax have a perfect 15 points while Besiktas are out of Europe after five defeats.
Sporting welcome Borussia Dortmund in the other group game with each side on six points.
with Reuters
Australian Associated Press
