Owen Scores Hat-trick as United Book Top Spot

Michael Owen scored an impressive hat-trick as Manchester United defeated Vfl Wolfsburg 3-1 at the Volkswagen Arena in Germany. The win has assured United of top spot in the group, as they now progress to the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. Wolfsburg will have to settle for a place in the Europa League, as they needed a win to progress. United will be joined in the next round by CSKA Moscow, who defeated Besiktas 2-1 in the other game of Group B.

United were faced with an endless list of defensive injuries, and played a 3-5-2 formation. Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Captain for the day, Patrice Evra played in defense, while Nani got his first game in over a month. Michael Owen and Danny Welbeck started upfront, and Owen maintained his excellent scoring record for United. His performances have not been sensational, but he does know how to score. Many questioned Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to sign him on a free transfer in the summer, but he is proving to be a very shrewd signing.

Edin Dzeko, the man Ferguson reportedly wants, but constantly denies wanting, scored the only goal for the Germans. Scoring 2 goals in 2 games against United must have surely caught the eye of Ferguson, and if he wasn't considering swooping for him earlier, maybe it's time he thought about it. This match again underlines the depth and quality of the squad at Old Trafford, and United are really kicking into gear now as they have now scored 16 goals in their last 5 games in all competitions.

In other matches played last night, Bayern Munich stormed into the next round by sensationally beating a confident Juventus side 4-1 in Turin, and relegated them to the Europa League. Real Madrid overcame Marseille 3-1 in France, as Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a brace making him the top scorer in this year's Champions League with 6 goals to his name already. If he continues this blistering scoring form, Madrid could actually make the Champions League final in May, that is scheduled to be played at their own Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.