AMSTERDAM – Three Americans dressed for Champions League duty on Tuesday, headlined by Sacha Kljestan's winning assist as Anderlecht enhanced their chances of reaching the last 16 by blanking Group C guests Zenit St. Petersburg 1-0.
The Mauves bagged the only goal they'd need in the 16th minute, with Dieumerci Mbokani chipping home after close combo play with Kljestan broke him into the area. Anderlecht now stand a single point behind second-place AC Milan, who come to town on Nov. 21.
Meanwhile, Oguchi Onyewu watched from the away dugout as group leaders Málaga settled for a 1-1 share at Milan. The result clinched a place in the knockout phase for the team known as the Anchovies.
Over in Group B, Jermaine Jones and Schalke clawed back from a two-goal deficit to post a 2-2 draw with visiting Arsenal.
The US midfielder worked a very active shift, including five shots and a late yellow card. The rally kept Schalke a point ahead of the Gunners in first place, and they can now punch their knockout ticket with a Matchday 5 home win over Olympiakos.
Turning focus to England's Championship, Jonathan Spector provided 49 minutes of center back relief as Birmingham City topped Bristol City 2-0. Will Packwood was an unused sub for the Brums, who snapped a four-match win drought at St. Andrews.
Tim Ream watched on as Bolton held Leicester City to a 0-0 draw at the Reebok. The point kept Wanderers glued to 17th place.
