1-1 scoreline turned out to be the theme for the early kickoff games in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) on Tuesday evening.

In Turkey, Besiktas secured a spot in the last 16 despite playing a 1-1 against visiting side FC Porto in their Matchday 5 clash in Group G.

Brazilian defender Felipe gave Porto the lead after 29 minutes before former Benfica forward Anderson Talisca levelled matters for the home side with four first half minutes remaining. Neither side could add to their respective goal tally after the interval leading to Besiktas’ qualification for the first knockout stage.

FC Porto will however need to wait to confirm qualification in the last group game against AS Monaco at home. A win would be enough to see the former champions through to the last 16.

In the other early kickoff, Spartak Moscow’s qualification hopes took a massive dent after they were held to a 1-1 draw with Slovenian side Maribor at home in their Matchday 5 clash in Group E.

Maribor held off their more illustrious opponents till the last 10 minutes before Cape Verde striker Ze Luis broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute only for Jasmin Mesanovic to earn a rare point for the Slovenians in added time.

The Slovenian side have already been eliminated from Matchday 4 but Spartak Moscow face a battle to qualify for the first knockout stage and will need to beat Liverpool at Anfield on Matchday 6 to have a chance to secure a last 16 place.