Spartak Moscow takes early UCL edge

Dynamo Kiev took a huge step towards the group stages of the Champions League with a 3-1 away victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in the first leg of their qualifying playoff.

Monchengladbach, in their first match in Europe's top club competition since 1978, took a 13th-minute lead through Alexander Ring's low finish inside the near post but their chances of progressing now look slim following an impressive fightback from Dynamo.

The Ukrainian side, who beat Feyenoord in the previous round, drew level in the 28th minute through captain Taras Mikhalik's deflected long-range shot and then went ahead eight minutes later when Andriy Yarmolenko found the back of the net following a quick break.

An own goal from Luuk de Jong nine minutes from time handed Dynamo a third to leave them as overwhelming favorites to go through.

A second half brace from Moudou Sougou helped CFR Cluj overturn a half time deficit to beat Basle 2-1 in Switzerland.

Marco Streller's 44th-minute strike put the hosts ahead but Sougou goals in the 65th and 70th minutes left the visitors holding the upper hand heading back to Romania.

Spartak Moscow earned a 2-1 lead over Fenerbahce to take to Turkey for next week's second leg thanks to a fine match-winning strike from Dmitri Kombarov.

All three goals came in a 10-minute spell during the second half, with Spartak taking a 59th-minute lead through Emmanuel Emenike, Fenerbache drawing level through Dirk Kuyt six minutes later before Kombarov's superb left-footed volley from a corner earned the Russian side the victory.

FC Copenhagen beat Lille 1-0 following a 38th-minute goal from Cesar Santin.