Kevin Kuranyi fired Dinamo Moscow into the knockout stage of the Europa League as victory at home to Estoril maintained their 100 per cent record in Group E.
The hosts finally made the breakthrough to settle an attritional game in the 78th minute when their German striker scored from close range.
The win made it four out of four for the Russians in a pool they have dominated.
Having won 2-1 in Portugal a fortnight ago, Dinamo would have been confident of a more comfortable three points this time around.
But, despite dominating the opening exchanges, they struggled to break down determined opponents.
Aleksei Ionov's drilled shot from the right side of the area which was parried away by Pawel Kieszek after eight minutes was as close as they came in the first half.
Instead it was the visitors who almost took the lead shortly before half-time, Kleber seeing his shot from inside the box tipped round a post by Vladimir Gabulov.
And Kleber threatened again early in the second half when he shot over when well-placed.
But Kuranyi eased home nerves with 12 minutes remaining.
William Vainqueur helped the ball across the six-yard box and Kuranyi, who had just managed to stay onside, tapped it into the net.
Estoril tried to muster a response, but with time ticking away they could not fashion a clear chance.
Despite defeat, qualification is still in their hands, though.
ends
UEFA Europa League Standings
POS | Team | GP | GD | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | PSV Eindhoven | 6 | +3 | 12 |
2 | Granada | 6 | +3 | 11 |
3 | PAOK Salonika | 6 | +1 | 6 |
4 | Omonia Nicosia | 6 | -7 | 4 |
Europa League News
Man United, Granada streaker hid in stadium for 14 hours
A streaker who ran onto the pitch during Granada's home clash with Manchester United sneaked into the stadium 14 hours before kickoff.
Why Man United's win shows a gulf in class over Granada
Ale Moreno says Manchester United's win over Granada in Europa league was as comfortable as it could have been.
Arsenal paid Aubameyang handsomely to deliver in defining matches, so why was he on the bench vs. Slavia?
The days of Arsenal's best player riding the bench were meant to be over when Mesut Ozil left. They aren't, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can attest.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes scored with one eye - Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Bruno Fernandes scored his late penalty with only one eye as Manchester United beat Granada in the Europa League.
Rashford 8/10, Fernandes 7/10 as Man United put one foot into the Europa League semifinals
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes scored in Spain, as Manchester United take a commanding 2-0 first-leg lead over Granada back to Old Trafford.
Moreno penalty gives Villarreal 1-0 win in Zagreb
Villarreal took a big step towards reaching the Europa League last four as the Spanish side defeated Dinamo Zagreb.