Sevilla advances to Champions League

Amid tributes to a Spanish player who died and victims of the Greek wildfires, Sevilla routed AEK Athens 4-1 Monday behind Luis Fabiano's two goals to reach the group stage of the Champions League.

Sevilla, which captured the last two UEFA Cups, won the first leg 2-0 and advanced on total goals 6-1. It joins FC Steaua, Arsenal and Slavia Prague in Group H of the Champions League. AEK was relegated to the UEFA Cup and a first-round game against Salzburg.

The game originally was scheduled for last week but was postponed when midfielder Antonio Puerta died Aug. 28. Three days earlier he collapsed on the field during a Spanish league game against Getafe and had subsequent heart attacks.

AEK also had requested a postponement because of wildfires in southern Greece that killed 65 people and caused a national state of emergency.

Before Monday's game, about 50,000 AEK fans clapped when a video tribute to Puerta was played at Olympic Stadium and displayed banners in his honor. Players observed a moment of silence for Puerta and the Greek fire victims, as AEK fans held lighted candles.

"We thank AEK for that initiative. They showed they are a great club," Sevilla's Ramos said. "I also offer our condolences to the families of the victims of the fires."

Fabiano scored on a penalty kick in the 31st minute and headed in a corner kick by Diego Capel in the 45th. Keita beat AEK goalkeeper Marcelo Moretto in the 40th, heading in a corner from Daniel Alvez. In the 54th, Alexander Kerzhakov raced through the AEK defense and placed the ball out of Moretto's reach.

Brazil veteran Rivaldo made a penalty kick for AEK in the 82nd minute, beating Sevilla goalie Andres Palop. Palop saved a penalty kick by Gustavo Manduca in the 65th.