The victory relieves the pressure on PSG coach Luis Enrique and sets the French giants up for a two-legged knockout tie in February to progress to the last 16. The loss means Stuttgart are eliminated from the Champions League on their return to the competition after 15 years.

STUTTGART: Ousmane Dembele scored a hat-trick as Paris Saint-Germain romped to a 4-1 win at Stuttgart on Wednesday and qualified for the Champions League knockout stages. PSG were at risk of elimination after a disappointing group stage,

Arsenal secured a spot in the Champions League round of 16 as it rallied from a goal down to win 2-1 at Girona; Paris St Germain beat VfB Stuttgart 4-1 to move into the next round.

Manchester City came from behind against Club Brugge to reach the Champions League knockout phase, where they were safely joined by Paris Saint-Germain as Arsenal qualified directly for the last 16 on Wednesday in the final round of league-phase matches.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Ousmane Dembélé completed the second hat trick of his career Wednesday, and it was good timing for his team. The France forward achieved the feat in the 54th minute as PSG built a 4-0 lead at Stuttgart in their Champions League game.

STUTTGART, Germany (Reuters) -Paris St Germain secured a playoff spot in the Champions League as Ousmane Dembele played chief tormentor in a 4-1 away demolition of VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday. Dembele