For those who criticise the Champions League group stages, this fabulous affair was evidence of the sort of entertainment it can provide.
United went behind to an early Phil Jones own goal but battled back valiantly with goals from Dimitar Berbatov, spearheading the team in Wayne Rooney's absence, and Darren Fletcher. The Portuguese visitors responded swiftly through Pablo Aimar to keep their unbeaten run this season intact and a Nani cross that deflected behind in injury time proved the final throw of the dice.
As it stands, United are second in Group C - level on points with Benfica but crucially behind Tuesday's opponents on the head-to-head format - with Jorge Jesus' outfit due to play Otelul Galati in the final round. Basel held out for a 3-2 victory in Romania and they sit only a point behind last season's runners-up in the table.
The Reds got off to a nightmare start when an incisive move down the right in the third minute saw Maxi Pereira feed Nicolas Gaitan and the winger's cross was shinned into his own net by Jones, giving David De Gea no chance.
Gradually, Sir Alex's side responded, largely through Nani's adventurous dribbling, with Artur brought into action by the Portugal international's free-kick and a shot from Ashley Young. The visitors continued to try and disrupt the Reds' flow but the breakthrough came on the half-hour mark. Young worked a free-kick short to Patrice Evra who helped it on to Nani, always likely to be the source of any inspiration. The wide man's left-wing cross was perfect for Berbatov to guide a splendid header wide of Artur and into the net for the equaliser.
The goal sparked a frantic spell, with Young firing a one-on-one opportunity against Artur's legs after linking well with Berbatov and Aimar bringing a smart stop out of De Gea seconds later. Although Berbatov later tapped the ball into the net, Evra had long since been flagged offside and Artur was yellow-carded for his attempts to get the Bulgarian booked.
Clearly gaining in influence since his leveller, Berbatov had a drive deflected over by Ezequiel Garay's desperate block following some neat work by Young as the sides went into the break all-square, allowing the fans to catch their breath.
The second half was just as exciting and began with Young's side-foot shot being blocked at close range following some fine work by Nani. Fabio spurned a glorious chance on 54 minutes when Jones' strong pressing led to him being in the clear with only Artur to beat but the keeper saved the attempted chip.
Undeterred, the Reds kept knocking on the door and, soon after Benfica lost Luisao to injury, Fletcher edged his team in front. Evra's superb ball into the box allowed the Scot to find the net, at the second time of asking after Artur did superbly to block his initial shot. Old Trafford's joy was short-lived, however, as De Gea's misplaced kick-out gifted possession to the Portuguese side and Bruno Cesar's cross hit Rio Ferdinand and fell kindly for Aimar, who gratefully smashed home from close range.
Berbatov had the ball in the net again but Young was flagged offside, probably incorrectly, before the officials got it right when Nani appealed for a penalty under Javi Garcia's challenge. Referee Cuneyt Cakir merely waved play on. Goalscorers Aimar and Fletcher traded off-target efforts, before Berbatov really should have restored the Reds' lead. Fletcher's intelligent pass freed Fabio and the Brazilian's cross was volleyed over by the unmarked Bulgarian inside the box.
It proved a costly miss as, despite the introduction of Javier Hernandez for Antonio Valencia, the Reds were unable to gain the victory that would have made the qualification process considerably easier. Indeed, Rodrigo went closest to a winner when easing past Fletcher but firing wide with his left foot. As it is, the final group fixture in Basel next month carries great significance and any hope of topping the group may have vanished in the cold Manchester air.
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Showing posts with label UEFA Champion League. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UEFA Champion League. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Manchester United Vs. Benfica Highlights Video Clips
Manchester United [2 - 2] Benfica
3' [0 - 1] P. Jones (o.g.)
30' [1 - 1] D. Berbatov
59' [2 - 1] D. Fletcher
61' [2 - 2] P. Aimar
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3' [0 - 1] P. Jones (o.g.)
30' [1 - 1] D. Berbatov
59' [2 - 1] D. Fletcher
61' [2 - 2] P. Aimar
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Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Manchester United Vs. Otelul Galati Match Result Report
United's Champions League victory over Romania's Otelul Galati was workmanlike rather than wonderful. But a win's a win and this one was enough to leave Sir Alex's men in a commanding position at the top of Group C, with two games to play.
Antonio Valencia's eighth-minute tap-in was all that separated the sides on the scoreboard until Wayne Rooney's late long-range effort deflected off Cristian Sarghi and past the Galati goalkeeper. But it wasn't as if United found the going particularly tough against Galati; the Reds actually looked comfortable, if not wholly convincing, for long periods.
It was a similar story a fortnight ago in Bucharest when two second-half spot-kicks, both won and converted by Rooney, handed United the three points. Rooney didn't quite get his name on the scoresheet again in this match (UEFA have declared the Reds' second an own goal), but he still had a big impact, albeit from a much different area of the pitch.
Indeed, Sir Alex took the unusual step of deploying Wayne in a deep-lying midfield role. And although it was unfamiliar teriitory, the Reds' no.10 didn't disappoint. Within 40 seconds he had chased Liviu Antal down towards the corner flag and harried the Romanian into coughing up possession.
Rooney then went on to demonstrate, in understated fashion, a knack for keeping the ball moving with simple first-time passes, interspersing these with a steady array of more ambitious long balls. In many ways, his performance was reminiscent of the way Paul Scholes used to quietly dictate a game's rhythmn.
Indeed, it was the Reds' no.10 who was responsible for launching the attack that yielded the early opener. His long, raking pass to the right wing found Dimitar Berbatov, who held the ball up briefly before releasing Phil Jones on the overlap. His ball to the near post just eluded Michael Owen’s stretch, but waiting behind, unmarked and only three yards from goal, was Antonio Valencia. He was never going to miss.
The joy in the stands was tempered a minute later when Owen, who appeared to have injured himself while attempting to reach Jones' cross, limped down the tunnel and was replaced by Javier Hernandez. It was United's two full-backs, though, who came closest to adding a second before half-time. First Fabio embarked on a dribble from the left-back position that only ended when his attempt to roll the ball across goal for Berbatov was blocked by a last-ditch tackle. Along the way he'd left countless Romanians in his wake.
Then Jones surged down the right, cut inside the penalty area and unleashed a curling left-footed effort that looked bound for the far corner until Sergiu Costin intervened with a headed clearance. Galati, too, almost troubled the scorers on 42 minutes when Ionut Neagu pounced on Anderson's loose pass and advanced on goal. His effort took a touch off Rio Ferdinand, which forced David De Gea, hitherto unworked and untroubled, into a smart reflex save.
Just after the break, Berbatov, Jones and Hernandez sparked brief panic inside the Galati penalty area with some neat interplay that cut the Romanian defence apart before goalkeeper Grahovac spread himself well to snuff out the danger. Down the other end, De Gea had to be equally alert to punch the ball clear as Antal raced to get on the end of a left-wing centre. Minutes later he gleefully clutched the ball to his chest after Costin rose at the back post to meet subsitute Sorin Frunza's corner.
Costin was in the thick of the action again when he raced back to clear off the line after Anderson combined with Berbatov to reach the return pass first and lift the ball past the onrushing Grahovac. Hernandez had a long-range shot saved and Berbatov poked a presentable chance wide of the near post on 75 minutes before Rooney added the icing on the cake with his deflected effort.
It made the final scoreline look more respectable and probably reflected more accurately the balance of play (although Galati did try and force their way back into it late on). In many ways, though, the sloppy nature of the goal summed up a match that probably won't live long in the memory of many United fans. Read more...
Antonio Valencia's eighth-minute tap-in was all that separated the sides on the scoreboard until Wayne Rooney's late long-range effort deflected off Cristian Sarghi and past the Galati goalkeeper. But it wasn't as if United found the going particularly tough against Galati; the Reds actually looked comfortable, if not wholly convincing, for long periods.
It was a similar story a fortnight ago in Bucharest when two second-half spot-kicks, both won and converted by Rooney, handed United the three points. Rooney didn't quite get his name on the scoresheet again in this match (UEFA have declared the Reds' second an own goal), but he still had a big impact, albeit from a much different area of the pitch.
Indeed, Sir Alex took the unusual step of deploying Wayne in a deep-lying midfield role. And although it was unfamiliar teriitory, the Reds' no.10 didn't disappoint. Within 40 seconds he had chased Liviu Antal down towards the corner flag and harried the Romanian into coughing up possession.
Rooney then went on to demonstrate, in understated fashion, a knack for keeping the ball moving with simple first-time passes, interspersing these with a steady array of more ambitious long balls. In many ways, his performance was reminiscent of the way Paul Scholes used to quietly dictate a game's rhythmn.
Indeed, it was the Reds' no.10 who was responsible for launching the attack that yielded the early opener. His long, raking pass to the right wing found Dimitar Berbatov, who held the ball up briefly before releasing Phil Jones on the overlap. His ball to the near post just eluded Michael Owen’s stretch, but waiting behind, unmarked and only three yards from goal, was Antonio Valencia. He was never going to miss.
The joy in the stands was tempered a minute later when Owen, who appeared to have injured himself while attempting to reach Jones' cross, limped down the tunnel and was replaced by Javier Hernandez. It was United's two full-backs, though, who came closest to adding a second before half-time. First Fabio embarked on a dribble from the left-back position that only ended when his attempt to roll the ball across goal for Berbatov was blocked by a last-ditch tackle. Along the way he'd left countless Romanians in his wake.
Then Jones surged down the right, cut inside the penalty area and unleashed a curling left-footed effort that looked bound for the far corner until Sergiu Costin intervened with a headed clearance. Galati, too, almost troubled the scorers on 42 minutes when Ionut Neagu pounced on Anderson's loose pass and advanced on goal. His effort took a touch off Rio Ferdinand, which forced David De Gea, hitherto unworked and untroubled, into a smart reflex save.
Just after the break, Berbatov, Jones and Hernandez sparked brief panic inside the Galati penalty area with some neat interplay that cut the Romanian defence apart before goalkeeper Grahovac spread himself well to snuff out the danger. Down the other end, De Gea had to be equally alert to punch the ball clear as Antal raced to get on the end of a left-wing centre. Minutes later he gleefully clutched the ball to his chest after Costin rose at the back post to meet subsitute Sorin Frunza's corner.
Costin was in the thick of the action again when he raced back to clear off the line after Anderson combined with Berbatov to reach the return pass first and lift the ball past the onrushing Grahovac. Hernandez had a long-range shot saved and Berbatov poked a presentable chance wide of the near post on 75 minutes before Rooney added the icing on the cake with his deflected effort.
It made the final scoreline look more respectable and probably reflected more accurately the balance of play (although Galati did try and force their way back into it late on). In many ways, though, the sloppy nature of the goal summed up a match that probably won't live long in the memory of many United fans. Read more...
Manchester United Vs. Otelul Galati Highlights Video Clips
Manchester United [2 - 0] Otelul Galati
8' [1 - 0] L.A. Valencia
87' [2 - 0] W. Rooney
1-0 Valencia A. 8'
0-2 Rooney W. 87'
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8' [1 - 0] L.A. Valencia
87' [2 - 0] W. Rooney
1-0 Valencia A. 8'
0-2 Rooney W. 87'
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Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Otelul Galati Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result
United endured a difficult night in the UEFA Champions League, needing two Wayne Rooney penalties to defeat unfancied Otelul Galati and playing the last 25 minutes with ten men after Nemanja Vidic's controversial red card.
Both Rooney's first goal and the skipper's dismissal came just after the hour mark as the Reds critically upped the ante after an uninspiring first period at the impressive National Arena in Bucharest. There wasn't a huge improvement in the second half but the English champions did just enough to claim a first win in this Group C campaign and inflict a third slender defeat on the Romanian hosts.
Sir Alex Ferguson's eleven showed nine changes from the side that started at Anfield, retaining only Patrice Evra and, moving from right- to centre-back, Chris Smalling. Nemanja Vidic made his first appearance for the Reds since the opening league win at West Brom, and behind him Anders Lindegaard came in for his third start in goal this term, having impressed on the previous European trip to Benfica.
United's hosts - with their record-signing centre-back Milan Perendija reportedly costing just £85,000 - were massively underdogs, despite only losing by the odd goal in their first ever games in the Champions League group stage - to Basel (1-2 away) and Benfica (0-1 home), the two sides who limited the Reds to just two points prior to this excursion into the unknown in Romania.
As expected, Galati conceded the lion’s share of possession to the English champions but they were comfortable behind the ball for the first 20 minutes. In fact, it was the Romanians who drew first blood in terms of shooting opportunities, the first gifted by the Reds’ rusty skipper Vidic to lone striker Bratislav Punosevac. The latter failed to pack sufficient power into his effort to concern Lindegaard and his second strike, from a similar spot just outside the box, found the same fate – straight into the Dane’s hands. United’s keeper almost contrived to create a third chance in a row for the Romanians when his careless clearance cannoned back off his captain but the Reds survived the scare.
Failing to clear their lines from a free-kick almost cost United’s rearguard dear when defensive midfielder Iaon Filip strode forward to fire a shot just over Lindegaard’s bar. But this latest in a handful of half-chances was hardly reflective of the overall play, with United dominant in midfield where Rooney dropped in to join Anderson and Carrick in patiently trying to pick a way through the massed ranks of white shirts. However, Carrick’s most important early contribution - on his third consecutive start in the Champions League – was to throw his body in the way of Ionut Neagu’s effort.
Rooney went closest to a first-half breakthrough when his free-kick, not dissimilar to Steven Gerrard’s at Anfield, crept through the wall and was scrambled away less than convincingly by Branko Grahovac. The Galati goalkeeper made a better save from a better shot, unleashed by Patrice Evra on a typical burst down the left flank. The Bosnian shot-stopper also blocked a right-foot strike from Nani, moments after watching Carrick spurn United's best opening of the half by sidefooting Nani's pull-back over the bar. The frame at the other end was also cleared vertically, by Liviu Antal's header just before the break, from the only corner of a disappointing first half. The absence of injury time was a blessing.
United’s bid to raise the tempo at the start of the second half was met with some rough-house tactics from the Romanians with Nani on the receiving end of two fouls by right-back Cornel Rapa, the second of which was punished by a yellow card. Perendija was also cautioned for going through the back of Rooney but the Reds weren’t angels either, with Carrick entering the book for a clumsy challenge on Antal. Neagu continued the flurry of cards when he cynically took Nani out as the Portuguese winger tried a spot of ball-juggling in midfield.
Undeterred, Nani teed up Rooney for a shot on the turn that just whistled past the left-hand post and fed the same team-mate again in the move that finally made the breakthrough in the 64th minute. When Wayne’s attempt to find Hernandez unmarked on the other side of the box was thwarted by Sergiu Costin’s blatant handball, the striker stepped up to sidefoot home the resulting penalty with Grahovac diving the wrong way, right.
If Costin was lucky to escape with a yellow card – Galati’s fourth – then Vidic was very unfortunate to see red when he caught Gabriel Giurgiu with a raised right boot. The shock on the Serbian’s face was plain to see but away he trooped, to leave ten men facing fired-up Galati who might have equalised had Carrick not blocked Antal’s venomous volley. Moments later Sir Alex sent on Jonny Evans to play alongside Smalling, with Antonio Valencia sacrificed. A further change followed at the back with Phil Jones coming on for Fabio who’d earlier been treated after an awkward fall.
Nani nearly made it 2-0 with a free-kick saved by Grahovac, after Giurgiu was booked for a foul on Chicharito, but Punosevac was off-target at the other end - just - having connected first time with Filip's cross. Nani tried again with the clock just shy of 90 minutes but this time his shot struck the right-hand post, this coming moments after Perendija's second yellow card - for another foul on Chicharito - evened up the personnel.
Rooney's second penalty, after the striker himself was tripped in the box by Antal, made the points absolutely safe and took some of the pressure off the Reds with the Galati home game coming next in this campaign. Read more...
Both Rooney's first goal and the skipper's dismissal came just after the hour mark as the Reds critically upped the ante after an uninspiring first period at the impressive National Arena in Bucharest. There wasn't a huge improvement in the second half but the English champions did just enough to claim a first win in this Group C campaign and inflict a third slender defeat on the Romanian hosts.
Sir Alex Ferguson's eleven showed nine changes from the side that started at Anfield, retaining only Patrice Evra and, moving from right- to centre-back, Chris Smalling. Nemanja Vidic made his first appearance for the Reds since the opening league win at West Brom, and behind him Anders Lindegaard came in for his third start in goal this term, having impressed on the previous European trip to Benfica.
United's hosts - with their record-signing centre-back Milan Perendija reportedly costing just £85,000 - were massively underdogs, despite only losing by the odd goal in their first ever games in the Champions League group stage - to Basel (1-2 away) and Benfica (0-1 home), the two sides who limited the Reds to just two points prior to this excursion into the unknown in Romania.
As expected, Galati conceded the lion’s share of possession to the English champions but they were comfortable behind the ball for the first 20 minutes. In fact, it was the Romanians who drew first blood in terms of shooting opportunities, the first gifted by the Reds’ rusty skipper Vidic to lone striker Bratislav Punosevac. The latter failed to pack sufficient power into his effort to concern Lindegaard and his second strike, from a similar spot just outside the box, found the same fate – straight into the Dane’s hands. United’s keeper almost contrived to create a third chance in a row for the Romanians when his careless clearance cannoned back off his captain but the Reds survived the scare.
Failing to clear their lines from a free-kick almost cost United’s rearguard dear when defensive midfielder Iaon Filip strode forward to fire a shot just over Lindegaard’s bar. But this latest in a handful of half-chances was hardly reflective of the overall play, with United dominant in midfield where Rooney dropped in to join Anderson and Carrick in patiently trying to pick a way through the massed ranks of white shirts. However, Carrick’s most important early contribution - on his third consecutive start in the Champions League – was to throw his body in the way of Ionut Neagu’s effort.
Rooney went closest to a first-half breakthrough when his free-kick, not dissimilar to Steven Gerrard’s at Anfield, crept through the wall and was scrambled away less than convincingly by Branko Grahovac. The Galati goalkeeper made a better save from a better shot, unleashed by Patrice Evra on a typical burst down the left flank. The Bosnian shot-stopper also blocked a right-foot strike from Nani, moments after watching Carrick spurn United's best opening of the half by sidefooting Nani's pull-back over the bar. The frame at the other end was also cleared vertically, by Liviu Antal's header just before the break, from the only corner of a disappointing first half. The absence of injury time was a blessing.
United’s bid to raise the tempo at the start of the second half was met with some rough-house tactics from the Romanians with Nani on the receiving end of two fouls by right-back Cornel Rapa, the second of which was punished by a yellow card. Perendija was also cautioned for going through the back of Rooney but the Reds weren’t angels either, with Carrick entering the book for a clumsy challenge on Antal. Neagu continued the flurry of cards when he cynically took Nani out as the Portuguese winger tried a spot of ball-juggling in midfield.
Undeterred, Nani teed up Rooney for a shot on the turn that just whistled past the left-hand post and fed the same team-mate again in the move that finally made the breakthrough in the 64th minute. When Wayne’s attempt to find Hernandez unmarked on the other side of the box was thwarted by Sergiu Costin’s blatant handball, the striker stepped up to sidefoot home the resulting penalty with Grahovac diving the wrong way, right.
If Costin was lucky to escape with a yellow card – Galati’s fourth – then Vidic was very unfortunate to see red when he caught Gabriel Giurgiu with a raised right boot. The shock on the Serbian’s face was plain to see but away he trooped, to leave ten men facing fired-up Galati who might have equalised had Carrick not blocked Antal’s venomous volley. Moments later Sir Alex sent on Jonny Evans to play alongside Smalling, with Antonio Valencia sacrificed. A further change followed at the back with Phil Jones coming on for Fabio who’d earlier been treated after an awkward fall.
Nani nearly made it 2-0 with a free-kick saved by Grahovac, after Giurgiu was booked for a foul on Chicharito, but Punosevac was off-target at the other end - just - having connected first time with Filip's cross. Nani tried again with the clock just shy of 90 minutes but this time his shot struck the right-hand post, this coming moments after Perendija's second yellow card - for another foul on Chicharito - evened up the personnel.
Rooney's second penalty, after the striker himself was tripped in the box by Antal, made the points absolutely safe and took some of the pressure off the Reds with the Galati home game coming next in this campaign. Read more...
Otelul Galati Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips
Otelul Galati [0 - 2] Manchester United
64' [0 - 1] W. Rooney (pen.)
90' [0 - 2] W. Rooney (pen.)
Highlights
0-1 Wayne Rooney (pen) 64'
0-2 Wayne Rooney (pen) 90'
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64' [0 - 1] W. Rooney (pen.)
90' [0 - 2] W. Rooney (pen.)
Highlights
0-1 Wayne Rooney (pen) 64'
0-2 Wayne Rooney (pen) 90'
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Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Manchester United Vs. FC Basel Match Report Result
Two quick-fire braces in either half – United's in the first, Basel's in the second – lit up an entertaining encounter at Old Trafford that swung both ways before eventually ending even thanks to a 90th-minute Ashley Young equaliser.
When Danny Welbeck sent United 2-0 up after just 17 minutes, United looked to be cruising. But as Basel stayed true to their footballing principles, attacked in numbers and pressed the Reds high up the pitch, they created chances and, with 14 minutes to play, had taken three of them.
That sent United in search of a late equaliser and, in the 90th minute, Young arrived at the far post to head home substitute Nani's cross and rescue a valuable point.
Sir Alex was visibly relieved to have snatched a draw at the final whistle, and yet the Reds had been two goals to the good with barely a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock. That said, the warning signs had been there. Basel even fashioned the first chance of the game. Midfielder Fabian Frei found space beyond Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones but blazed over from 18 yards when clean through after only five minutes.
Young then provided Antonio Valencia with a gift as inviting as a box of Swiss chocolates when he twisted and turned on the left flank before curling a sumptuous ball to the back post. The Ecuadorian's header, from all of two yards, flashed agonisingly across the face of goal.
Basel custodian Yann Sommer then did well to hold Young's firm volley, hit into the ground, before Welbeck netted the first of his double on 16 minutes. It wasn't the prettiest goal Welbeck, or United, will score this season. But they all count and Danny's scuffed shot from 12 yards, which appeared to dribble goalwards in slow-motion before spinning in off the post, was just reward for a bright start.
A minute later it was 2-0. Giggs, who'd calmly laid the ball back to Welbeck for the opener, provided a rather more incisive pass this time. Collecting the ball in the inside left channel about 30 yards from goal, the Welshman advanced briefly before looking up and picking out Welbeck with a low cross that succeeded in cutting out two Basel defenders and leaving Danny with a simple side-footed finish at the back post. Basel boss Thorsten Fink will have been furious with the defending, but Giggs, in his 750th United start, showed his worth once more on the European stage.
To their credit, Basel kept plugging away and both Alexander Frei and Jacques Zoua wasted presentable chances to reduce the deficit before the interval. Neither manager made changes at half-time and both sides flew out of the traps. Young had the ball in the net after a matter of minutes but was correctly ruled offside, while Phil Jones and then David De Gea had to be at their sharpest to repel big Basel forward Marco Streller.
De Gea's denial – an instinctive save from close range with an outstretched leg – was most impressive and further showcased the supreme shot-stopping ability the Spaniard has displayed in recent weeks.
There was little he could do about Basel's opener, though. Indeed, the stopper made a smart save to get down to Streller's near-post header from a corner on the right wing. But when the ball bounced out to Fabian Frei the 22-year-old lashed it home from 12 yards to send the travelling fans wild.
They were cheering again two minutes later when Basel's other Frei, Alexander, found himself unmarked in the penalty area and with plenty of time to calmly nod Fabian's curling centre back across goal and into the net.
Suddenly Basel were level. In truth, they had never really looked beaten, even at 2-0 down. The Swiss side had played without fear – a rare trait in visiting teams at Old Trafford – and they were rewarded yet further on 75 minutes when referee Paolo Tagliavento pointed to the spot after Valencia tangled clumsily with Streller. Alexander Frei stepped up and buried the kick to send Basel in front, but this is Manchester United and drama lurks around every corner.
True enough, after probing and prodding for what seemed an age, the Reds broke through, Ashley Young heading in at the far post with only seconds of normal time to spare. United had earned a dramatic point.
Read more...
When Danny Welbeck sent United 2-0 up after just 17 minutes, United looked to be cruising. But as Basel stayed true to their footballing principles, attacked in numbers and pressed the Reds high up the pitch, they created chances and, with 14 minutes to play, had taken three of them.
That sent United in search of a late equaliser and, in the 90th minute, Young arrived at the far post to head home substitute Nani's cross and rescue a valuable point.
Sir Alex was visibly relieved to have snatched a draw at the final whistle, and yet the Reds had been two goals to the good with barely a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock. That said, the warning signs had been there. Basel even fashioned the first chance of the game. Midfielder Fabian Frei found space beyond Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones but blazed over from 18 yards when clean through after only five minutes.
Young then provided Antonio Valencia with a gift as inviting as a box of Swiss chocolates when he twisted and turned on the left flank before curling a sumptuous ball to the back post. The Ecuadorian's header, from all of two yards, flashed agonisingly across the face of goal.
Basel custodian Yann Sommer then did well to hold Young's firm volley, hit into the ground, before Welbeck netted the first of his double on 16 minutes. It wasn't the prettiest goal Welbeck, or United, will score this season. But they all count and Danny's scuffed shot from 12 yards, which appeared to dribble goalwards in slow-motion before spinning in off the post, was just reward for a bright start.
A minute later it was 2-0. Giggs, who'd calmly laid the ball back to Welbeck for the opener, provided a rather more incisive pass this time. Collecting the ball in the inside left channel about 30 yards from goal, the Welshman advanced briefly before looking up and picking out Welbeck with a low cross that succeeded in cutting out two Basel defenders and leaving Danny with a simple side-footed finish at the back post. Basel boss Thorsten Fink will have been furious with the defending, but Giggs, in his 750th United start, showed his worth once more on the European stage.
To their credit, Basel kept plugging away and both Alexander Frei and Jacques Zoua wasted presentable chances to reduce the deficit before the interval. Neither manager made changes at half-time and both sides flew out of the traps. Young had the ball in the net after a matter of minutes but was correctly ruled offside, while Phil Jones and then David De Gea had to be at their sharpest to repel big Basel forward Marco Streller.
De Gea's denial – an instinctive save from close range with an outstretched leg – was most impressive and further showcased the supreme shot-stopping ability the Spaniard has displayed in recent weeks.
There was little he could do about Basel's opener, though. Indeed, the stopper made a smart save to get down to Streller's near-post header from a corner on the right wing. But when the ball bounced out to Fabian Frei the 22-year-old lashed it home from 12 yards to send the travelling fans wild.
They were cheering again two minutes later when Basel's other Frei, Alexander, found himself unmarked in the penalty area and with plenty of time to calmly nod Fabian's curling centre back across goal and into the net.
Suddenly Basel were level. In truth, they had never really looked beaten, even at 2-0 down. The Swiss side had played without fear – a rare trait in visiting teams at Old Trafford – and they were rewarded yet further on 75 minutes when referee Paolo Tagliavento pointed to the spot after Valencia tangled clumsily with Streller. Alexander Frei stepped up and buried the kick to send Basel in front, but this is Manchester United and drama lurks around every corner.
True enough, after probing and prodding for what seemed an age, the Reds broke through, Ashley Young heading in at the far post with only seconds of normal time to spare. United had earned a dramatic point.
Read more...
Manchester United Vs. FC Basel Highlights Video Clips
Manchester United [3-3] FC Basel
Danny Welbeck (16') Fabian Frei (58')
Danny Welbeck (17') Alexander Frei (60')
Ashley Young (90') Alexander Frei (pen 76')
1-0 Danny Welbeck 16'
2-0 Danny Welbeck 17'
2-1 Fabian Frei 58'
2-2 Alexander Frei 60'
2-3 Alexander Frei 76'
3-3 Ashley Cole 90'
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Danny Welbeck (16') Fabian Frei (58')
Danny Welbeck (17') Alexander Frei (60')
Ashley Young (90') Alexander Frei (pen 76')
1-0 Danny Welbeck 16'
2-0 Danny Welbeck 17'
2-1 Fabian Frei 58'
2-2 Alexander Frei 60'
2-3 Alexander Frei 76'
3-3 Ashley Cole 90'
Read more...
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Benfica Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips
Benfica [1 - 1] Manchester United
24' [1 - 0] O. Cardozo
42' [1 - 1] R. Giggs
Highlights
24' [1 - 0] O. Cardozo
42' [1 - 1] R. Giggs
Highlights
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Manchester United Vs. Schalke Highlights Video Clips
United turned on the style to make absolutely certain of a place in the 2011 Champions League final, firing four goals past Schalke in an enthralling semi-final second leg at Old Trafford.
Antonio Valencia and Darron Gibson put the Reds well and truly in the driving seat with two first-half strikes and although Jurado pulled a stunning goal back for Schalke, also before the break, Sir Alex Ferguson's double chasers went on to win comfortably thanks to a second-half brace from the outstanding Anderson.
To single out the South American or any of the triumphant United stars would be misleading, however - this was another tremendous team effort with fourteen players making a contribution to the cause and perhaps giving their manager some more selection dilemmas in the exciting days and weeks ahead.
Sir Alex Ferguson stayed true to his word and made changes – eight, in fact, from the side that slipped up at Arsenal. Only Edwin van der Sar, Anderson and Nani were asked to start again as the boss picked a side with Sunday against Chelsea in mind. Wayne Rooney, reported to have a tight hamstring on Tuesday, was out of the eighteen altogether but his now-regular strike partner Javier Hernandez was named among a strong group of substitutes.
There was a subdued start to the match, with the atmosphere nothing like as electric as it was for the last semi-final second leg to be staged at Old Trafford – against Barcelona in 2008. The circumstances here were very different of course, with the cushion of two away goals blunting any edge this contest might have had.
Only a couple of flashes from the opposite number 17s gave the crowd something to get excited about in the opening 10 minutes – Nani using some great close control to surge between two Schalke players and win a corner; then Jefferson Farfan firing the first shot of note inches wide as van der Sar dived right to monitor its flight.
Farfan’s right boot also caused Darron Gibson some discomfort in his midriff when the latter crunched into a challenge on the Peruvian international. When play resumed, with Gibson happily not requiring the attending stretcher, Berbatov threatened to reprise his West Ham party-piece of last season with a drag-back close to the left-hand byline. Only the alertness of Manuel Neuer, United’s first-half nemesis from the first leg in Germany, prevented the Bulgarian’s low ball locating Antonio Valencia.
There was no such intervention when the latter was picked out again in the 26th minute. Japanese right-back Atsuto Uchida lost possession as Schalke tried to press forward and he was punished instantly, as Gibson received the ball from Anderson and delivered the perfect sliderule pass into Valencia’s path. The Ecuadorian barely broke stride as he slipped the ball under Neuer to notch United’s third goal of the tie, and his third strike of the season.
The goalscorer and provider swopped roles as the Reds swiftly doubled the advantage on the night. Anderson was again their accomplice, receiving a throw-in to his feet inside the area and flicking it on. One touch from Valencia forwarded the ball to Gibson who struck it first time into the net via Neuer’s leg and the right-hand post. The seemingly superhuman goalkeeper of last week had been made to look very ordinary.
United were now 4-0 up on aggregate - and cruising? We thought so until a moment later when Schalke pulled a goal back in spectacular style. Smalling’s attempt to play out from the back was cut out and when Uchida’s right-wing cross careered off the pack of Evans, Rafael and Raul, Jose Manuel Jurado hammered the ball past van der Sar with his venomous left foot.
The Old Trafford crowd, now illuminated by a couple of red flares in the Schalke section, had witnessed a goal rush and three almost became four when Valencia’s effort was cleared off the line by centre-back Benedikt Howedes with Neuer beaten.
While the German side still had a tall order in terms of the tie, they had at least made a fist of it on the evening. But while a couple of Schalke free-kicks and a flurry of bookings for Anderson, Scholes and Gibson, threatened to further loosen United’s grip on the game, the Reds were worthy 2-1 leaders at the interval.
Schalke sent on their first sub for the restart, replacing attacking midfielder Alexander Baumjohann with the Brazilian striker Edu. But it was an Edu compatriot in red who nearly added to the scoreline when the irrepressible Anderson was teed up by Berbatov. United's number eight would surely have scored past most keepers with his curling left-footer but Neuer, suddenly back to his best, flew to his left and flicked the shot wide with his top hand, his right.
With an hour gone, and the 4-1 lead not under any apparent threat, the United fans serenaded their heroes past - Andy Cole, Nicky Butt et al - and present, and began to sing of Wembley. The repertoire was only interrupted by a roar for Anderson's eventual goal - tucked low to Neuer's left after a great run and cut-back by Nani - and by greetings for Patrice Evra and Darren Fletcher when they joined in the fun as substitutes for Rafael and Paul Scholes.
Then came another strike for Anderson - United's fourth goal on the night, sixth on aggregate - when Valencia broke down the right, fed Berbatov, and the Bulgarian - in his last action before making way for Michael Owen - slid the ball to the Brazilian for a first-time finish at the far post.
There was still time for excellent saves at both ends - Neuer denying Owen, and van der Sar thwarting Edu, with substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar flagged offside after popping in the rebound - but any more goals would have almost spoiled a sated crowd already relishing a Saturday-night date with Barcelona on May 28. Bring it on. Read more...
Antonio Valencia and Darron Gibson put the Reds well and truly in the driving seat with two first-half strikes and although Jurado pulled a stunning goal back for Schalke, also before the break, Sir Alex Ferguson's double chasers went on to win comfortably thanks to a second-half brace from the outstanding Anderson.
To single out the South American or any of the triumphant United stars would be misleading, however - this was another tremendous team effort with fourteen players making a contribution to the cause and perhaps giving their manager some more selection dilemmas in the exciting days and weeks ahead.
Sir Alex Ferguson stayed true to his word and made changes – eight, in fact, from the side that slipped up at Arsenal. Only Edwin van der Sar, Anderson and Nani were asked to start again as the boss picked a side with Sunday against Chelsea in mind. Wayne Rooney, reported to have a tight hamstring on Tuesday, was out of the eighteen altogether but his now-regular strike partner Javier Hernandez was named among a strong group of substitutes.
There was a subdued start to the match, with the atmosphere nothing like as electric as it was for the last semi-final second leg to be staged at Old Trafford – against Barcelona in 2008. The circumstances here were very different of course, with the cushion of two away goals blunting any edge this contest might have had.
Only a couple of flashes from the opposite number 17s gave the crowd something to get excited about in the opening 10 minutes – Nani using some great close control to surge between two Schalke players and win a corner; then Jefferson Farfan firing the first shot of note inches wide as van der Sar dived right to monitor its flight.
Farfan’s right boot also caused Darron Gibson some discomfort in his midriff when the latter crunched into a challenge on the Peruvian international. When play resumed, with Gibson happily not requiring the attending stretcher, Berbatov threatened to reprise his West Ham party-piece of last season with a drag-back close to the left-hand byline. Only the alertness of Manuel Neuer, United’s first-half nemesis from the first leg in Germany, prevented the Bulgarian’s low ball locating Antonio Valencia.
There was no such intervention when the latter was picked out again in the 26th minute. Japanese right-back Atsuto Uchida lost possession as Schalke tried to press forward and he was punished instantly, as Gibson received the ball from Anderson and delivered the perfect sliderule pass into Valencia’s path. The Ecuadorian barely broke stride as he slipped the ball under Neuer to notch United’s third goal of the tie, and his third strike of the season.
The goalscorer and provider swopped roles as the Reds swiftly doubled the advantage on the night. Anderson was again their accomplice, receiving a throw-in to his feet inside the area and flicking it on. One touch from Valencia forwarded the ball to Gibson who struck it first time into the net via Neuer’s leg and the right-hand post. The seemingly superhuman goalkeeper of last week had been made to look very ordinary.
United were now 4-0 up on aggregate - and cruising? We thought so until a moment later when Schalke pulled a goal back in spectacular style. Smalling’s attempt to play out from the back was cut out and when Uchida’s right-wing cross careered off the pack of Evans, Rafael and Raul, Jose Manuel Jurado hammered the ball past van der Sar with his venomous left foot.
The Old Trafford crowd, now illuminated by a couple of red flares in the Schalke section, had witnessed a goal rush and three almost became four when Valencia’s effort was cleared off the line by centre-back Benedikt Howedes with Neuer beaten.
While the German side still had a tall order in terms of the tie, they had at least made a fist of it on the evening. But while a couple of Schalke free-kicks and a flurry of bookings for Anderson, Scholes and Gibson, threatened to further loosen United’s grip on the game, the Reds were worthy 2-1 leaders at the interval.
Schalke sent on their first sub for the restart, replacing attacking midfielder Alexander Baumjohann with the Brazilian striker Edu. But it was an Edu compatriot in red who nearly added to the scoreline when the irrepressible Anderson was teed up by Berbatov. United's number eight would surely have scored past most keepers with his curling left-footer but Neuer, suddenly back to his best, flew to his left and flicked the shot wide with his top hand, his right.
With an hour gone, and the 4-1 lead not under any apparent threat, the United fans serenaded their heroes past - Andy Cole, Nicky Butt et al - and present, and began to sing of Wembley. The repertoire was only interrupted by a roar for Anderson's eventual goal - tucked low to Neuer's left after a great run and cut-back by Nani - and by greetings for Patrice Evra and Darren Fletcher when they joined in the fun as substitutes for Rafael and Paul Scholes.
Then came another strike for Anderson - United's fourth goal on the night, sixth on aggregate - when Valencia broke down the right, fed Berbatov, and the Bulgarian - in his last action before making way for Michael Owen - slid the ball to the Brazilian for a first-time finish at the far post.
There was still time for excellent saves at both ends - Neuer denying Owen, and van der Sar thwarting Edu, with substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar flagged offside after popping in the rebound - but any more goals would have almost spoiled a sated crowd already relishing a Saturday-night date with Barcelona on May 28. Bring it on. Read more...
Manchester United Vs. Schalke Highlights Video Clips
Manchester United [4 - 1] Schalke
26' [1 - 0] L.A. Valencia
31' [2 - 0] D. Gibson
35' [2 - 1] J.M. Jurado
72' [3 - 1] Anderson
76' [4 - 1] Anderson
szólj hozzá: ManUtd 4-1 Schalke -Highlights Read more...
26' [1 - 0] L.A. Valencia
31' [2 - 0] D. Gibson
35' [2 - 1] J.M. Jurado
72' [3 - 1] Anderson
76' [4 - 1] Anderson
szólj hozzá: ManUtd 4-1 Schalke -Highlights Read more...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Schalke Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result
Make no mistake, this was as accomplished a Champions League semi-final performance you could wish to see as United had Schalke chasing shadows in a comprehensive 2-0 victory.
There's still a second leg to come before the manager and anybody else will be thinking of planning for Wembley but, in truth, only Manuel Neuer's brilliance saved his side from an embarrassing scoreline.Neuer defied United virtually single-handedly before two quickfire goals - by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney - ensured justice was done. Rooney was the provider for Giggs' opener and then found the net himself after cunning play by strike partner Javier Hernandez.
Sir Alex Ferguson opted for a 4-4-2 formation with in-form Hernandez proving impossible to leave out. Fabio started at right-back with Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick, Giggs and Ji-sung Park forming the midfield quartet.
In a breathless opening period, both sides carved out chances with Edwin van der Sar worked by Alexander Baumjohann and Edu while Neuer showed his class at the other end. Rooney drifted inside to force a diving stop out of the Schalke skipper, who then beat out a Park drive. Some fine work by Fabio and Valencia led to Hernandez stretching to test Neuer again. Hernandez was then in a one-on-one with the keeper in the 14th minute when Park's astute through ball found him just onside but the Mexican couldn't squeeze his finish under Germany's number one.
Hernandez remained the man likeliest to open the scoring as he rippled the side-netting with a left-footed effort and then made the wrong decision in trying to return a pass to Rooney rather than going for goal himself. Chicharito seemed to be finding space easily and, when he was beautifully picked out by Valencia, it was a surprise his snap-shot flashed across goal rather than on target from an angle.
Giggs almost broke the deadlock when getting his head to Nemanja Vidic's cross, only for the outstanding Neuer to scoop the ball away with his right hand.
Christoph Metzelder took a booking for the team with a cynical foul on Rooney to stop the England international releasing Hernandez again as the one-way traffic on the Schalke goal continued. There was another major scare for the hosts when Hernandez nipped in to again force a fine stop out of Neuer and Park's effort on the rebound was blocked by Atsuto Uchida.
Moments later, Fabio fired over the top with his left foot from Park's downward header as United tried to take a richly-deserved lead. Instead, Neuer blocked crucially again to thwart Giggs in yet another one-on-one situation by standing tall to frustrate the Welshman with his seventh save of the half as the teams went in all-square at the break.
It took one minute and 13 seconds of the second half to test Neuer again as Carrick headed a Giggs free-kick goalwards before Giggs' dreadful right-footed finish ruined the calm dummy that sat two defenders on the deck.
Neuer was finally beaten with 51 minutes on the clock but, frustratingly, Hernandez was marginally offside when lashing home a superb finish. The Miners mustered an attempt of their own when Juan Manuel Jurado sliced a volley off target following Jefferson Farfan's lightning run down the right and Edu's powerful shot forced a save out of van der Sar.
But the Reds were merely biding their time before conjuring up a way of beating Neuer. Patrice Evra fed Rooney and the striker's brilliant disguised pass allowed Giggs to race through unchallenged to slip home an assured left-footed finish.
Scenting blood, United poured forward and, after Giggs volleyed a well-placed Valencia cross wide, it was 2-0 within a couple of minutes. Valencia touched the ball towards Hernandez and the Mexican helped it on intelligently to Rooney, who gleefully swept past the exposed Neuer.
Sir Alex took the opportunity to give Hernandez and Park a breather ahead of the weekend clash with Arsenal as Paul Scholes and Anderson came on with 17 minutes left.
Schalke tried in vain to reduce the deficit with Farfan sending a free-kick wide and substitute Sergio Escudero's excellent attempt forcing van der Sar into evasive action. The hosts, who almost fell further behind late on when Evra shot just wide after linking up with substitute Nani, were simply no match for the Reds on the night. Schalke require a Miner miracle in the second leg at Old Trafford next Wednesday. Read more...
There's still a second leg to come before the manager and anybody else will be thinking of planning for Wembley but, in truth, only Manuel Neuer's brilliance saved his side from an embarrassing scoreline.Neuer defied United virtually single-handedly before two quickfire goals - by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney - ensured justice was done. Rooney was the provider for Giggs' opener and then found the net himself after cunning play by strike partner Javier Hernandez.
Sir Alex Ferguson opted for a 4-4-2 formation with in-form Hernandez proving impossible to leave out. Fabio started at right-back with Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick, Giggs and Ji-sung Park forming the midfield quartet.
In a breathless opening period, both sides carved out chances with Edwin van der Sar worked by Alexander Baumjohann and Edu while Neuer showed his class at the other end. Rooney drifted inside to force a diving stop out of the Schalke skipper, who then beat out a Park drive. Some fine work by Fabio and Valencia led to Hernandez stretching to test Neuer again. Hernandez was then in a one-on-one with the keeper in the 14th minute when Park's astute through ball found him just onside but the Mexican couldn't squeeze his finish under Germany's number one.
Hernandez remained the man likeliest to open the scoring as he rippled the side-netting with a left-footed effort and then made the wrong decision in trying to return a pass to Rooney rather than going for goal himself. Chicharito seemed to be finding space easily and, when he was beautifully picked out by Valencia, it was a surprise his snap-shot flashed across goal rather than on target from an angle.
Giggs almost broke the deadlock when getting his head to Nemanja Vidic's cross, only for the outstanding Neuer to scoop the ball away with his right hand.
Christoph Metzelder took a booking for the team with a cynical foul on Rooney to stop the England international releasing Hernandez again as the one-way traffic on the Schalke goal continued. There was another major scare for the hosts when Hernandez nipped in to again force a fine stop out of Neuer and Park's effort on the rebound was blocked by Atsuto Uchida.
Moments later, Fabio fired over the top with his left foot from Park's downward header as United tried to take a richly-deserved lead. Instead, Neuer blocked crucially again to thwart Giggs in yet another one-on-one situation by standing tall to frustrate the Welshman with his seventh save of the half as the teams went in all-square at the break.
It took one minute and 13 seconds of the second half to test Neuer again as Carrick headed a Giggs free-kick goalwards before Giggs' dreadful right-footed finish ruined the calm dummy that sat two defenders on the deck.
Neuer was finally beaten with 51 minutes on the clock but, frustratingly, Hernandez was marginally offside when lashing home a superb finish. The Miners mustered an attempt of their own when Juan Manuel Jurado sliced a volley off target following Jefferson Farfan's lightning run down the right and Edu's powerful shot forced a save out of van der Sar.
But the Reds were merely biding their time before conjuring up a way of beating Neuer. Patrice Evra fed Rooney and the striker's brilliant disguised pass allowed Giggs to race through unchallenged to slip home an assured left-footed finish.
Scenting blood, United poured forward and, after Giggs volleyed a well-placed Valencia cross wide, it was 2-0 within a couple of minutes. Valencia touched the ball towards Hernandez and the Mexican helped it on intelligently to Rooney, who gleefully swept past the exposed Neuer.
Sir Alex took the opportunity to give Hernandez and Park a breather ahead of the weekend clash with Arsenal as Paul Scholes and Anderson came on with 17 minutes left.
Schalke tried in vain to reduce the deficit with Farfan sending a free-kick wide and substitute Sergio Escudero's excellent attempt forcing van der Sar into evasive action. The hosts, who almost fell further behind late on when Evra shot just wide after linking up with substitute Nani, were simply no match for the Reds on the night. Schalke require a Miner miracle in the second leg at Old Trafford next Wednesday. Read more...
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Manchester United Vs. Chelsea Match Report Result
Wembley is within reach.
Only FC Schalke or Internazionale stand in Manchester United's way of a fifth European Cup final appearance – and a second on home soil – after the Reds beat Chelsea 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate) at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.There were nervy moments, sure, but United were never put under the sort of sustained pressure required to crack a Reds side that has looked so solid in Europe this season.
Javier Hernandez put the home side in front just before the interval before Chelsea's Ramires saw red for a second bookable offence 20 minutes from time. That appeared to extinquish any hopes the Blues had of reaching the last four, until Drogba popped up to equalise against the run of play.
Chelsea's revival lasted barely a minute, though. Ji-sung Park, so often pivotal in big games, struck the hammer blow, chesting down Giggs' pass inside the area before rifling a left-footed shot into the far corner.
Earlier, both managers had sprung surprises. Drogba, Chelsea's biggest threat over the two legs, had to make do with a place on the bench as Ancelotti kept faith with Fernando Torres, while Nani was recalled by Sir Alex Ferguson at the expense of Antonio Valencia.
United's other change came at right back. Rafael, who limped out of last week's first leg after sustaining a knee injury, failed a late fitness test so John O'Shea stepped into the breach.
Both teams enjoyed spells of early possession, although neither carved out a presentable chance until 14 minutes when Torres teed up Nicolas Anelka on the edge of the area and the Frenchman skewed his shot just wide of the post. That was the cue for a flurry of action.
Wayne Rooney let fly from 35 yards with a volley that swerved wickedly but ultimately nestled in Petr Cech's arms before Frank Lampard forced Edwin van der Sar into a smart save when he side-footed goalwards from 18 yards.
Before that, van der Sar had bravely rushed off his line to claim the ball at Ramires' feet and Torres had glanced a header wide from an Anelka cross, while Park and Hernandez had both spread panic in the Chelsea penalty area.
The visitors, knowing only a win would do, played with litte fear and Ramires and Lampard sought to drive forward from midfield at every opportunity. And so the Reds were often camped just outside the penalty area, defending in two banks of four, while Hernandez stayed furthest forward and Rooney dropped in the hole.
For all the defending United were forced to do early on, though, it was the Reds who found the net first, Hernandez heading home a curled Rooney cross from the right wing. But the referee's assistant on the south touchline had his flag in the air before the ball even crossed the line. It was a tight thing and on another day play would have been waved on. Not tonight.
There was momentary panic among United fans when van der Sar appeared to rush foolishly out of his goal in an attempt to reach a long ball. Indeed, Anelka got there first. But the goalkeeper turned on his heels, waited for his moment and executed a perfect sliding tackle to dispossess the Frenchman and clear the danger. It wasn't the first time van der Sar had won a personal duel with Anelka on the European stage, of course.
Chelsea's early bluster blew cool as the half wore on. Instead, United looked livelier and spent long periods encamped in the Londoners' half. So it was no surprise when the Reds took the lead just before the interval.
Again it was Hernandez – who else? - lurking within an inch of offisde. But this time, when he applied a finish into the roof of the net to Giggs' probing low cross, the assistant's flag remained down. United, in Sir Alex's 100th European tie at Old Trafford, were ahead.
The goal, the Mexican's 18th of the season, owed much to Giggs and O'Shea, whose clever interchange on the right wing cut out Anelka and allowed Giggs the space to dart into the penalty area and measure his killer pass to the far post.
When the net bulged, United's fans took the roof off. The roar was primal, a guttural howl of ecstacy that only a football match of this magnitutde can produce. Sir Alex may have described Chelsea's desire to win the Champions League as an obsession, but he was right when he pointed out United are just as desperate to lift the trophy again. And to do it at Wembley, the scene of the club's first European success, back in 1968... just imagine.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti withdrew the ineffectual Torres at half-time and threw on Drogba. The big Ivory Coast striker had posed problems in the first leg and again he asked questions of United's back four.
He screwed a speculative shot wide on 55 minutes just before the hour mark and won a free-kick when he tangled with Patrice Evra on the end of the box. His very presence seemed to lift the visitors and when Salomon Kalou joined Drogba up front Chelsea looked a far more potent proposition.
At the other end, Nani tested Cech with a stinging shot from 20 yards that the Chelsea stopper shoveled around the post, while Giggs spurned a glorious chance to double United's lead when he headed tamely at Cech from Rooney's delicious delivery.
Then came Ramires' second booking, issued for another foul on Nani, who proved a constant thorn in Chelsea's side. As Ramires disappeared down the tunnel, Chelsea's chances of Champions League success seemed to go with him. How would Carlo Ancelotti's men, two goals down on aggregate, recover from this?
United fans didn't think it was possible. Drogba, though, had other ideas. The forward touched on an Essien pass, shook off Vidic's attentions and blasted the ball past van der Sar to give the Londoners hope.
But Park settled the game – and the tie – almost immediately to book a spot in the Champions League last four. The Reds go marching on. Read more...
Only FC Schalke or Internazionale stand in Manchester United's way of a fifth European Cup final appearance – and a second on home soil – after the Reds beat Chelsea 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate) at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.There were nervy moments, sure, but United were never put under the sort of sustained pressure required to crack a Reds side that has looked so solid in Europe this season.
Javier Hernandez put the home side in front just before the interval before Chelsea's Ramires saw red for a second bookable offence 20 minutes from time. That appeared to extinquish any hopes the Blues had of reaching the last four, until Drogba popped up to equalise against the run of play.
Chelsea's revival lasted barely a minute, though. Ji-sung Park, so often pivotal in big games, struck the hammer blow, chesting down Giggs' pass inside the area before rifling a left-footed shot into the far corner.
Earlier, both managers had sprung surprises. Drogba, Chelsea's biggest threat over the two legs, had to make do with a place on the bench as Ancelotti kept faith with Fernando Torres, while Nani was recalled by Sir Alex Ferguson at the expense of Antonio Valencia.
United's other change came at right back. Rafael, who limped out of last week's first leg after sustaining a knee injury, failed a late fitness test so John O'Shea stepped into the breach.
Both teams enjoyed spells of early possession, although neither carved out a presentable chance until 14 minutes when Torres teed up Nicolas Anelka on the edge of the area and the Frenchman skewed his shot just wide of the post. That was the cue for a flurry of action.
Wayne Rooney let fly from 35 yards with a volley that swerved wickedly but ultimately nestled in Petr Cech's arms before Frank Lampard forced Edwin van der Sar into a smart save when he side-footed goalwards from 18 yards.
Before that, van der Sar had bravely rushed off his line to claim the ball at Ramires' feet and Torres had glanced a header wide from an Anelka cross, while Park and Hernandez had both spread panic in the Chelsea penalty area.
The visitors, knowing only a win would do, played with litte fear and Ramires and Lampard sought to drive forward from midfield at every opportunity. And so the Reds were often camped just outside the penalty area, defending in two banks of four, while Hernandez stayed furthest forward and Rooney dropped in the hole.
For all the defending United were forced to do early on, though, it was the Reds who found the net first, Hernandez heading home a curled Rooney cross from the right wing. But the referee's assistant on the south touchline had his flag in the air before the ball even crossed the line. It was a tight thing and on another day play would have been waved on. Not tonight.
There was momentary panic among United fans when van der Sar appeared to rush foolishly out of his goal in an attempt to reach a long ball. Indeed, Anelka got there first. But the goalkeeper turned on his heels, waited for his moment and executed a perfect sliding tackle to dispossess the Frenchman and clear the danger. It wasn't the first time van der Sar had won a personal duel with Anelka on the European stage, of course.
Chelsea's early bluster blew cool as the half wore on. Instead, United looked livelier and spent long periods encamped in the Londoners' half. So it was no surprise when the Reds took the lead just before the interval.
Again it was Hernandez – who else? - lurking within an inch of offisde. But this time, when he applied a finish into the roof of the net to Giggs' probing low cross, the assistant's flag remained down. United, in Sir Alex's 100th European tie at Old Trafford, were ahead.
The goal, the Mexican's 18th of the season, owed much to Giggs and O'Shea, whose clever interchange on the right wing cut out Anelka and allowed Giggs the space to dart into the penalty area and measure his killer pass to the far post.
When the net bulged, United's fans took the roof off. The roar was primal, a guttural howl of ecstacy that only a football match of this magnitutde can produce. Sir Alex may have described Chelsea's desire to win the Champions League as an obsession, but he was right when he pointed out United are just as desperate to lift the trophy again. And to do it at Wembley, the scene of the club's first European success, back in 1968... just imagine.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti withdrew the ineffectual Torres at half-time and threw on Drogba. The big Ivory Coast striker had posed problems in the first leg and again he asked questions of United's back four.
He screwed a speculative shot wide on 55 minutes just before the hour mark and won a free-kick when he tangled with Patrice Evra on the end of the box. His very presence seemed to lift the visitors and when Salomon Kalou joined Drogba up front Chelsea looked a far more potent proposition.
At the other end, Nani tested Cech with a stinging shot from 20 yards that the Chelsea stopper shoveled around the post, while Giggs spurned a glorious chance to double United's lead when he headed tamely at Cech from Rooney's delicious delivery.
Then came Ramires' second booking, issued for another foul on Nani, who proved a constant thorn in Chelsea's side. As Ramires disappeared down the tunnel, Chelsea's chances of Champions League success seemed to go with him. How would Carlo Ancelotti's men, two goals down on aggregate, recover from this?
United fans didn't think it was possible. Drogba, though, had other ideas. The forward touched on an Essien pass, shook off Vidic's attentions and blasted the ball past van der Sar to give the Londoners hope.
But Park settled the game – and the tie – almost immediately to book a spot in the Champions League last four. The Reds go marching on. Read more...
Manchester United Vs. Chelsea Highlights Video Clips
Manchester United [2 - 1] Chelsea
43' [1 - 0] J. Hernandez
77' [2 - 1] J. Park D. Drogba
Read more...
43' [1 - 0] J. Hernandez
77' [2 - 1] J. Park D. Drogba
Read more...
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Chelsea Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result
It's advantage United at half-time in the all-English Champions League quarter-final, thanks to Wayne Rooney's second opening goal in two missions on Chelsea's manor and a sterling rearguard action.
While the Reds won't be as comfortable as Real Madrid (4-0), Schalke (5-2) and Barcelona (5-1) heading into next week's second legs, Sir Alex Ferguson's men will still be favourites to reach the semi-finals after this psychologically significant win at Stamford Bridge. It was United's first victory in Chelsea's backyard since April 2002 when Rooney was a sixteen year-old still awaiting his senior Everton debut and the Reds were chasing, ultimately in vain, a fourth successive league title.
Rio Ferdinand - United's major signing in that same year, 2002 - returned to the Reds' line-up for his first appearance since 1 February and made a confident start, beating the diving Fernando Torres to a low ball in from the right. The same Chelsea striker buzzed around the United area in the early stages but his only shot on target was straight at Edwin van der Sar, also back in action after missing the weekend's win at West Ham.
More Wayne Rooney headlines flashed in front of our eyes momentarily when he collapsed in pain in the third minute, after Michael Essien’s raised studs caught the Reds forward on the top of the foot. Fortunately Rooney recovered, while his Ghanaian assailant escaped a caution.
United’s first corner appeared to cause some panic in the Chelsea ranks, with Didier Drogba making a hash of his clearance but then redeeming himself with a vital diversion of Ji-sung Park’s shot. The fit-again Korean scored when United last gleaned a positive result at Stamford Bridge – 1-1 in September 2008 – so it was no surprise to see him starting again, for only the second time since Boxing Day.
Drogba’s better known for business at the other end, of course, and he almost capped Chelsea’s decent opening to this tie when he powered a rising shot towards goal, only to see van der Sar’s fingertips flick the effort over the crossbar.
The Dutchman’s intervention enabled the Reds to draw first blood instead. Michael Carrick instigated the attack with a diagonal ball out to the left wing but it was the sublime first touch from Ryan Giggs that really took the breath away. Certainly the Chelsea rearguard were left gasping for air as the oldest outfield player on the pitch advanced past Bosingwa and pulled the ball back for Rooney – who else – to slot home, in off the base of the far post.
After 24 minutes, the vital away goal sought by Sir Alex Ferguson was in the bag and with it, a notable Champions League feat for Rooney – the fifth straight year in which he’s scored at the quarter-final stage. Moments later there was a concern that Wayne’s vital contribution would be his last, when another clumsy challenge – this time from Ramires – left him wincing. But Rooney is made of sterner stuff, especially when he has the scent of more goals in his nostrils after notching four in five days in London.
Torres famously can’t buy a goal, of course; even when he was played into space beyond the United back four, a heavy touch enabled Vidic to catch up and then pick him up angrily after the Spaniard went down too easily, without any contact. Spanish referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco didn’t show the first yellow card to Torres for his tumble – that dubious honour was reserved for Yury Zhirkov, after a high kick to Javier Hernandez’s head.
There were chances at both ends as the half ended dramatically. Cech saved well from Rooney; then Evra rode to United’s rescue with a brilliant goalline clearance to deny Lampard after Torres’ flick beat van der Sar but came back off the right-hand post. The Chelsea pair both lacked power in their connections but all the same, Evra’s alertness and agility deserve great credit as the Reds entered the break still 1-0 up.
The half-time lead survived an early scare when Ramires despatched a free header wide, shortly before Sir Alex was forced into his first substitution. Rafael was stretchered off after a collision with Drogba, but just as he did on Saturday, the United manager declined to send on a defender.
Instead Sir Alex turned a negative into a positive by bringing on an attacking player again, in the form of Nani. Valencia switched to right-back and the Reds regrouped to weather a storm and watch Drogba’s overhead kick bounce marginally beyond the far post. The same upright was also passed by an Essien volley but really there was little for van der Sar to do at this stage. His opposite number, on the other glove, did have to intervene smartly when Nani whipped a ball across the face of goal on the counter-attack. Cech’s touch was just enough to take the ball away from Hernandez; without it, the Mexican would surely have made it 2-0.
This match reporter almost jinxed it for United’s goalkeeper, when Torres’ arcing header looked for a split-second as if it was going to beat him in the 73rd minute. But van der Sar produced one of the best saves of this age-defying final season, flying to his left at full stretch to push the effort away.
While Torres continued to toil in search of his elusive first goal for Chelsea, his team-mates Drogba, Zhirkov and later Bosingwa were withdrawn. Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda and Jon Obi Mikel took their places in a mainly attacking alteration by Carlo Ancelotti, while Sir Alex opted for a simple change of striker - Dimitar Berbatov on for Hernandez.
None of the new personnel could make a difference to the scoreline although Anelka might have done had Evra not beaten him to Malouda's cross with a brave header. Nani, meanwhile, could have doubled the Reds' lead on the break but Cech was quickly off his line to smother the danger.
Evra's good work was almost undone when he appeared to bring down Ramires inside the box in injury time but referee Undiano ignored the vehement shouts from the Chelsea players and their partisan crowd. He didn't, however, turn a blind eye when Torres also went looking for a penalty and booked the frustrated Spain striker for simulation.
There was nothing fake about United's triumph, however, or undeserved. This was a richly-merited victory - now all Sir Alex's men have to do is finish the job in front of the faithful. Bring on the second leg. Read more...
While the Reds won't be as comfortable as Real Madrid (4-0), Schalke (5-2) and Barcelona (5-1) heading into next week's second legs, Sir Alex Ferguson's men will still be favourites to reach the semi-finals after this psychologically significant win at Stamford Bridge. It was United's first victory in Chelsea's backyard since April 2002 when Rooney was a sixteen year-old still awaiting his senior Everton debut and the Reds were chasing, ultimately in vain, a fourth successive league title.
Rio Ferdinand - United's major signing in that same year, 2002 - returned to the Reds' line-up for his first appearance since 1 February and made a confident start, beating the diving Fernando Torres to a low ball in from the right. The same Chelsea striker buzzed around the United area in the early stages but his only shot on target was straight at Edwin van der Sar, also back in action after missing the weekend's win at West Ham.
More Wayne Rooney headlines flashed in front of our eyes momentarily when he collapsed in pain in the third minute, after Michael Essien’s raised studs caught the Reds forward on the top of the foot. Fortunately Rooney recovered, while his Ghanaian assailant escaped a caution.
United’s first corner appeared to cause some panic in the Chelsea ranks, with Didier Drogba making a hash of his clearance but then redeeming himself with a vital diversion of Ji-sung Park’s shot. The fit-again Korean scored when United last gleaned a positive result at Stamford Bridge – 1-1 in September 2008 – so it was no surprise to see him starting again, for only the second time since Boxing Day.
Drogba’s better known for business at the other end, of course, and he almost capped Chelsea’s decent opening to this tie when he powered a rising shot towards goal, only to see van der Sar’s fingertips flick the effort over the crossbar.
The Dutchman’s intervention enabled the Reds to draw first blood instead. Michael Carrick instigated the attack with a diagonal ball out to the left wing but it was the sublime first touch from Ryan Giggs that really took the breath away. Certainly the Chelsea rearguard were left gasping for air as the oldest outfield player on the pitch advanced past Bosingwa and pulled the ball back for Rooney – who else – to slot home, in off the base of the far post.
After 24 minutes, the vital away goal sought by Sir Alex Ferguson was in the bag and with it, a notable Champions League feat for Rooney – the fifth straight year in which he’s scored at the quarter-final stage. Moments later there was a concern that Wayne’s vital contribution would be his last, when another clumsy challenge – this time from Ramires – left him wincing. But Rooney is made of sterner stuff, especially when he has the scent of more goals in his nostrils after notching four in five days in London.
Torres famously can’t buy a goal, of course; even when he was played into space beyond the United back four, a heavy touch enabled Vidic to catch up and then pick him up angrily after the Spaniard went down too easily, without any contact. Spanish referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco didn’t show the first yellow card to Torres for his tumble – that dubious honour was reserved for Yury Zhirkov, after a high kick to Javier Hernandez’s head.
There were chances at both ends as the half ended dramatically. Cech saved well from Rooney; then Evra rode to United’s rescue with a brilliant goalline clearance to deny Lampard after Torres’ flick beat van der Sar but came back off the right-hand post. The Chelsea pair both lacked power in their connections but all the same, Evra’s alertness and agility deserve great credit as the Reds entered the break still 1-0 up.
The half-time lead survived an early scare when Ramires despatched a free header wide, shortly before Sir Alex was forced into his first substitution. Rafael was stretchered off after a collision with Drogba, but just as he did on Saturday, the United manager declined to send on a defender.
Instead Sir Alex turned a negative into a positive by bringing on an attacking player again, in the form of Nani. Valencia switched to right-back and the Reds regrouped to weather a storm and watch Drogba’s overhead kick bounce marginally beyond the far post. The same upright was also passed by an Essien volley but really there was little for van der Sar to do at this stage. His opposite number, on the other glove, did have to intervene smartly when Nani whipped a ball across the face of goal on the counter-attack. Cech’s touch was just enough to take the ball away from Hernandez; without it, the Mexican would surely have made it 2-0.
This match reporter almost jinxed it for United’s goalkeeper, when Torres’ arcing header looked for a split-second as if it was going to beat him in the 73rd minute. But van der Sar produced one of the best saves of this age-defying final season, flying to his left at full stretch to push the effort away.
While Torres continued to toil in search of his elusive first goal for Chelsea, his team-mates Drogba, Zhirkov and later Bosingwa were withdrawn. Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda and Jon Obi Mikel took their places in a mainly attacking alteration by Carlo Ancelotti, while Sir Alex opted for a simple change of striker - Dimitar Berbatov on for Hernandez.
None of the new personnel could make a difference to the scoreline although Anelka might have done had Evra not beaten him to Malouda's cross with a brave header. Nani, meanwhile, could have doubled the Reds' lead on the break but Cech was quickly off his line to smother the danger.
Evra's good work was almost undone when he appeared to bring down Ramires inside the box in injury time but referee Undiano ignored the vehement shouts from the Chelsea players and their partisan crowd. He didn't, however, turn a blind eye when Torres also went looking for a penalty and booked the frustrated Spain striker for simulation.
There was nothing fake about United's triumph, however, or undeserved. This was a richly-merited victory - now all Sir Alex's men have to do is finish the job in front of the faithful. Bring on the second leg. Read more...
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Manchester United Vs. Marseilles Match Report Result
United are through to the Champions League quarter-finals thanks to a close-range couple from Javier Hernandez - but it was a far from comfortable night for the Reds after conceding a late away goal at Old Trafford.
Wes Brown's unfortunate own goal created an anxious last eight minutes but Sir Alex Ferguson's men held out to win 2-1 and book a place in the last-eight draw alongside the likes of Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s pre-match promise to go for it was reflected in his line-up as Nani and Ryan Giggs returned to the flanks and Paul Scholes was restored in the centre. The bench also had a strong emphasis on attack with the marauding midfield stars of Saturday’s FA Cup win over Arsenal, Rafael and Fabio, plus Antonio Valencia and Dimitar Berbatov among the seven subs. The defence, however, was not the expected quartet with a calf problem forcing Nemanja Vidic to join Rio Ferdinand on the sidelines.
Marseille, meanwhile, had top scorer Andre-Pierre Gignac back – he missed the first leg in France. Ex-United defender Gabriel Heinze started for the visitors in central defence, perhaps a safer haven than at left-back where Nani stretched him a fortnight ago.
The Reds engineered the perfect start from the opposite wing – United’s left. Rooney fed Ryan Giggs, scurried forward to collect the return pass and then drilled a low ball into the six-yard box for Hernandez to gleefully tap home. Marseille’s stunned defenders appealed in vain for offside as the Reds raced away to celebrate the Mexican’s 15th goal for the club, his first in Europe since the winner in Valencia in late September.
Gignac had a golden opportunity to equalise three minutes later when a flick over the top found him in the area behind Smalling and Brown; fortunately Marseille’s number 10 rushed his big moment and missed the target comfortably. Smalling was sharper when Gignac next ventured into his territory, showing great body strength to shield and keep the ball much to the Frenchman’s frustration.
The duel between Hernandez and Heinze had top billing in the early part of the match, however. The United striker clattered into his opponent for the game’s first yellow card and was then sent sprawling by a retaliatory challenge moments later. The Argentine centre-back escaped a caution for his foul, but he was almost punished for his defending again; instead Hernandez headed Rooney’s lofted pass into the hands of Steve Mandanda. When the keeper’s poor clearance, straight to Nani, gave United another sniff at goal, Rooney spurned the chance to shoot and Marseille escaped.
Although there were one or two other half-chances for Nani and Rooney, the threat of a game-changing away goal began to increase as the score remained 1-0 and the half wore on. Lucho Gonzalez blazed a free-kick over from close to the byline, Souleymane Diawara despatched a free header into the Stretford End, Loic Remy thundered a volley wide and Benoit Cheyrou had a long-range shot easily saved by Edwin van der Sar. All warning signs will have been duly noted by Sir Alex as he followed his troops into the dressing room, no doubt to stress the need for a second Reds strike.
Marseille's inaccuracy in front of goal had given van der Sar only light duties in the first half but he was the first keeper called into action after the break, diving bravely at the feet of Gignac to claim a dangerous ball. The Dutchman took a knock to the head in the process and fleetingly there were fears of a second enforced substitution - John O'Shea had strained a hamstring ten minutes before the interval to be replaced by Rafael. Fortunately van der Sar was fine and the home faithful breathed easy.
Relief was also the overriding feeling when Loic Remy blasted the ball across the area after weaving his way into the area, and later when Brown clumsily missed Taiwo's cross from the left. More like light relief when Heinze got his header horribly wrong from a corner and the United fans responded with a taunt recalling his infamous attempt to sign for Liverpool.
United's defensive ranks were depleted again when Rafael was carried off, seemingly with another hamstring problem; his brother Fabio was the ultimate 'like-for-like' replacement. A more positive substitution was the earlier introduction of Antonio Valencia. On for Nani, the Ecuadorian attacked Taiwo with great relish and the Reds were soon rewarded when his pass was forwarded on by Giggs and Hernandez bagged his and United's second goal with another simple finish.
Marseille had good chances before the Mexican made it 2-0 - the pick being Cheyrou's low shot, saved by van der Sar, after all-too-easy approach play with Remy on the right wing. More power from the Marseille midfielder and the away goal would have been chalked up at 1-1. Instead it came at 2-1 - Brown's header inadvertently beating his own goalkeeper, despite Scholes' effort to clear from behind the line.
The own goal set up an anxious finish, with memories of Porto's late draw in 2004 perhaps preying on some Mancunian minds. Thankfully there would be no sting in the tail and the Reds are through to keep another Wembley dream well and truly alive. Read more...
Wes Brown's unfortunate own goal created an anxious last eight minutes but Sir Alex Ferguson's men held out to win 2-1 and book a place in the last-eight draw alongside the likes of Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s pre-match promise to go for it was reflected in his line-up as Nani and Ryan Giggs returned to the flanks and Paul Scholes was restored in the centre. The bench also had a strong emphasis on attack with the marauding midfield stars of Saturday’s FA Cup win over Arsenal, Rafael and Fabio, plus Antonio Valencia and Dimitar Berbatov among the seven subs. The defence, however, was not the expected quartet with a calf problem forcing Nemanja Vidic to join Rio Ferdinand on the sidelines.
Marseille, meanwhile, had top scorer Andre-Pierre Gignac back – he missed the first leg in France. Ex-United defender Gabriel Heinze started for the visitors in central defence, perhaps a safer haven than at left-back where Nani stretched him a fortnight ago.
The Reds engineered the perfect start from the opposite wing – United’s left. Rooney fed Ryan Giggs, scurried forward to collect the return pass and then drilled a low ball into the six-yard box for Hernandez to gleefully tap home. Marseille’s stunned defenders appealed in vain for offside as the Reds raced away to celebrate the Mexican’s 15th goal for the club, his first in Europe since the winner in Valencia in late September.
Gignac had a golden opportunity to equalise three minutes later when a flick over the top found him in the area behind Smalling and Brown; fortunately Marseille’s number 10 rushed his big moment and missed the target comfortably. Smalling was sharper when Gignac next ventured into his territory, showing great body strength to shield and keep the ball much to the Frenchman’s frustration.
The duel between Hernandez and Heinze had top billing in the early part of the match, however. The United striker clattered into his opponent for the game’s first yellow card and was then sent sprawling by a retaliatory challenge moments later. The Argentine centre-back escaped a caution for his foul, but he was almost punished for his defending again; instead Hernandez headed Rooney’s lofted pass into the hands of Steve Mandanda. When the keeper’s poor clearance, straight to Nani, gave United another sniff at goal, Rooney spurned the chance to shoot and Marseille escaped.
Although there were one or two other half-chances for Nani and Rooney, the threat of a game-changing away goal began to increase as the score remained 1-0 and the half wore on. Lucho Gonzalez blazed a free-kick over from close to the byline, Souleymane Diawara despatched a free header into the Stretford End, Loic Remy thundered a volley wide and Benoit Cheyrou had a long-range shot easily saved by Edwin van der Sar. All warning signs will have been duly noted by Sir Alex as he followed his troops into the dressing room, no doubt to stress the need for a second Reds strike.
Marseille's inaccuracy in front of goal had given van der Sar only light duties in the first half but he was the first keeper called into action after the break, diving bravely at the feet of Gignac to claim a dangerous ball. The Dutchman took a knock to the head in the process and fleetingly there were fears of a second enforced substitution - John O'Shea had strained a hamstring ten minutes before the interval to be replaced by Rafael. Fortunately van der Sar was fine and the home faithful breathed easy.
Relief was also the overriding feeling when Loic Remy blasted the ball across the area after weaving his way into the area, and later when Brown clumsily missed Taiwo's cross from the left. More like light relief when Heinze got his header horribly wrong from a corner and the United fans responded with a taunt recalling his infamous attempt to sign for Liverpool.
United's defensive ranks were depleted again when Rafael was carried off, seemingly with another hamstring problem; his brother Fabio was the ultimate 'like-for-like' replacement. A more positive substitution was the earlier introduction of Antonio Valencia. On for Nani, the Ecuadorian attacked Taiwo with great relish and the Reds were soon rewarded when his pass was forwarded on by Giggs and Hernandez bagged his and United's second goal with another simple finish.
Marseille had good chances before the Mexican made it 2-0 - the pick being Cheyrou's low shot, saved by van der Sar, after all-too-easy approach play with Remy on the right wing. More power from the Marseille midfielder and the away goal would have been chalked up at 1-1. Instead it came at 2-1 - Brown's header inadvertently beating his own goalkeeper, despite Scholes' effort to clear from behind the line.
The own goal set up an anxious finish, with memories of Porto's late draw in 2004 perhaps preying on some Mancunian minds. Thankfully there would be no sting in the tail and the Reds are through to keep another Wembley dream well and truly alive. Read more...
Manchester United Vs. Marseille Highlights Video Clips
Manchester United [2 - 1] Marseille
5' [1 - 0] J. Hernandez
75' [2 - 0] J. Hernandez
82' [2 - 1] W. Brown (o.g.)
man Read more...
5' [1 - 0] J. Hernandez
75' [2 - 0] J. Hernandez
82' [2 - 1] W. Brown (o.g.)
man Read more...
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Marseille Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report
United may not have followed the leads of Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs in the Champions League's last-16 ties, but the Reds remain favourites to reach the quarter-finals after this stalemate with a decent if unambitious Marseille side.
Goalscoring chances were few and far between on a disappointing night at Stade Velodrome, and Sir Alex Ferguson will hope for more from his attacking players when the battle continues at Old Trafford in a fortnight's time - while asking his defence to remain just as solid against the threat of the dreaded away goal for Marseille.
The United boss recalled eight big guns at the back and in attack for the first leg, but he picked two thirds of the same midfield which laboured to victory over Crawley Town in the FA Cup – Darron Gibson and Michael Carrick – and retained John O’Shea in defence.
Darren Fletcher drove a first-time shot through a ruck of players; Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda saw it late but pulled off a fine save.
After a lively opening, the game’s tempo dipped to a more typical level for a European match. Less characteristic was United’s use of the ball – or rather misuse with sloppy passes from central midfield handing Marseille opportunities they didn’t have the wherewithal to exploit. Fortunately Rod Fanni’s right-flank delivery didn’t match the brilliance of his turn and surge past Rooney, while Brandao’s bicycle kick had style but insufficient substance to concern Edwin van der Sar.
The sides won a corner apiece in the closing moments of the first half, from their favoured right flanks. Remy whipped in a ball that Smalling had to repel from the six-yard line with a diving header; then O’Shea’s cross was blocked by Heinze.
The second period opened in similar fashion to the first, with Marseille and United doing enough in the right areas to suggest a decent half was in prospect. Brandao nodded a cross into the hands of van der Sar, while Heinze used his head at the other end to bale out Mandanda after Rooney’s centre left the keeper unusually stranded.
Smalling and Vidic had to be equally alert as Marseille’s attacks gathered some momentum, with both United centre-backs making timely blocks to thwart Remy and Lucho. In the same dangerous spell, a free-kick won by Heinze’s theatrics and a close call from Andre Ayew’s left foot stirred the biggest roars from the home fans – not that the incessantly noisy bunch, backed by a battery of drummers, needed any encouragement.
After weathering a brief storm, the Reds broke out with O’Shea reaching the byline and pulling the ball back for Nani. The Portuguese winger elected to flick it on rather than fire at goal and Berbatov’s shot found the bulk of Souleymane Diawara
Sir Alex made his first change with 18 minutes remaining, replacing Gibson with the most experienced player at his disposal, Paul Scholes. Keeping possession and staying composed were the key aims following his introduction – anything else would have been a bonus and it might have come had Mandanda not been quick off his line to stop Nani finishing off some fine interplay with Berbatov.
A couple of late corners raised the home fans’ hopes but in the end they – and United – had to be content with 0-0 and no damage done at half-time in this tie.
Marseille made an aggressive start straight from the kick-off, in both senses of the word - Gabriel Heinze lunged at Nani and Loic Remy fired the first wild shot across United’s bows, both inside the first 60 seconds. Nani was closer with his opening crack at goal when Dimitar Berbatov teed up him just outside the box, although again the goalkeeper wasn’t troubled.
Playing on the right of a front three, Nani was putting the home side on the rack in the early stages with his surges beyond Heinze. When one such streak drew a foul and Nani’s free-kick was only half cleared, Read more...
Goalscoring chances were few and far between on a disappointing night at Stade Velodrome, and Sir Alex Ferguson will hope for more from his attacking players when the battle continues at Old Trafford in a fortnight's time - while asking his defence to remain just as solid against the threat of the dreaded away goal for Marseille.
The United boss recalled eight big guns at the back and in attack for the first leg, but he picked two thirds of the same midfield which laboured to victory over Crawley Town in the FA Cup – Darron Gibson and Michael Carrick – and retained John O’Shea in defence.
Darren Fletcher drove a first-time shot through a ruck of players; Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda saw it late but pulled off a fine save.
After a lively opening, the game’s tempo dipped to a more typical level for a European match. Less characteristic was United’s use of the ball – or rather misuse with sloppy passes from central midfield handing Marseille opportunities they didn’t have the wherewithal to exploit. Fortunately Rod Fanni’s right-flank delivery didn’t match the brilliance of his turn and surge past Rooney, while Brandao’s bicycle kick had style but insufficient substance to concern Edwin van der Sar.
The sides won a corner apiece in the closing moments of the first half, from their favoured right flanks. Remy whipped in a ball that Smalling had to repel from the six-yard line with a diving header; then O’Shea’s cross was blocked by Heinze.
The second period opened in similar fashion to the first, with Marseille and United doing enough in the right areas to suggest a decent half was in prospect. Brandao nodded a cross into the hands of van der Sar, while Heinze used his head at the other end to bale out Mandanda after Rooney’s centre left the keeper unusually stranded.
Smalling and Vidic had to be equally alert as Marseille’s attacks gathered some momentum, with both United centre-backs making timely blocks to thwart Remy and Lucho. In the same dangerous spell, a free-kick won by Heinze’s theatrics and a close call from Andre Ayew’s left foot stirred the biggest roars from the home fans – not that the incessantly noisy bunch, backed by a battery of drummers, needed any encouragement.
After weathering a brief storm, the Reds broke out with O’Shea reaching the byline and pulling the ball back for Nani. The Portuguese winger elected to flick it on rather than fire at goal and Berbatov’s shot found the bulk of Souleymane Diawara
Sir Alex made his first change with 18 minutes remaining, replacing Gibson with the most experienced player at his disposal, Paul Scholes. Keeping possession and staying composed were the key aims following his introduction – anything else would have been a bonus and it might have come had Mandanda not been quick off his line to stop Nani finishing off some fine interplay with Berbatov.
A couple of late corners raised the home fans’ hopes but in the end they – and United – had to be content with 0-0 and no damage done at half-time in this tie.
Marseille made an aggressive start straight from the kick-off, in both senses of the word - Gabriel Heinze lunged at Nani and Loic Remy fired the first wild shot across United’s bows, both inside the first 60 seconds. Nani was closer with his opening crack at goal when Dimitar Berbatov teed up him just outside the box, although again the goalkeeper wasn’t troubled.
Playing on the right of a front three, Nani was putting the home side on the rack in the early stages with his surges beyond Heinze. When one such streak drew a foul and Nani’s free-kick was only half cleared, Read more...
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