Benfica vs Manchester United
Match pulse
SLBAttacking pressure by 5 minutes
Who won: Benfica 2-1
Benfica beat Manchester United 2-1 on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 at Estádio da Luz. Goals for Benfica: Marcio Geovanni (17') and Gilberto Galdino Beto (34'). Goals for Man United: Paul Scholes (6').
Play by play
- 94'
The Stadium of Light erupts as Benfica progress, finishing top of Group D. United can have few complaints; they were fairly ordinary tonight.
- 94'
FULL-TIME: United miss out on the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in over a decade.
- 93'
The goalkeeper takes the opportunity to waste some more time as he receives some treatment on a shoulder injury.
- 92'
A long ball over the top is comfortably taken by Quim, although Ferdinand nudges the goalkeeper as he collects the ball and is booked for sending him toppling in to the advertising boards.
- 92'
Ferguson still looks hopeful on the touchline, but United don't look likely of getting the goal they need right now.
- 91'
There will be four minutes of stoppage time.
- 90'
There are some very glum faces in the United section of the stadium.
- 89'
United are leaving only a couple of players at the back; Mantorras can't exploit the space though as he is tackled by Silvestre.
- 88'
United have loaded men forward; Ferdinand is playing as a third centre-forward at the moment as the visitors search desperately for an equaliser.
- 87'
Beto tries a shot from distance as Benfica try to waste as much time as they can.
- 86'
United captain Neville is booked for a late challenge from behind on Nelson; it was a tackle of pure frustration.
- 85'
SUB: Richardson replaces O'Shea. United's final substitution is another attacking one. A final throw of the dice.
- 84'
Scholes feeds Neville in down the right wing, but the linesman flags for off-side; another wasted chance for the visitors.
- 83'
For all their pressure, United haven't really tested Quim in the second half.
- 83'
Smith is angry when the referee rules that he has fouled Nuno Gomes as they challenged for a high ball.
- 82'
United are going through another spell of being sloppy in possession; too often they are over-running the ball or being wasteful with their passes.
- 81'
BENFICA SUB: Mantorras replaces Geovanni. A striker for a striker for the home side. Geovanni has been a willing runner all night; he's done his job.
- 80'
More woeful timewasting from the home side, as Geovanni fakes an injury, moments before he is due for substitution.
- 79'
SAVE! Geovanni finds himself one-on-one with Silvestre, inside the United area. He goes on to his right foot and blasts a close-range shot at goal, but Van Der Sar blocks on his goalline.
- 79'
Ferguson is desperately trying to get the referee's attention to make sure he is keeping an eye on all the Benfica time-wasteing.
- 78'
Saha attempts to chest the ball through to Van Nistelrooy on the edge of the area; the Dutchman almost brings the ball under control, but his touch is a little heavy and Quim collects.
- 77'
Not long to go for United, although a single goal here would be enough to send them through.
- 76'
Benfica are using all the tricks to waste time and frustrate United; Quim is down on the turf, complaining of a mystery ailment.
- 75'
CHANCE! Benfica break, three against two; the ball is worked to Perreira, but he shanks his shot wide of the near post when faced only by Van Der Sar.
- 75'
Anderson is having an impressive half. He is winning everything in the air.
