Benfica vs Manchester United
Match pulse
SLBAttacking pressure by 5 minutes
Who won: Man United 1-0
Manchester United beat Benfica 1-0 on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at Estádio da Luz. Goals for Man United: Louis Saha (60').
Play by play
- 93'
I'm not convinced that playing Rooney as a winger is a great idea, but as I mentioned earlier I'm not a tactician. Besides which results are all that matter and United have got the one they came to Portugal to get.
- 93'
Well, credit to United. They might have been outplayed in the first half but they dug in and were much the better side after Saha's goal in the second.
- 93'
Miccoli lobbed a probing ball from right to left aimed at a stretching Assis who could only just get his boot to it and direct a looping shot onto Van Der Sar's goal.
- 93'
A late chance for Benfica ends up on the roof of the net as the final whistle goes.
- 92'
O'Shea and Carrick stall the Benfica momentum by swapping passes
- 92'
Time running out for the home side who deserve at least a point after a very impressive and dominant first half display
- 91'
A hopeful ball aimed at Assis is too long for the striker and United will take time over the goal kick
- 89'
Three minutes of added to be played.
- 88'
United press for the killer blow with Carrick and Scholes ripping up the ground in the middle to slow Benfica's progress
- 87'
What a nice surprise: Heinze took the freekick, whipping a low effort around the wall with his left foot which was blocked by Quim who then stopped Fletcher's effort from the rebound, and then again prevented Carrick from the subsequent rebound - a superb triple save!
- 86'
Not if they give freekicks away on the edge of the box like Petit just has on Ronaldo. Much nearer the area this time, again in a central position - wonder if Ron will take it?
- 85'
Five minutes to go. Can Benfica rescue a point?
- 84'
Alan Smith replaces Louis Saha; and also going off Wayne Rooney, in his stead Darren Fletcher
- 83'
A great defensive header from Katsouranis cut out an equally great pass by Rooney aimed at Scholes - clever play from both players.
- 82'
Angolan World Cup star Mantorras takes the pitch as Benfica press forward.
- 81'
Corner for Benfica after a good run from Alcides.
- 80'
Ferguson talks to Alan Smith and Darren Fletcher on the bench, could we be about to see some changes.
- 79'
United are 10 minutes away from securing their first away win in the Champions League proper since Novemeber 26, 2003. It's been a long time coming.
- 78'
The visitors are stringing passes together and look a much more cohesive unit.
- 77'
United have grown in confidence in the second half, especially since the goal.
- 76'
A great half-chance is wasted by United. A superb ball in from Carrick on the right flank is snatched at by Saha arriving at the front post, he will be unhappy to have not got his effort on target
- 75'
Asis looks to be a difficult customer: He's quick, tricky and likes to fall over in the penalty area. Heinze tugged his arm and the fresh attacker went down, but the ref waves play on.
- 74'
Ronaldo takes the freekick, but his effort flies high and wide. You have to wonder why someone else, Rooney for example, isn't involved in freekicks in such positions
- 73'
Katsouranis takes out that man Ronaldo and now United have a freekick in a central position 30 yards out.
- 72'
Simao's effort is watched over the bar by Van der Sar
Leaders
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