Manchester United vs Benfica
Match pulse
MANAttacking pressure by 5 minutes
Who won: Man United 2-1
Manchester United beat Benfica 2-1 on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at Old Trafford. Goals for Man United: Ryan Giggs (39') and Ruud van Nistelrooy (85'). Goals for Benfica: Simão (59').
Play by play
- 92'
Benfica gave a good account of themselves and soaked up United second half attacks and scored a superb freekick, but United were not to be denied. Will this be the turning point for United?
- 92'
Another important goal from Ruud van Nistelrooy has helped United to all three points after a dominant if not utterly convincing performance.
- 92'
And that's fulltime.
- 91'
Great stuff from United. Realising that keeping the ball is the most important thing the team spread the ball around. Giggs won it, slipped a ball to Scholes, he found Van Nistelrooy and passing began.
- 90'
A great interception in the United area by Fletcher prevents Benfica getting a shot on goal.
- 89'
Can Benfica spoil the party in the two minute of added time?
- 88'
A half clearance nearly lets in Benfica, but the ball is hooked clear: United living dangerously.
- 88'
Two minutes to go and Benfica win a corner.
- 87'
United are still full of attacking: they are pressing the visitors back to stymie any possible late goal.
- 86'
Marcio Geovanni is brought on for a tiring Benfica.
- 85'
35 goals in 39 Champioms League appearances for Ruud - a frighteningly good strike rate in this competition.
- 84'
Ruud taps the ball home after Giggs' corner ricocheted off Ferdinand and Gomes and into the Dutchman's path.
- 84'
Goal for United!!
- 83'
Ronaldo intercepts a lazy ball from Fernandes and releases Bardsley who charges forward and wins a corner for United after whipping in a great cross.
- 82'
Handball given against Van Nistelrooy, who looks mortified at the decision; it's not been his night.
- 81'
Beto and Nelso link well to bring Pereira into the game: he rips into the middle and passes to Gomes, but the move falters on the return ball.
- 80'
You sense that United have blown themselves out, the last 15 minutes of remorseless attacking brought no goals and Benfica seem lifted.
- 79'
A change for Benfica: Off goes Miccoli and on comes Joao Pereira
- 78'
You have to guess that Moreira is launching long high clearances because Benfica are failing to play through the United midfield, but the lack of heading ability brings that tactic into question. Both Gomes and Beto have failed in the last two minutes. Any new ideas?
- 77'
O'Shea wins a long and guiless clearance from the keeper and starts the latest United sortie.
- 76'
Manchester United need to make this spell of possession count or the visitors will be lifted by having soaked up the punishment and could get something on the break.
- 76'
Fletcher and Scholes combine to release Smith but Nelson shackles him and United are repelled again.
- 75'
15 minutes to go and you sense that the scoreline could well change
- 74'
Van Nistelrooy is ruled to have handled the ball in the area - he claims he used his chest to control, but the ref disagrees.
- 73'
United are labouring. They have all the ball, but are lacking a killer blow, or a killer pass to unleash a clear-cut chance.
