I have included a feature written by me on the game I watched (as I am a Man Utd supporter and could never be watching another game) as well as links to reviews of all the other ties for the night. I must just add it was a thrilling night of Champions League football!
This was one of the best games I have watched in a while. Although United scored an own goal and young Spanish keeper De Gea was at fault for the second, Benfica definitely faught hard to earn a draw which they fully deserved! Benfica opened the scoring with an own goal from 19 year old Manchester United defender Phil Jones, as he shinned the ball into his own net from a fierce low cross. They had quite a lot of possession and a few shots at goal early on, catching United with their high pressure and quick passing. United took a while to get going but finally broke through on 30 minutes when water boy Dimitar Berbatov headed in a sublime cross from Luis Nani, who was extremely lively throughout the tie! It was a very high tempo first half which saw a good few chance created by each side. They went into the break with the score tied at 1-1.
The second half kicked of in the fashion all neutrals would love. End to end and extremely high paced! There were a few tackles flying in as well, which made for a heated, competitive encounter. Both teams were going all out to get a result but it was United who drew first blood this time around. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the game as it was so open and both teams were attacking with intent. Fletcher latched on the a wonderfully delivered ball from Captain Patrice Evra!
They looked up for it, but were shell shocked when the ever dangerous Aimar got a second for the visitors, when De Gea misplaced a short clearance. The ball was crossed in and smashed home by the deadly Aimar, after coming off Rio Ferdinand. The chances were there for both sides to take all 3 points, but I really wish Fergie brought Hernandez on earlier. Although they dominated possession with 64% and 15 shots, the Red Devils were not able to find a third goal. The game ended 2-2 and one thing I must add is that the Benfica fans were in full voice throughout the game. My mate Matt who was at the game must have had the time of his life!
Dimitar Berbatov had a great chance to win it for the English Champions late on, but blazed his short range volley over the bar! Fucking muppet…
The group is now wide open with one game left, and, 3 of the 4 teams can still qualify for the knock out stages! United are now left biting their nails, as they travel to Basel in Switzerland seeking a at least a point to qualify. They have now drawn 4 of their first 5 group games, whilst Benfica look sure to top the group with a tie against the minions left in their path! That means United may well face a tough side in the first knock out round, I just hope to God it isn’t Real Madrid or Barcelona! Real are rampant and again scored 6 tonight in their home tie. Barca play AC Milan tomorrow in what should be a great encounter. Might even have to put some bucks on the Barca away win…
This is one guy I do not want to meet in the first round of the knockout stages. He has 37 goals this year already and helped Real Madrid to the top of the Spanish La Liga!
The rest of the results from WEEK 5 [tuesday]
* Click on each game below if you want to read the full Sky Sports Review!
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D
Sorry there was a typo with the score I had 1-1 for some odd reason, although I did write this at 1am! Fixed now shot Mikey for the heads up LOL