1-1 Just good enough for United
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Lyon 1 - 1 Manchester United
Goals Lyon : Benzema 52
Manchester United : Tevez 87(sub)
Far late result to a UFEA night.I am keen with United winning from back in UFEA matches.I still get those goosebumps that AC milan gave us and we hardly had any chances to recover.Thank God it wasnt going to be that night.
The formation was something that was unusual.A 4-5-1 kinda play(the one we used against the Gunners).Fergie opted for playing with Rooney as a lone striker and 5 midfields.The defense remained unchanged with Brown,Vida,Ferdi and Evra.No big deals in the first half and i was yawning while watching the game.The ground didnt have enough lights or may be the crowd was too placid.Anyways,first half went untouched with a few threats from Benzema and also Rooney giving a few.
Second half was all pumped up for United.The pace and passes went on beautifully in mid-field and a goal for us was expected.Ronaldo had free-kick but was wasted in search hitting ball beneath the wall.Just as we were pressing more on Lyon, it all turned other way round.With a low pass to Benzema at the edge of the box,his visious strike made it through from Van De Sar’s hand and made Lyon’s first goal.It was hard understand how he managed to score with such tight angle and crowded defense.That was gem and a tough goal considering with the scenario.One goal up and hardly 30 minutes left to the game.
Losing here was going to make things bad at home,with threats of Benzema too.If he could have injured himself it still could have been better,but damn he was substituted on 83 minute.Before that Nani,Hargreaves and Tevez were brought in with a desperate search for the late. United gave their whole heart and every little game plan they had in their head.The constant attack was making vulnerable for the Lyon wall and then it finally payed off.The cross delievered by Nani was deflected in by Fred and guided to Tevez, who with acres of spaces guided the ball into the nets.
United sneaked pass through a tough test.A defeat could have spoiled the place in quarters.OT has been United successful venue in UFEA games so that wont bother us.
Posted by gjoe 3:52 PM