United forward Wayne Rooney (first from left) sinks in a pemalty to put his side in the lead
Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK
Goals of the Game
Sporting Braga: Alan (49' PG)
Manchester United: Van Persie (80'), Rooney (83' PG), Hernandez (90+2')
Lights on, lights off. From what seemed to be a solid Braga performance against visitors Manchester United after their player Alan scored a penalty and gave them the lead, the floodlights at the Municipal Stadium went out, with it came proverbial calm before the storm, as United's three forwards would strike in rapid-fire fashion to turn the tides.
United's frail defense was again subjected to scrutiny at the whistle. Braga's Alan, Ruben Micael and Eder were all business, as United defenders struggled to deflect their shots on goal. A chance for the home team really came in the 16th minute, with Micael's shot went just over the crossbar. Eder would soon get his shot on goal five minutes later, heading the ball towards De Gea. The Reds got chances of their own, with Nani trying to get the ball in with a header, only for Braga keeper Beto to collect it easily.
Second-half was a whirlwind compared to the first. Evans would knock Alan over inside the penalty box. The whistle is blown, and Alan took the penalty kick with authority, putting his side on the lead with 40 minutes to go. Seventeen minutes later, the floodlights at the Municipal Stadium would go out due to a power failure and this would see a silence in the pitch that would make the way for the tidal wave that is Manchester United's comeback.
The floodlights at the Estadio Municipal de Braga go out due to a power failure
Image retrieved from The Telegraph UK
After a suspenseful 12-minute wait, game is resumed. After a few plays of the ball, Sir Alex Ferguson knew he needed to use bigger guns if he wants to hit the target. He brings on Robin van Persie.
This "second-half" of the second half would prove to be the downfall for Sporting Braga. A miscalculation from keeper Beto would see RVP sink in the equalizer from the Reds. A few minutes later, Hernandez would put in a great effort on goal, with the keeper deflecting it out. Rooney moved towards the ball for the rebound but is fouled inside the penalty box. After a brainstorm, the official would point to the spot. Rooney gladly took the opportunity and put his side on the lead in the 83rd minute. Braga would retaliate, but to no avail. Hernandez would then drive the final nail in the coffin for the Portuguese side as he took advantage of confusion inside the box (including his own) to latch the ball into the net with his left food as he was level on the ground.
This win would put United as winners of Group H in the Champions League, helping Sir Alex forget the abysmal way they got kicked out of group stage last year.
No comments:
Post a Comment