Champions League Wrap: Mourinho's Madrid Stomp Over Galatasaray, Solid Malaga Holds Dortmund

Ronaldo's 9th minute goal turned out to be the eventual winner for Real Madrid.
Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

MATCH RESULTS:

Real Madrid 3 : 0 Galatasaray Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid	Malaga 0 : 0 Dortmund La Rosaleda, Malaga
Ronaldo 9'                  --   Benzema 29'       Higuain 73'	--                 --

The history of football is full of miracles - Mourinho
Fatih Terim's Galatasaray were completely overpowered by Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid at the Bernabeu yesterday evening, with three different goal-scorers for Los Blancos and none for the Turkish giants.
Cristiano Ronaldo struck early in the first-half, smartly collecting a Mesut Ozil pass and chipping the ball past Gala keeper Fernando Muslera into the back of the net. Twenty minutes later, it was Frenchman Karim Benzema who got a goal, collecting a cross from Michael Essien. Galatasaray, for their part, couldn't quite string a decent chance as all but two of their efforts in the first half were off-target.
Any chance of Fatih Terim's side getting something out of the game disappeared in the second half, when Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain pounced on a loose ball created by a Xabi Alonso free-kick to score the coup-de-grace.

Gonzalo Higuain's glancing header puts the ball past Fernando Muslera into the back of the net Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

But Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho refused to be carried away by their dominating finish. "If we score a goal [in the second leg] they have to score five, but in football I have seen so many incredible things that nothing can surprise me.

"They will do everything to do something historic and I know Fatih Terim will try. The history of football is full of miracles."

Turkish boss Fatih Terim admitted that his side were clearly outgunned. "We faced a massive team who are aiming to win the UEFA Champions League. You just have to congratulate them. The quality between the sides wasn't equal

"Real Madrid were the dominant side and I accept that."

The tie is absolutely open - Pellegrini

Despite their chances, Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund are held goalless at La Rosaleda yesterday evening thanks to Malaga's goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero.

Mario Gotze went one-on-one with the Argentine keeper three times, but the German forward just can't seem to get the ball past Caballero. Marco Reus and Robert Lewandowski also had their chances to put Dortmund ahead, but the sturdy Malaga back-line, coupled with Caballero's brilliant saving capabilities made sure Jurgen Klopp's men had no goal to celebrate in Spain.

Malaga's goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero saves the ball from Dortmund's Lewandowski

Image retrieved from the UEFA official website

Manuel Pellegrini's men had chances of their own. Once they shook off the rapid-fire pace of the defending Bundesliga champions in the first half, Malaga got to their groove and started putting pressure on the visitors. Julio Baptista, Jeremy Toulalan and Isco were all on target for the home side, but none managed to score.

"It was an open game and the tie is absolutely open," Malaga boss Pellegrini said. "It was a very good game from both teams, who each tried to get into the opposition box. The crowd were happy."

Klopp was also satisfied with his side's performance, saying, "We gave a good performance against a good team. We had the better chances and a 0-0 draw is a result we can live with."

Champions League Wrap: 11th Hour Matuidi Goal Keeps PSG Alive, Rapid-Fire Alaba on Target vs Juve

PSG's Blaise Matuidi (not in picture) forced goalkeeper Valdes to try and save the ball in a precarious position to no avail

Image retrieved from the UEFA Champions League official website

MATCH RESULTS:

PSG 2 : 2 Barcelona Parc des Princes, Paris	Bayern 2 : 0 Juventus Allianz Arena, Munich
Ibrahimovic 79'     Messi 38'   Matuidi 90+4'       Xavi 89' (Pen)	Alaba 1'                 --            Muller 63'

The price we paid to achieve [the result] is high - Roura

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi had a moment of brilliance yesterday night at the Parc des Princes when, in the very last minute of the game, managed to slot in a crucial second goal past Barca keeper Victor Valdes to bring the scoreline 2-2 against Catalan giants Barcelona.

Lionel Messi struck early in the first half, who magnificently collected Dani Alves' cross to put the La Liga side in the lead. The enigmatic Argentine would unfortunately suffer from a knock that will see him get substituted before half-time.

Barca's Lionel Messi slots the ball in past PSG keeper Sirigu

Image retrieved from the UEFA Champions League official website

PSG got their break on the 79th minute when striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic pounced on the loose ball created from Thiago Silva's header - a goal that was given even if replays show the Swede was offside. Twenty minutes later, the French side's keeper, Sirigu, commits to the ball going his way and causes Alexis Sanchez to fall inside the box. Xavi slotted in the penalty in what they thought was the winning goal of the night. But youngster Matuidi forced a draw in the end, making Valdes bend on his back just to save the ball, to no avail.

Barca assistant coach Jordi Roura said the result was not as good as his club would've liked, adding, "While the priced we have paid to achieve it is high."

PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti, for his part, admitted the results was not good for his side. And yet his was proud of his players, saying, "I'm proud of what my players produced. I'm proud of their bravery and of the good attitude they showed."

We took Pirlo out of the equation - Heyneckes

Bayern Munich forward David Alaba's rapird-fire goal in the 30th second of the first half followed by Muller's score in the second half crippled Antonio Conte's Juventus as the Italian club did not manage to put a dent on the scoresheet.

Bayern's Thomas Muller slotted in the second goal

Image retrieved from the UEFA Champions League official website

Munich boss Jupp Heyneckes was particularly delighted with the result, adding that it was the result of their good homework. "Our preparation was very good and you could clearly see our tactical plan. We attacked very early and so managed to take [Andrea] Pirlo out of the equation.

"Our aim was to put pressure on them early and take Pirlo out of the game, which worked really well," the German manager added.

Conte, for his part, admitted that despite having a good team, Bayern were simple the better side. "I have to be honest and admit that we simply faced a better side."

Trio Turns the Tides: Sporting Braga 1 Manchester United 3

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.

Triumph in Transylvania: CFR Cluj 1 Manchester United 2

The business of Rooney-RVP partnership finally picks up, generating two goals for United against Cluj

Image retrieved from The Telegraph UK

Goals of the game

CFR Cluj: Kapetanos (14')

Manchester United: Van Persie (29', 49')

The Red Devils have once again come from behind to win 2-1 against CFR Cluj. United seemed to have started a not-so-comfortable trend for their side, as their recent run of games saw them give the lead to their opponents early in the match. And yet, United managed to win a good majority of those games, thanks to their marquee signing, Robin Van Persie.

United lost the lead early on in the first half. Cluj winger Sougou was allowed an easy run by left-back Evra. The Cluj winger would then make an excellent pass to fellow player Kapetanos, who sinks in the opening goal for his side. A quarter of an hour later, Wayne Rooney would attempt to make a pass to Robin Van Persie. The ball bounces of the shoulder of the Netherlands international, straight into the back of the net for the fortunate (perhaps lucky) equalizer.

United, now having a grip on the game, asked a lot of questions in the beginning of the second half. Cluj sat deeper on their half of the pitch, and the Red Devils, through Van Persie once again, would get their eventual winning goal. Rooney makes a fabulous through ball towards Van Persie. Cluj keeper Felgueiras tried to race towards the ball but was outrunned by RVP, who stuck with  his left boot to net his second goal.

Robin van Persie hits his brace as he collects Rooney's pass and powers in the winning goal past Cluj goalie Felgueiras

Image retrieved from The Telegraph UK

It was a rather nervy game for the Reds, whose patchy defense is proving dangerous. Evra is losing his touch, and his recent string of bad performances warrant him in losing his starting berth.

The Ferdinand-Evans partnership is still to take hold, and United fans can only hope that the duo find their form soon.

On the bright side, the Reds' forward line is capable of compensating. United's midfield tonight, in their 4-3-1-2 looked very fluid. Anderson and Cleverley did well, and Fletcher, too, who had just come back from a debilitating bowel condition.

And perhaps the highlight of United's starting XI tonight is the Rooney-RVP combo, bagging two goals and the victory. Thanks to a spectacular striker in RVP and a driven Rooney, United come home from Transylvania the victors and top of Champions League Group H. Things are looking bright for Sir Alex Ferguson and his team.

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Carried by Carrick: Manchester United 1 Galatasaray 0

United midfielder Michael Carrick gets fouled and felled but still managed to get the winning goal for his team

Image retrieved from the official UEFA Champions League website

Goals of the Game

Manchester United: Carrick (7')

Galatasaray: --

It was a nervy and lucky night for the Reds at Old Trafford as they faced Turkish giants Galatasaray, with Carrick's goal holding the lead for the English team. The win kick-starts United's Champions League campaign for this season.

Manchester United looked primed and ready for another dominating performance in the very first minutes of the game, with Carrick clinching in the goal as early as the seventh minute, as he made brilliant ball play with team-mate Shinji Kagawa.

After that, United lost its flair and was quick to go shift to defense mode as Galatasaray looked hungry in the counter-attack. The Reds still asked questions and knocked on the door of Galatasaray keeper Muslera's net, but the first-half certainly could've gone better.

United upped the ante in the first minutes of the second-half, with Nani and Evra doing wonderful exchanges in the Galatasaray half, but the Turkish grit and defensive strength proved solid. It was until Paul Scholes made a brilliant pass to Rafael, who was geared to make the goal but was fouled Burak Yilmaz inside the box. A penalty was called.

With the Southampton penalty fiasco fresh in United's memories, it was decided that Nani should take the penalty. The cushion lead that United needed was nowhere to be found when the Portuguese winger horribly failed to take the penalty shot and was easily saved.

Nani falters on his penalty shot, making way for an easy save for Galatasaray keeper Muslera

Image retrieved from the official UEFA Champions League website

From that point, Galatasaray knew there was a great chance to at least share a point with the Reds. The Turkish team went into overdrive and made attack after attack. Questionable referee decisions, apart from United's sheer luck and periods of great defense, made sure the visitors didn't net any goals, giving United the win.

Looking at the game in hindsight, United looked once again to be setting the stage for a repeat of last year's CL campaign. Long periods of sloppy defense plus poor finishing at some points tinge doubt in the Reds ability to progress in the tournament.

Carrick was great for his team once again, as he did great hold of the ball and had stints of brilliant defending, apart from his winning goal.

Evra and Nani had good link-up, but their finishing was a bit poor.

Robin van Persie failed to make his mark in the European stage for his team. Perhaps he's still adjusting to his new club.

A special mention had to be said for Captain Nemanja Vidic, who was United's stalwart defender, neutralizing a lot of Galatasaray's chances.

In the end, it was the scoreline that mattered and United get the full three-points against Galatasaray, who could've easily equalized or won the game. Having said that, the Reds need to better their preparation and performance in their next meeting, for if Galatasaray proved formidable at Old Trafford, who knows what they could do on their own turf?

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