Manchester: Cristiano Ronaldo’s strike in the ‘Fergie time’ saw Manchester United narrowly edge past Unai Emery’s Villarreal at Old Trafford while Benfica stroke thrice as Lionel Messi -less Barcelona falter.
The final of Europa League 2020 reiterated as Manchester United took on Villarreal at home, with a hope to recuperate from the underwhelming Aston Villa loss. Although things didn’t look very good for the hosts , when Villarreal took the lead at the 53rd minute when Arnaut Danjuma set up for Paco Alcacer who tapped the ball home.
Having trailed, Manchester United looked more driven and a deserving equalizer came seven minutes later by Alex Telles who volleyed in a powerful shot rendering the Villarreal custodian useless. When the visitors thought they could get away with a point, Ronaldo had different plans. After Jesse Lingard tapped back a ball, the Talisman slotted it right in, giving United their first victory in Champions League this season.
On the other hand at Estado d Luz, the woes of Barcelona without Lionel Messi continues as Benfica stun them 3-0. A brace from Darwin Núñez and a powerful shot from Rafa Silva were enough as the Spaniards failed to make any mark yet again. The loss had put head coach Ronald Koeman’s future at the club in a jeopardy yet again.
In other matches of the day, Robert Lewandowski featured twice along with Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sané and Eric Choupo Moting as they thump Dynamo Kyiv 5-0.
Meanwhilw Sevilla were held in draw with Wolfsburg while two perfectly taken spotkicks from 19 year old Karim Adeyemi helped RB Salzburg to get better of Lille.
