The Perfect Game

Real Madrid and Manchester United, possibly the biggest clubs in world football. It's rare we get to see these two giants come face to face but when they do, they rarely disappoint. They've faced each other in four different Champions League ties, the first way back in 1957 when Madrid won 5-3 on aggregate. In 1968 United would exact their revenge with a 4-3 win. In 2000 Real scored three times at Old Trafford to win 3-2 and in 2003, when David Beckham returned to face his former club, Madrid won 6-5. Only once has their been a 0-0 draw between these sides and six times there was at least four goals. Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the best in the world, comes up against Robin Van Persie, the best in England. José Mourinho, one of only four managers to win a league title in four different countries, against Sir Alex Ferguson, arguably the greatest manager of all time. The scene is set for these two giants of world football to collide.
          They may be sixteen points behing bitter rivals Barcelona, and four behind their city rivals Atletico, but there is no doubting the quality that Madrid possess. Players such as Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain are capable of scoring out of nothing which makes them constantly dangerous. Players like Mesut Ozil, Kaka or Angel Di Maria are capable of creating chances out of nothing, while a player such as Ronaldo only needs a half yard to devastate teams. Fresh from scoring his fifth hat-trick of the season, Ronaldo is coming up against United, with who he won the Champions League and three league titles as well as countless individual awards, for the first time since his £80 million move to Madrid in 2009. It didn't take long for Ronaldo to become a club legend at United and when he returns to Old Trafford for the second leg he will be welcomed back with open arms. The outcome of tonight's game at the Bernabeu could very well depend on the impact the Portuguese star can have.
          Sir Alex Ferguson is one of the best in the business when it comes to stopping influential players on opposing teams so I'm sure he's spent every day since the draw was made thinking about how he will stop Ronaldo. I expect him to use Phil Jones. He may only be 19 and he might be inexperienced but he can have a huge effect on this game. He nullified Gareth Bale when United faced Spurs a few weeks ago. Marouane Fellaini had been a thorn in United's side for two games but, when he faced Jones on Sunday, he was ineffective. Everytime Ronaldo is on the ball I would be surprised if Jones wasn't very near by. If Ronaldo stays on the left then Rafael and Jones will likely double up on him. If he plays on the right then Evra and Jones will double up. Personally, I think Ronaldo would be more effective through the middle tonight but I don't expect him to play there. He will drift from side to side if he isn't getting the right service and that's why a man marking job might be the only way.
          If Ferguson doesn't go with Jones then I think we might see Valencia on the right, Carrick and Cleverley through the middle and Giggs on the left. I expect Rooney to sit in the middle and try to stay close to Xabi Alonso. He done a similar job on Arteta earlier in the season and was very effective. That gives Ferguson the option of crowding the middle by switching Rooney to the left and playing Giggs through the middle. I would be very surprised to see Ferguson take the game to Madrid away from home. It is likely to be a very conservative approach tonight and try to attack them on the break. I do think that if United came out and attacked Madrid they could get goals, and plenty of them, but that would leave them open at the back and if average Premier League teams are scoring goals then Madrid would be in their element with all that space.
          It's going to be interesting to see the mini battles all over the field with two master tacticians on the sidelines. Madrid have been hit and miss so often this season but I don't see them being anything but their best over these two legs. United were conceding goals too often earlier in the season but the defence has been much stronger in recent times with clean sheets coming more regularly. Mourinho will fancy his side to score at Old Trafford so he wouldn't be disappointed with a 0-0 draw. I think United need a goal tonight. They need something to take back home and I think they'll get it. Despite the conservative game that many expect, I do think there is too much attacking quality on show for there not to be goals. Madrid are suspect t conceding on the counter and United have been excellent on the counter all season. I think we will get goals tonight and I think it will be all square going into the second leg.

Premier League Round-Up

The midweek Premier League fixtures provided plenty of goals and plenty of drama as six of the ten games ended in a draw. Manchester United moved seven points clear at the top of the table after a come from behind win over Southampton at Old Trafford. Jay Rodriguez put the Saints ahead early on but Wayne Rooney equalised within five minutes and wrapped up the points before the half hour mark. The United defence had to withstand a strong push from Southampton but they held firm to stretch further clear of their rivals Manchester City.
       The champions were held to a scoreless draw away to Queens Park Rangers as Harry Redknapp's men  continue to fight for survival. The Rangers defence was incredible throughout led by the veteran Ryan Nelson, who was playing what is expected to be his last game as he moves to a managerial role in the US. Julio Cesar was the obvious man of the match as he denied City on numerous occasions, including a spectacular save to deny Gareth Barry.
        Wigan gained another point to aid their attempt to avoid the drop when they came from two goals down to grab a draw at Stoke City. Ryan Shawcross had put the Potters ahead and Peter Crouch doubles the lead shortly after the break. Two goals in ten minutes from James McArthur and Franco di Santo brought the Latics level. Both sides pushed for the winner but there were to be no more goals and the two teams had to settle for a point each.
        Aston Villa's woes continued as they lost at home to Newcastle. Christian Benteke, the only bright light from a miserable season, brought them back into the game with a penalty but the damage was done in the first half as Newcastle went two goals in front through Papiss Demba Cisse and a sweet strike from Yohann Cabaye. It was a much needed win for the Toon Army but a step closer to the drop for Villa who must surely buy in the closing hours of the transfer window.
        Swansea and Sunderland played out a dire goalless draw at the Stadium of Light. In a battle of two mid table teams chances were few and far between and neither side were able to make a break through. Fulham got back on track with a 3-1 win over West Ham at Craven Cottage to move them above the Hammers in the table. Everton moved within a point of fourth place after beating West Brom by two goals to one at Goodison Park. Two goals from Leighton Baines were enough for the Toffees as West Brom struggled to threaten for much of the game.
         Tottenham left the door open for Everton as they had to settle for a draw away to Norwich. Wes Hoolahan had put the Canaries in front but ten minutes from time Gareth Bale earned Spurs a share of the spoils. Arsenal and Liverpool played out a 2-2 draw at the Emirates in a game riddled with mistakes. Liverpool went ahead through a scrappy goal from Luis Suarez and when Jordan Henderson tapped home a rebound it looked like Liverpool were on their way to all three points. Arsenal were the better side in this game and showed great resolve to get back into the game. Olivier Giroud nodded home the impressive Jack Wilshere's free kick and Theo Walcott scored with a powerful strike from a tight angle.
          Rafa Benitez' nightmare spell in charge of Chelsea continued as they let a two goal lead slip late on against Reading. Juan Mata and Frank Lampard had put the Blues two ahead but Reading continued to fight until the end and they got their reward late on. Substitute Adam Le Fondre scored in the 86th minute and again in the 94th minute to earn his side a point and pile the pressure on Benitez.
         We learned quite a lot over the past few days as teams try to make a late season push. United look in control of the title race as they continue to pick up the points and City continue to struggle. Reading and QPR are showing good form in recent weeks as they try to move away from the relegation zone. Harry Redknapp has done a great job with Rangers and they are now unbeaten in four. Chelsea are in serious decline and I still feel it's because of the management. Benitez will always try to not lose a game before trying to win it and with the attacking options he has at the Bridge that is a crazy attitude. Under Di Matteo I think the Blues would be challenging for the title but now it looks like they could be dragged into the battle four the Champions League places. I wonder do the club look across London at Spurs and wish they still had AVB in charge? To draw with Brentford and then make just three changes to go away to Reading made no sense to me. They were so poor on Sunday surely there were more players in line for the bench.
        How about Swansea City? Michael Laudrupp has done a great job there and they are unbeaten in six league games and have a cup final to look forward to next month. Everton are in line for a Champions League spot and it would be just reward for the work David Moyes has done there with such little resources. Has the French influence helped turn the tide at Newcastle? They looked much better last night against Villa and they will be hoping to make a charge into the top half in the remaining months.
          Finally, it may not have been a classic El Classico but a young defender certainly left his mark on the biggest rivalry in football. Raphaele Varane gave an outstanding display in the Madrid defence as he helped Real keep out the threat of Leo Messi and he even popped up to score the equaliser late on. A 1-1 draw leaves the game finely poised ahead of the second leg.

Managerial Discussion

The first four months of the season have seen some interesting developments at different clubs. Some managers have led their teams to unexpected success and therefore strengthened their positions, while some managers have have failed to deliver to the owners satisfactions and have lost their job. Roberto Di Matteo and Mark Hughes are so far the only managers to be sacked but there are many who are struggling to produce results and could be joining Hughes and Di Matteo on the unemployment line.

         Chelsea owner continued his hire and fire policy and chose to sack the only man that has been able to bring him European success. Chelsea had a strong start to the season and are one of the favourites for the league title but struggles in this seasons Champions League have seen Di Matteo lose his job. Just two weeks before Chelsea are to go to the World Club Championships they have opted to take that opportunity away from him and handed control of the team to Rafael Benitez. From Sunday's meeting with Man City it's clear Benitez has not changed his mentality and the question has to be asked: Why choose Benitez when you are obsessed with playing attractive football? Benitez will set out his team not to lose rather than try to win. It will be interesting to watch Benitez lead Chelsea for the remainder of the season. He had some success at Liverpool with a weaker squad and now that he has a strong squad how far can he lead them? My guess is not very far. Let's not forget he couldn't lead Inter Milan to the Italian title when it seemed all but certain.

           QPR have got rid of Mark Hughes after failing to win any of there games to date. Hughes was the hero last season when they survived the drop on the final day of the season in what is now the forgotten outcome of that thrilling game with Man City. In his place comes the experienced Harry Redknapp.This is an appointment I really like and I think will work well for both manager and club. It's unlikely that Rangers will survive but if anyone can lead them to safety, Harry can. I actually fancy QPR to stay up this season, despite the poor start. However, that can only happen if they get very busy in January. Tony Fernandes has the money to spend and Harry Redknapp is a man to invest in. Time and time again he has taken over teams and instantly improved them. If he is able to bring in the players he wants in the transfer market then I think they will be a different side come February. They may be favourites for the drop but my money is on Harry turning it around.

          Now let's talk about managers who are only a few months in the job. Paul Lambert is struggling in charge of Aston Villa and isn't helped by the criticism he is receiving for leaving out Darren Bent but I have some sympathy for him on that one. Christian Benteke and Gabby Agbonlahor have been outstanding this season and I wouldn't drop them either. I think Villa are in real trouble this season but if they stick with the young players they are using then in the next few season this team will develop into a strong unit. The near future may be bleak but I won't be too hard on Lambert, I think he will bring this team to life, eventually.

         Liverpool appointed Brendan Rodgers in the Summer and although it's only been a short time he isn't sending out a message that Liverpool are going to become a threat to the title anytime soon. At times they have played some really nice football and I've been really impressed but overall there is a major, major problem at Anfield: they are over-dependent on Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has been good this season but what happens when he hits a slump? I don't know where the goals are going to come from. Liverpool need a top class finishing striker to take the pressure away from Suarez and soon. If anything happens him then they may struggle to make the top ten. The fact that Rodgers said 7th would be a good finish isn't a positive remark and I would hope they get busy in January to get themselves back among the elite of the Premier League. 

        Swansea haven't hit the heights of last season yet but they still lie comfortably in the table. Michael Laudrup has done a good job so far but the problem they face is teams are no longer struggling with facing them. Teams are coming prepared for the passing game and they need to provide a second style to their game to make themselves more of a threat. I don't see them going down and if they can rediscover some winning home form they could break the top ten. 

         I like what Andre Villas-Boas has done with Tottenham so far. I think he is a top manager and if Daniel Levy continues to back him with funds then I think he can be a long term success at White Hart Line. They have been patchy at times bu have shown some incredible play in bursts in games. If they can challenge for Champions League places this season then it will be a success for them this season. Next season they will look to challenge for the title.

        An early Manager of the Year candidate comes from an unexpected source. Steve Clarke has been sensational at West Brom this season. They are lying third in the table and have just won four straight games in the top flight for the first time. The thing to admire about the Baggies is that there are no superstars at the club. Everybody is working hard for each other and they are getting results from that. Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie have caused problems for everyone when they play together. Their pace is forcing teams to refrain from playing a high line because they simply can't keep up with these two. Add to that the powerful Romelu Lukaku and they have a formidable attack. Their midfield all put in a good shift and have enough creation to provide for the strikers. Their defence is very steady and aren't leaking goals like many would have expected. How long can they keep this up? It's hard to say but I don't see them hitting as big a slump as Newcastle did mid-season last year. A top seven finish is very possible and would be a huge success.

Manager Trouble at the Bridge

March 4th 2012 Roberto Di Matteo was appointed interim team coach until the end of the 2011-2012 season, following the sacking of André Villas-Boas. At the time, I said that the move was only going to be a short term solution for the club and that in the long run they had made a mistake and I feel justified in making those statements. Di Matteo was nothing but a scapegoat for Roman Abramovic. The truth is the Russian owner never wanted him in charge but the Champions League success meant he had to hire him. Nothing was ever going to be enough to keep him in a job this season. 

          It's not good for football to have owners such as Abramovic, who will just throw money at a manager to spend and demand instant and constant success. For Chelsea to become a permanent top club in Europe they need to have some sort of stability. Everybody at the club has to be on the same page and that cannot be the case at Chelsea because too often there are changes and it disrupts the system. Villas-Boas has the right idea when he came in. He wanted to get rid of the older players and bring in some fresh faces and get the team playing his style. If Abramovic wants to invest money in someone it should have been in AVB. Instead he got rid of him because the results weren't outstanding. Now we have the same situation with Di Matteo, who spent over €100 million last Summer and is now out of the job.

          Chelsea need a manager to come in and apply his personality and hos own style to the team. They need someone to come in for three of four years steady the ship. It will take a season or two to get consistency but with the way Abramovic is going through managers they won't ever get the time to do that. You don't have to look far to find how to run a successful club. In the same league Manchester United have established themselves as a top team in world football and the reason is the manager. Sir Alex Ferguson has got complete control over the club and isn't afraid to get rid of top players who think they're bigger than the club. He didn't come in and make an immediate impact. He took time to establish himself at the club and the owners backed him and that's why they've had 26 years of success. You always get the feeling that there are too many egos at Chelsea and that's stopping them from competing at the highest level year in year out. 

          As for his replacement Rafael Benitez, he now has to inherit the problems Di Matteo had. Chelsea have got a number of creative players but not enough goalscorers. Fernando Torres looks disinterested at the best of times and his frustration is getting stronger and stronger with each passing game. Defensively they need to be more stable and add more pace. Time and time again Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie caused them problems with their pace. However, Benitez is known for having teams be difficult to beat and he will sort out their defence. As for attacking, he has had success with Torres before and if he can't get the Spaniard firing then it may be time to cut their losses and let him go in January and bring in someone who can score regularly. I don't want to speak negatively or positively of Benitez until we see what he does with the side and give him a fair chance to prove himself. If he can immediately impose himself then Chelsea might be able to make a decent push at the title and maybe turn around their European fortunes, whether it be in the Champions League or Europa League. If he can't bring success,how long will Abramovic leave him in charge? Only time will tell.

          

           

Capital One Cup Round-Up

The Capital One Cup may be ridiculed by football fans but anybody who sat down to watch Sky Sports will not have been left disappointed. On Tuesday night we had an incredible 21 goals in just five games, an average of just over four goals per game. On Wednesday night we had another 16 goals, this time in just three games, an average of over five goals per game. No matter what importance managers put on the competition, there can be no doubt that the entertainment value was as high as it would be on any Saturday afternoon. So let's have a look at some of the games that took place. 

          On Tuesday night, Reading and a youthful Arsenal side played out one of the most incredible games I've ever seen. After 37 minutes it looked as though Reading were about to cause a shock as they went 4-0 up with goals from Jason Roberts, Laurent Koscielny (og), Mikele Leigertwood and Noel Hunt. Just before half time Theo Walcott pulled one back and just minutes after being introduced, Olivier Giroud, brought it back to 4-2. In the dying moments it seemed as though Reading would be able to hold on but goals from Koscielny and a second from Walcott in the 95th minute brought the game into extra time. Arsenal seemed to be in complete control when Marouane Chamakh put them 5-4 up but the drama wasn't to end there. Pavel Pogrebnyak came off the bench to bring Reading level at 5-5 but Arsenal weren't to be denied. In injury time of extra time, Walcott got his third and Chamakh lobbed the keeper for his second and give Arsenal a sensational 7-5 win and a place in the quarter final.

            In Tuesday's other games, League 1 Swindon were denied an upset as they entertained Aston Villa at the County Ground. Villa took the lead through Christian Benteke after 30 minutes and Gabby Agbonlahor doubled the lead ten minutes later. Swindon were the better side after the break and were deservedly level when Miles Storey scored twice in the space of three minutes. They were on the verge of extra time before Benteke scored an injury time winner to send Villa through. Premier League side Southampton were knocked out of the cup by Championships side Leeds United. Leeds were the better side from start to finish and were fully deserving of their 3-0 win. Goals from Michael Tonge, El Hadji Diouf and Luciano Becchio were enough to send Leeds into the quarter finals.

          Bradford City caused the biggest upset of the night when they knocked out Premier League side Wigan Athletic. It was a drab affair as neither side showed any quality in the final third and it took penalties to separate the sides as they finished 0-0 after 120 minutes and when Jordi Gomez had his penalty saved by keeper Matt Duke, Bradford had caused a major upset winning 4-2 on penalties. Middlesbrough also booked their spot in the last eight with a 1-0 win over Sunderland. Scott MacDonald scored the goal to send the Championship team through at the expense of Martin O'Neill's Premier League outfit.

          Stamford Bridge was the venue for yet another crazy game on Wednesday night as Chelsea and Manchester United played their second game at the Bridge in four days. After Sundays drama, both sides could have been forgiven for not producing excitement tonight but both sides went all out for victory and it made for a thrilling night of football. United three times went in front three times through Ryan Giggs, Javier Hernandez and Nani but Chelsea three times found equalisers with goals from Gary Cahill, David Luiz (pen) and a 92nd minute penalty from Eden Hazard. In extra time Daniel Sturridge and Ramires scored to put Chelsea 5-3 ahead before Ryan Giggs scored a 120th minute penalty to add drama to the tie but Chelsea hung on for the win. It was a strong performance from an young, inexperienced United side but the class of Chelsea's stars proved decisive as Hazard, Mata and Oscar took control in extra time.

          Norwich caused an upset at Carrow Road as they came from behind to beat Tottenham by two goals to one. Gareth Bale had put Spurs ahead after 66 minutes but an own goal from substitute Jan Vertonghen had Norwich level after 84 minutes before Simeon Jackson scored the decisive goal just three minutes from time to send the Canaries into the quarter final. It was an unhappy reunion with Swansea for Brendan Rodgers as his Liverpool side were beaten at home. Swansea were ahead after 34 minutes when Chico headed home from close range and they doubled their lead on 72 minutes when Nathan Dyer slotted home. Luis Suarez pulled one back for the reds but it was Swansea who pushed on and they grabbed the insurance goal in injury time through Jonathan de Guzman. Swansea were deserving of their 3-1 win as Liverpool failed to impress.  

Champions League Round Up

The second night of Champions League action was far less entertaining than the first but the common denominator was yet another night of poor displays from the British sides. Chelsea and Celtic were outclassed last night and tonight Arsenal and Man City were both beaten comprehensively. It was a disappointing night for European giants AC Milan and Real Madrid also as all four groups now have at least three teams still in with a chance of qualification.
          In Group A and Paris Saint Germain inflicted a third consecutive defeat on Dinamo Zagreb when they won by two goals to nil. It was a comfortable night for the French side as they led by two goals at the break after Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jeremy Menez got on the scoresheet. The result leaves PSG on six points and in second place in the group. In the other game from the group, Porto all but guaranteed their progress to the knockout stage with a third successive win. They had to fight off a strong showing from Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev having twice been pegged back to all square before Jackson Martinez' winner in the 78th minute. Ideye Brown and Oleh Gusev had twice brought Kiev level but on the balance of play they can't complain about the result. Silvestre Varela and Martinez got the other Porto goals. That leaves Porto on nine points and Kiev in third on three.
          In Group B Arsenal suffered a second loss in five days when they were beaten 2-0 by Schalke at the Emirates. The German side were the better team throughout and were fully deserving of their win. They were made to wait until the 76th minute to break the deadlock though and the goal came courtesy of a clinical finish from Klaas Jan Huntelaar. Just ten minutes later the result was wrapped up when Ibrahim Afellay scored from close range. A last minute goal gave Olympiacos a fifth win in six games as they beat French champions Montpellier by two goals to one. They fell behind in the first half of this one though when Gaetan Charbonnier put the French side in front but they couldn't hold on Vasilis Torosidis levelled the game before an injury time winner from substitute Kostas Mitroglou. Those results leave Schalke on top with seven points followed by Arsenal on six. Olympiacos finally converted league form to European and are now on three points with Montpellier on just one point.
           Malaga may have been in serious financial trouble during the Summer and lost some top players but three games into the campaign their sitting atop Group C with maximum points. Tonight they beat Italian giants AC Milan with a strike from Joaquin enough to earn them full points. Milan have now lost their last three games and are really missing the players they sold during the Summer, Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva. A penalty from Aleksandr Kerzhakov gave Zenit St. Petersburg their first win in Europe this season as they beat Anderlecht at home. That leaves the Belgian side without a win and on just one point, trailing Zenit who are on two and Milan on five. All three trail Malaga who sit on nine points.
           In Group D Man City are on the verge of elimination after losing to Ajax in Holland tonight. City took the lead against the run of play through Samir Nasri but Ajax were level after a fine finish from Siem De Jong just before half time. The Dutch side were in front when Niklas Moisander headed home unmarked before Christian Erikson capped off a fine performance when he scored a third. It was deserved win for Ajax who consistently exposed City, who were far too passive and sat back too much. City fans won't enjoy reading the other result from the group either as Borussia Dortmund moved top of the table courtesy of a 2-1 win against Real Madrid. Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring before Cristiano Ronaldo levelled with a fine finish. Dortmund weren't to be denied however, as Marcel Schmelzer scored from the edge of the box to send the home fans wild. Those results leave Dortmund on seven points followed closely by Madrid on six. Ajax have a slim chance of progression on three points but City are all but outwith just one point.

Champions League Round Up

Were now half way through the third game week of the Champions League and what a dramatic night we had tonight. In 90 minutes of action we had some great goals, red cards, comebacks and last minute winners. All in all it was a disappointing night for the British sides in action with only one side managing to win a match as both Chelsea and Celtic suffered defeat. Manchester United virtually booked their place in the knockout stages with a come from behind win over Braga. So let's have a look at the results and how the tables shape up halfway through the group stages.
          Starting with Group E and a disappointing night for Chelsea. The holders were defeated 2-1 by Shakhtar Donetsk after a poor performance which will have manager Roberto Di Matteo worried ahead of the clash with Manchester United on Sunday. Shakhtar went two goals ahead with strikes from Teixeira and Fernandinho. Oscar's late goal gave hope in the final few minutes but Chelsea can have few complaints with the result which leaves them in second place in the group, three points behind Shakhtar who lead on seven points. In the groups other game Juventus failed to take advantage of Chelsea's defeat when they struggled to a 1-1 draw with Nordsjaelland in Denmark. The Italian giants fell behind in the 50th minute to a goal from Mikkel Beckmann as Juve failed to make their pressure pay. Substitute Mirko Vucinic rescued a point in the 81st minute for the Italians as they remain third in the group although they will regret not taking another of their 23 shots on goal.
          On to Group F and Valencia scored three second half goals to overcome Bate Borisov in Belarus. Roberto Soldado was the star of the show with three goals including one from the penalty spot as the Spaniards moved top of the group. Bate and Valencia are now both on six points with just goal difference between them. Bate shocked Bayern Munich in their last game but never looked like repeating it against a far superior Valencia. Last years beaten finalists Munich got back on track with a 1-0 win over Lille. A Thomas Muller penalty was enough for the Germans to join Bate and Valencia on six points as this group remains wide open. Lille are now on the brink of elimination after a disappointing three defeats from three games.
           Group G two close games as both Barcelona and Spartak Moscow won by two goals to one but in much different circumstances. Moscow finally got their first points of the campaign with a victory over Benfica in Russia. Goals from Rafael Carioca (3) and an own goal from Jardel (44) were enough to earn the win for the Russian outfit. Midfielder Lima had brought Benfica level after 33 minutes but it was Moscow who would grab the winner. Meanwhile Celtic were on the verge of a huge point at the Nou Camp until Jordi Alba scored in the 94th minute to give Barcelona a deserved three points. Scottish champions Celtic took a surprise lead through Giorgos Samaras but in truth it was completely against the run of play. Barcelona had 82% possession and a stunning goal from Iniesta brought them level before a late winner from Alba.
          And finally to Group H and Manchester United once again fell behind before coming good to take all three points and maintain their 100% record this season. This time they fell two goals down against Braga with two goals from Alan setting the Portuguese side up for a shock win. Two goals from Javier Hernandez and one in between for Jonny Evans saw United make yet another comeback. It was another example of how much they are missing injured defenders Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Nemanja Vidic as Michael Carrick was forced to deputise in central defence. Galatasaray got their first point of the group when they drew 1-1 against CFR Cluj in Turkey but they will be disappointed they didn't make their dominance count. They had 72% possession but after a Nounkeu own goal put Cluj ahead the Turkish side were forced to wait until the 77th minute for an equaliser which came from substitute Burak Yilmaz. Cluj defender Matias Aguirregaray was sent off in the first half which in the end cost the Romanian side all three points but they do remain in second place, five points behind Man United.