Three shots on goal in 90 minutes – United and Atletico offer lean food
For Manchester United and their German coach Ralf Rangnick, the draw means a good starting position for the second leg
Source: AFP / OSCAR DEL POZO
It’s a draw Manchester United can live with. Ralf Rangnick’s team avoided defeat in the Champions League round of 16 and once again proved their comeback qualities. And: Ajax Amsterdam has more problems than expected at Benfica Lisbon.
In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Jesse Lingard took the measure. The Manchester United striker took aim from 20 meters. It was a special shot because it was on Atletico Madrid‘s goal. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak defused the shot. It remained 1-1 in the Champions League round of 16 first leg because referee Ovidiu Hategan blew the whistle right after the third shot, which went on target.
For Manchester United and their German coach Ralf Rangnick, the draw means a good starting position for the second leg. His team fought for the draw.
The Swede Anthony Elanga (80th minute) secured the flattering draw for the guests, who were weak for long stretches, with his late goal. Previously, Portugal international João Félix (7th minute) had headed the Spaniards ahead in a disappointing game. It was up to Lingard’s try, the only two tries that came on goal. At United, superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in particular remained pale. A free kick that the Portuguese shot far over the Atletico goal from a distance of 18 meters was symbolic.
Benfica Lisbon – Ajax Amsterdam 2:2
In the second round of 16 first leg, Benfica Lisbon stopped Ajax Amsterdam’s winning streak in the premier class. After six wins in the six group games, the Dutch did not get more than 2-2 (2-1) in front of 54,760 spectators at the Estádio da Luz.
Benfica’s Gilberto (left) in a duel with Amsterdam’s captain Dusan Tadic
Those: AP / Armando Franca
Dusan Tadic (18th) gave Ajax the lead, then Champions League top scorer Sébastien Haller struck twice. First the ex-Frankfurter scored in his own goal (26th), shortly afterwards he put his team in the lead again (29th). Substitute Roman Yaremchuk (72nd) managed to equalize for Benfica. The second leg will take place on March 15th.
