Manchester United come from behind to confirm place in last 16
Manchester United have confirmed their place in the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time since 2013-14 courtesy of a 2-1 victory over CSKA Moscow this evening.
The Group A leaders were all but guaranteed a place in the knockout stages before kickoff, although they could have still mathematically – if not realistically – missed out in a three-way playoff with Basel and CSKA.
CSKA gave their own hopes of qualifying a boost when they took a surprise lead in controversial fashion through Vitinho on the stroke of half time, but they were ultimately condemned to Europa League football after Christmas as quickfire goals from Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford turned things around in the second half.
The result also sees the hosts rack up a club record-equalling 40th consecutive home game without defeat across all competitions, including 11 wins from 11 at Old Trafford so far this season.
United went into the match knowing that it would take defeat by seven goals – in addition to results elsewhere going against them – to miss out on a place in the last 16, and with such a strong position Jose Mourinho opted to make six changes ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.
More Stories
CWCL: OKPEBHOLO URGES EDO QUEENS TO RETURN HOME WITH THE TROPHY
The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Friday urged the Edo Queens FC of Benin, representing Nigeria in the ongoing...
UPDATE: UEFA APPOINTS ETHICS, DISCIPLINARY INSPECTOR TO INVESTIGATE PREMIER LEAGUE REFEREE COOTE
Following the release of a video purporting to show Premier League referee David Coote sniffing white powder during Euro 2024,...
OUTRAGE IN ARGENTINA AS INFLUENCER LINES UP FOR FIRST DIVISION MATCH
An Argentinian club drew the ire of the country’s football community after selecting an influencer with no professional experience in...
ENTERTAINMENT: PORTUGAL HONOUR CRISTIANO RONALDO WITH #QuinasDeOuro2024 AWARD
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s iconic footballer and record-breaking scorer, was honoured Monday night with the prestigious Platinum Quinas trophy at the...
2025 AFCON QUALIFIERS: BENIN VS NIGERIA AND FULL LIST OF OTHER FIXTURES
Countries will compete over the weekend as they vie for spots in the qualification race for the 2025 Africa Cup...
AFCON 2025 QUALIFIERS: SIMON, CHUKWUEZE, SIX OTHERS ARRIVE EARLY IN ABIDJAN
Ahead of their AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze were among the early arrivals...