Manchester United and Atalanta played to a 2-2 draw in the Champions League on Tuesday night at the Gewiss Stadium, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the equaliser in stoppage time.
The game’s first goal came in the 12th minute, thanks to Josip Ilii. The ball was sent back into the box by Duván Zapata and fell to the Slovenian, who swept it home from the edge of the area.
United’s greatest move of the first half resulted in an equaliser thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo as time expired, despite the Italians seemed more likely to expand their lead.
The second-half goal from Zapata restored Atalanta’s lead, but Ronaldo scored twice in the final minutes to salvage a tie for United.
With two games left in the group stage, the outcome is now up for grabs, with United leading the pack and having a decent chance of advancing partly due to Ronaldo’s contributions.
Forwards and Backwards
Given how difficult it has been for Group F to break up through three video games, United’s trip to Bergamo had significant repercussions.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s workload was somewhat lightened with Saturday’s 3-0 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur.
But progress to the next round in the Champions League could be crucial if he is to remain in his position.
And it almost turned out to be the perfect start for the Norwegian, as an early deflected shot from Scott McTominay.
Crept tantalisingly toward the Atalanta objective before merely hitting the post with the goalie deserted.
And United paid the price within minutes, as the home side seized the lead on the strength of an Ilii goal.
David De Gea in goal may be disappointed that the ball was able to wiggle under him after being struck by his shot from just inside the penalty area.
Conclusion
Manchester United scored in stoppage time to defeat Villarreal in a thrilling Champions League Group F match thanks to a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.
This year’s Europa League final was a rematch of last year’s, which Villarreal won on penalties; but, this time around, it was Ronaldo who stole the show with a last-minute goal.
The Portuguese superstar ran to a nearby corner, stripped off his shirt, and hurled it high in the air as a gesture of celebration.
