United stumble into last 16

November 5, 2009 - 0:0

Manchester United stumbled into the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League after a lucky stoppage-time goal secured a 3-3 draw at home to CSKA Moscow.

Russian outfit CSKA appeared to be heading towards a famous win at Old Trafford after moving into a 3-1 lead early in the second half, but Paul Scholes gave United a lifeline before Antonio Valencia's wayward shot took a wicked deflection off Georgy Schennikov in the second minute of added time.
CSKA were lively from the off and, producing a much-improved performance from the 1-0 home defeat by United a fortnight ago, took the lead on 25 minutes through the impressive Alan Dzagoev's thumping finish.
United were playing in fits and starts, but drew level just four minutes after falling behind when Michael Owen's predatory instincts finally kicked in and he fired past Igor Akinfeev from close range.
But CSKA were back in front within another two minutes as Milos Krasic capitalised on the gaps in the home defence to skip past Edwin van der Sar and lift his shot into the net. Any hope of a positive start to the second half for United quickly evaporated when CSKA scored a third goal on 47 minutes as the unmarked Vasili Berezutsky headed home a free-kick at the far post.
The Red Devils should then have had a penalty, only for Darren Fletcher to be booked for diving, while Federico Macheda headed against the post and Akinfeev produced a string of fine saves.
The famous late rally from United eventually materialised, though, as Scholes rose well to head home Gary Neville's free-kick with six minutes to go.
And the comeback was completed in stoppage-time as Valencia's deflected effort left Akinfeev with no chance to ensure United reached the last 16 with two games to spare.
(Source :Skysports)