In a thrilling match, Manchester United beat Villarreal FC 2-1. The Spaniards played strong and fast, but the English had a dream goal from Alex Telles and their record-breaking man Ronaldo.
Ronaldo owned this game before it had even kicked off. The match against Villarreal FC made the Portuguese the sole record-holder in the top flight. He now has 178 appearances to his name, one more than the previous record holder Iker Casillas. So Ronaldo was the centre of attention at the start of the match – and once again at its end.
But the 90 minutes in between were also interesting and entertaining. ManUnited coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made four changes to his starting eleven from the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa: Diogo Dalot, Lindelöf, Alex Telles and Sancho started in place of Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Shaw and Fred.
Villarreal coach Unai Emery made only one change from the nil draw at Real Madrid: Trigueros replaced Coquelin.
From the start, the game was full of pace and chances on both sides, with Bruno Fernandes (2nd) and Ronaldo (9th) on one side and Danjuma on the other. The Dutchman, unlike the United players, brought his finishes on goal and forced de Gea into good saves early on (7th, 10th).
Danjuma whirls – Villarreal leave a lot to be desired
Danjuma’s left wing was the source of most of the visitors’ attacks. The 17th minute was no exception, with Alcacer heading towards goal. De Gea was again on the spot. Further chances followed, for example through Yeremy (25th, 45th) or once again Alcacer (31st), but were all missed by Emery’s team.
So it went into the break with an attractive 0:0. United also had a share of the game, but nowhere near the quality and quantity of chances.
Alcacer scores, United storm and Alex Telles scores a dream goal
After the change of ends there were not so many chances to score. But the first one worth mentioning was crowned with success: Once again the Spaniards tried the combination Danjuma-Alcacer and this time the striker scored after his attacking partner had passed the ball to him with the outside of the foot (53rd).
United were now furious and eager for a response. Captain Bruno Fernandes, who also played a decisive role in the equaliser seven minutes later, led the way: the Portuguese kicked a free-kick almost on the Villarreal FC baseline, crossed high into the back, where Alex Telles was waiting and took the ball directly. His volley struck the right corner of the goal.
Ronaldo has the last word
United were now clearly setting the tone. However, the dominance and the forward pressure also included the risk of leaving gaps for counterattacks. Manchester (71st, 80th) and towards the end of the game Villarreal (86th) had chances to decide the game.
But it was Cristiano Ronaldo who did it in the last minute of injury time. After a confusing situation in the visitors’ penalty area was resolved, the 36-year-old finished from an acute angle to the right of goal and scored at the end of an entertaining football match.
The Red Devils picked up their first points of this Champions League season against Villarreal. The Spaniards, on the other hand, have one point after two matchdays and are last in Group F.
United continue their league campaign at home to Everton on Saturday (1.30pm), with Villarreal hosting Real Betis the following day (6.30pm).
