We played well and intelligently against Manchester United, says Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan – Report
Benfica’s Nicolas Gaitan claims that his side played really well and intelligently against Manchester United. The Portuguese team were able to draw their UEFA Champions League tie against Sir http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-c4752 Ferguson’s men and Gaitan has reiterated the importance of
picking up a point at a place like Old Trafford.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus’ Benfica took on English Premier League champions, Manchester United, yesterday at the Theatre of Dreams in their UEFA Champions League group match.
The visitors faced a tough task against the Red Devils, but managed to sneak a share of the points after coming back from 2-1 down.
A http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-de-Gea-c10463 with no chance of making a save.
In midfield, the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Axel-Witsel-c7029 controlled the game and were arguably the better team for the majority of the opening minutes.
However the travelling side often resorted to making needless tackles and gave away unnecessary free kicks, something which also led to United’s first goal of the night.
A short set-piece was played to Evra, who in turn passed to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dimitar-Berbatov-c11254, who applied the finish in the very well worked move.
After leveling the tie, the hosts piled on the pressure and had some chances to take the lead, but at the break, both the teams were tied at 1-1.
In the opening stages of the 2nd half, United went in search of the lead and placed Artur’s goal under immense pressure but the Benfica back-line stood well. However when Luisao limped off the field in the 55th minute, the Lisbon outfit
at last succumbed to the relentless attacks by the home side.
Nani played the ball to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Darren-Fletcher-c10361 found the back of the net, albeit after trying twice.
After surrendering their lead, Benfica were expected to crumble, however they got back into the game and leveled the scoreline once again, with Pablo Aimar capitalizing on poor play by the United defense.
As they held on for the draw, Nicolas Gaitan is keen to address his side’s great performance on the night and said that he was quite satisfied after picking up a point at one the toughest places to play in the world.
"We are satisfied, we made a huge effort. We played smart and dominated proceedings in the first 30-35 minutes. Overall, we played well. It was normal that United would up the pace, they wanted to win, but we wanted to draw and I am happy with the result.”
"To get a point at a stadium with such a history is always a good result,” Nicolas Gaitan was quoted as saying.
With their UEFA Champions League game done and dusted, Benfica can now concentrate on the upcoming derby against Sporting Lisbon, which takes place at Estadio da Luz this weekend.
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