Two clear leads lost
Wild spectacle gets ManUnited into serious trouble
November 29, 2023, 9:12 p.m
The English record champions Manchester United are fighting to progress in the Champions League, and now there is even a risk of complete bankruptcy: the former European Cup winners clearly lead twice in the important game in Istanbul, but it is not enough to win. Things are even worse for Sevilla FC.
The English football record champions Manchester United carelessly gambled away a big step towards the knockout round of the Champions League. Team manager Erik ten Hag’s team gave away a two-goal lead in the cauldron of Galatasaray Istanbul due to serious mistakes by goalkeeper Andre Onana and did not get beyond 3:3 (2:1).
The Turks initially moved up to second place in Group A and have progress in their own hands before the last matchday. ManUnited, on the other hand, has to defeat German record champions Bayern Munich, who are already group winners, at Old Trafford on December 12th and hope for help in order to be able to overwinter in the premier class. A defeat against the German record champions also threatens to end the season on the European stage.
Argentinian Alejandro Garnacho (11th), captain Bruno Fernandes (18th) and Scott McTominay (55th) scored Manchester’s goals. But Hakim Ziyech (29th/62nd) reduced the deficit twice with direct free kicks, and ManU goalkeeper Onana looked bad both times. Kerem Aktürkoglu (71′) finally equalized for the Turks and ensured an exciting final phase, Bruno Fernandes (85′) hit the post.
Anniversary goal does not save Sevilla
Europa League winner FC Sevilla no longer has a chance of reaching the round of 16. The Andalusians gave up a two-goal lead against PSV Eindhoven in the second half when they were outnumbered and lost 2:3 (1:0) after a late goal from former Augsburg player Ricardo Pepi (90th + 2).
After Lucas Ocampos (yellow-red, 66th) was sent off, Ismael Saibari (68th) and Nemanja Gudelj (82nd) equalized for the Dutch, who were coached by former Bundesliga coach Peter Bosz. Sevilla had previously taken the lead through Sergio Ramos (24th), who scored the 10,000th goal in the history of the Champions League, and Youssef En-Nesyri (47th).