Champions League

CRISTIANO RONALDO’s last-minute winner for Manchester United against Villarreal was the club’s latest Champions League goal.The Portuguese, 36, hit the back of the net in the 95th minute – two minutes later than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s famous strike that won the 1999 final and secured the Treble.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a 95th-minute winner against VillarrealCredit: Getty
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored a 93rd-minute goal in a Champions League final as Man Utd won the Treble in 1999Credit: PA:Empics Sport
Man Utd were heading for a 1-1 draw with the Europa League champs at Old Trafford before Ronaldo produced a trademark moment.
The forward got on the end of a decent Fred delivery, heading the ball into the path of substitute Jesse Lingard.
The England winger then passed it straight back to Ronaldo for him to fire beyond Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
Exactly 94 minutes and 13 seconds were on the clock when the ball hit the net – and two seconds later, Ronaldo’s top was off in celebration.
And manager Solskjaer, Usain Bolt and everyone else supporting the Red Devils inside Old Trafford went wild as a 2-1 victory was sealed.
The goal also buried any demons from Man Utd’s defeat to Villarreal in May and Lingard’s late mistake against Young Boys two weeks ago.

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It’s the latest the Manchester club have scored in the Champions League, beating the previous record set by current boss Solskjaer 22 years ago.
The Norwegian’s was a little bit more important, though, as his 93rd minute winner against Bayern Munich handed Man Utd the Treble.
And it wasn’t the only record Ronaldo broke on Wednesday. He also became the first man to make 178 appearances in the Champions League.
Speaking after the win, Solskjaer said: “That’s the true mark of a great finisher.
“That’s what he’s done throughout his career. He’s so strong mentally and stays in the game.
“I’ve seen him all day, the way he’s built himself up for this game and when he gets that one chance it’s a goal.
“He had a couple of half decent ones, that he keeps calm when the chance arrives. He’s done that so many times.
“You saw against Ireland a month or so ago, when he missed a penalty early, didn’t touch the ball more or less, and then scored two great headers in the last two minutes.
“He is so good in front of goal and has an impact on everyone – the crowd, the players, the whole club. Cristiano has done it again and it’s three very important points.”
Solskjaer admitted his side had ridden their luck, and Villarreal could have been out of sight had it not been for an inspired performance from keeper David de Gea.
Solskjaer hailed the performances of David de Gea and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AP
DE GEA TO THANK
He added: “Thankfully we had the best goalkeeper in the world tonight – David was fantastic and deserved to be man of the match. He saved us, we have to be realistic and say that.
“We all know the Champions League at Old Trafford is magic, and sometimes that history can help us.
“Sometimes it is not about passes here or there, it is about the crowd and the Stretford End has sucked a few in before, I know that. That is probably what happened.
“That is what happens here at Old Trafford, it’s happened so many times before. We have to throw caution to the wind and we got lucky in the end.
“They are very tough to beat, but when you have Cristiano on the pitch you always have a chance.”
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CHELSEAS best performances were all at the back as they flopped going forward in their 1-0 defeat at Juventus.Here’s how Thomas Tuchel’s men rated on a frustrating night summed up by Federico Chiesa’s winner 10 seconds into the second half.
Federico Chiesa whips the ball in despite pressure from Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger
Romelu Lukaku shows Chelsea’s frustration as they fired blanks at Juventus
Edouard Mendy – 6/10
He didn’t have loads to do in Italy but he did well when he was called upon as Juventus put together a few dangerous counter-attacks.
Couldn’t do much about their goal, a brilliant finish from Federico Chiesa.
Andreas Christensen – 7
Some very good moments on the ball bringing it out of defence confidently as the Danish international continued his good recent form at the back for Chelsea. 
Thiago Silva – 7
Frustrated with those ahead of him for not doing more with the ball in the first half and showed his good leadership once again.
He was also very good on the ball and covered well defensively. Slow to react and could have done better for their goal.
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Some great recovery runs to get back and sniff out Juventus’ counter-attacks, and always looked to get forward to support the attack when he could.
Left isolated for their first goal.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
Rather quiet out as a wing back.
He will always do a job there but he certainly isn’t the surging energetic wing back that Chelsea needs in the position – one who will get to the byline and pick out a cross.
Jorginho – 5
Shaky start from him and he took a while to get his usual hold of a game.
He was subbed off on 60 minutes and will want to forget this one as soon as possible.
Mateo Kovacic – 5
The Croatian international gave the ball away a lot in the first half, which was unusual for him.
He was let off a couple of occasions when Juventus should have scored after he gave the ball away. This wasn’t his best game in a Chelsea shirt for sure.
Marcos Alonso – 4
Slow and flat was the best way to describe Alonso.
He will always be a threat in attack with his good finishing and good left foot, but he so often let attacks get slowed down or break down when he decides to pass backwards instead of advance. Unsurprisingly subbed off at half time.
Hakim Ziyech – 4
Started on the left in attack to provide for Romelu Lukaku with his wizard of a left foot.
But he failed to create much for the striker and the game appeared to pass him by.
Playmaker Kai Havertz saw Chelsea struggle at JuventusCredit: Rex
Kai Havertz – 5
A very quiet first 45 minutes from Havertz who looked rather lost and out muscled by the physical Juventus defenders.
He did start to come alive a bit more in the second half but missed two good chances with his ahead.
Romelu Lukaku – 5
Once again he was starved of service from his Chelsea team-mates in the first half, with those around him not being able to create anything for him. He was visibly frustrated again.
Missed a couple of good chances as well, one a header that he got all wrong and another a left-footed strike where he should’ve hit the target.

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SUBS
Ben Chilwell for Alonso (HT) – 6
Certainly injected more energy down the left but couldn’t really effect much.
Trevoh Chalobah for Jorginho (60 mins) – 6
Played in midfield and then went back to centre-back.
Tried his best to add some more intensity and options for Chelsea.
Callum Hudson-Odoi for Azpilicueta (60 mins) – 6
Came on at right wing-back again, and once again looked uncomfortable there, although he did fire in two very good crosses that were wasted.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek for Ziyech (60 mins) – 8
Made an instant impact when he came on and should have started the game.
He looked dangerous from the off driving through the midfield.
Ross Barkley for Christensen (74 mins) – 7
Looked very lively and created Chelsea’s best chance of the game.
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CRISTIANO RONALDO’S late winner saw Manchester United snatch a dramatic 2-1 win over Villarreal in the Champions League at Old Trafford.David De Gea played out of his skin and kept United in it but full-back Diogo Dalot looked well out of his depth as he stood in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
David De Gea kept United in the game and was their best player by far
Diogo Dalot had a game to forget at right-back
United had De Gea and Villarreal’s awful finishing to thank for being level at half-time in what was a worrying first 45 for the Red Devils.
Paco Alcacer finally got the goal the visitors deserved – stabbing an Arnaut Danjuma cross home at the near post barely ten minutes after half-time.
But Alex Telles scored a Paul Scholes-esque volley from outside the box on the hour mark to make it 1-1.
United were better after the equaliser and looked like they wouldn’t make the pressure count.
Edinson Cavani missed a late sitter before De Gea came to the rescue again with a peach of a double save.
But Ronaldo popped up at the back post with mere seconds left and here’s what SunSport’s William Pugh thought of the Red Devils’ individual performances.

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DAVID DE GEA – 9/10
Phenomenal one handed save on nine minutes from former Bournemouth man Danjuma.
Superb reflexes seven minutes later to tip an Alcacer header over the bar.
Couldn’t do anything with Villarreal’s goal. Capped of an excellent night with a an awkward point-saving double stop in the closing stages.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his United team-mates mobbed De Gea at full time to show their appreciation.
De Gea made several top class saves to keep United in the game
DIOGO DALOT – 3
Struggled with Danjuma’s pace and trickery down Villarreal’s left.
Looked well out of his depth. Failed to cut out Danjuma’s cross which Alcacer finished to open the scoring.
Dreadful.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 5
Let Alcacer get away from him for the opener.
The difference in quality between him and United’s main centre-backs Harry Maguire and Varane was laid bare for all to see.
RAPHAEL VARANE – 6
Huge mistake to let Alcacer in toward the end of the first-half.
But slid on to make a vital interception which likely prevented a certain goal in the same half. Some good, some bad. Nothing memorable.
This crucial Raphael Varane slide tackle prevented Paco Alcacer from getting through on goalCredit: AP
ALEX TELLES (subbed 89 mins) – 7
Caught out of position on a few occasions in the first-half and was only let off by the visitors’ poor finishing.
Easily beaten and looked almost as weak as his opposite full-back Dalot.
But made most inside Old Trafford forgive all his previous misgivings with an absolute peach of a volley from outside the box on the hour mark.
Booked for a late slide challenge on Yeremi Pino with 19 minutes to go before a superb goal-saving block with 85 on the clock.
PAUL POGBA (replaced 74 mins) – 5
His presence at the base of midfield alongside McTominay affected the defensive balance in the side and the pair were too easy to slice through for Villarreal.
Stepped up his attacking efforts after the break and started to look more dangerous before being hooked.
Paul Pogba’s new hair was the most exciting thing about Man Utd in the first-half against Villarreal
SCOTT McTOMINAY – 5
Villarreal played through the middle too often in the first-half.
Was required to do more of the defensive work with Pogba next to him instead of Fred. Not one to remember.
MASON GREENWOOD (subbed 89 mins) – 5
Former Liverpool man Alberto Moreno had the better of him for most of the match. Tried to get on the ball but with little impact.
Booked with 23 minutes to go for a cynical tug back on Boulaye Dia.
Should have had an assist when Cavani headed his cross wide on 79 minutes.
Mason Greenwood struggled to have an impact against former Liverpool man Alberto MorenoCredit: AP
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Huffed and puffed but to no avail until half-time. Looked the most likely to make something happen but nothing was clicking.
Pinged a beautifully chipped free-kick to the waiting Telles who volleyed home a belter to make it 1-1.
JADON SANCHO (replaced 74 mins) – 5
Started in a determined fashion as he tried to make something happen down the left but looked a little lightweight.
Lost his footing when he looked sure to make it 2-1 just after his side had drawn level. Hooked again.
Jadon Sancho looked eager to make something happen but was often pushed off the ball easily
CRISTIANO RONALDO – 7
Failed to make an impact before the break. Fluffed a big chance to play Sancho in with a first time pass.
Broke the record for Champions League appearances and may as well not have been on the pitch for most of the game.
But stole the headlines at the death after doing next to nothing all night with his 136th Champions League goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a very quiet evening at Old Trafford before his late goal
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Subs
EDINSON CAVANI (replaced Pogba) – 6
Missed a huge chance to put United 2-1 with 11 minutes to go.
Headed wide of an open goal after a delightful cross from Greenwood put one on a plate for him.
Full of running as he tried to make something happen late on.
JESSE LINGARD (replaced Greenwood) – 7
Had a big chance to win the game at the death but was thwarted at the near post.
Set Ronaldo up for the winner with a delicious touch.
FRED (replaced Telles) – 7
Great cross to set up the late winner.
NEMANJA MATIC (replaced Sancho) – 5
Did little of note.

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MANCHESTER UNITED fans spotted Donny van de Beek looking furious on the bench during Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Villarreal.The Dutch midfielder was an unused sub as Cristiano Ronaldo’s late effort secured a comeback win for the Red Devils.

Donny van de Beek was visibly angry as he was snubbed for Fred
As United chased a goal, Solskjaer first opted to bring Nemanja Matic on in midfield.
He then quickly decided to make another sub in the centre of the park.
But instead of going for attack-minded Van de Beek, Solskjaer instead went for old favourite Fred.
His decision prompted an angry reaction from Van de Beek, who had to be calmed down by team-mates sat next to him.
Not content with the decision, Van de Beek then sat forward before appearing to throw his chewing gum in the direction of Solskjaer and Fred.
Fans instantly took Van de Beek’s side in the matter, with many sympathising with his situation.

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One said: “Don’t blame the poor guy.”
Another wrote: “Feel bad for him, he’ll leave as soon as he gets the chance.”

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One tweeted: “If I’m Donny I’m throwing it at Ole.”
Another noted: “It’s disgraceful treatment.”
One added: “Honestly has to leave for his own future.”
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EVEN Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s celebrations when he won this competition did not match his emotion here.He knew just how big Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal was in the last minute of injury time – very big.
Cristiano Ronaldo was mobbed after scoring a 95th minute winner against VillarrealCredit: Reuters
Cristiano Ronaldo fired home from close range in a 2-1 winCredit: Reuters
Alex Telles produced a stunning volley to level the gameCredit: Getty
Questions were starting to be asked once again.
Out of the Carabao Cup, defeated at home by Aston Villa in the league and sitting bottom of their group in the Champions League as the seconds ticked down.
The heroics of David De Gea were really to thank for a point at that stage. Then up Ronaldo popped.
He headed Fred’s cross down, Jesse Lingard stretched to toe the ball back to him and his shot was too powerful for the outstretched hand of Geronimo Rulli at his near post.
Solskjaer in his technical area turned to his bench pumping his fists wildly. What a moment – what a smash and grab, get out of jail win.
Outplayed for large parts of the game they had deservedly gone behind to Paco Alcacer’s close range side foot shot in the 53rd minute.

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Alex Telles levelled with a stunning volley from 20 yards into the far bottom corner on the hour.
Cavani came on and missed a sitter. Villarreal nearly scrambled one home at the other end then came the moment. What drama.
It was fair to say that the enforced changes to United’s back four had more than an unsettling effect.
Two of them were down to injury with both captain Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw limping out of last Saturday’s game against Aston Villa.
Victor Lindelof came in at centre-back with Telles at left-back.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent off against Young Boys so was suspended, a ban that was increased to two games by Uefa on the day of this game.
It was his replacement Diogo Dalot that the visitors clearly saw as the weak link and they weren’t disappointed.
The ease with which Arnaut Danjuma waltzed past him before firing wide in the 30th minute had the home crowd gasping in disbelief.
Paco Alcacer scored the opener for VillarrealCredit: Reuters
By then De Gea had already been called into action three times to keep the scores level.
The first came when Danjuma was put clean through only to fire straight at United’s number one, who had stood his ground.
Then a slick move finished with Danjuma once again having the chance and this time his effort to the far corner was superbly clipped wide of the post by De Gea’s outstretched left hand.
Paco Alcacer’s header had him leaping to the skies to tip the ball over.
Even four-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane looked dodgy when Alcacer side stepped him but fired wide.
Last season’s 30 goal man for Villarreal Gerard Moreno, who also scored in the Europa League Final victory over United at the end of last season, was missing injured.
They were missing him to produce the killer touch their build up play deserved as they totally outplayed United in the first period.
Visiting goalkeeper Rulli did not have a save to make in that time.
Ronaldo made a record 178th Champions League appearance against VillarrealCredit: Getty
The best chance for a United player came when Ronaldo took to the air at a corner but headed well over.
Indeed the closest the home side came to scoring was when Moreno diverted Paul Pogba’s chipped ball into the box past his own goalkeeper and inches wide.
The half-time whistle was greeted with silence. United fans could not quite believe what they had seen.
Yes this Villarreal side did beat them on penalties in last season’s Europa League Final.
They are a very good side who lost to Chelsea on penalties in the European Super Cup.
Since then they have drawn six and won one including an opening Group F draw to Atalanta.
They also could easily have beaten both La Liga champions Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid but drew with both.
So United were up against quality and a top manager in Unai Emery. Still it needed to be better than this.
As on Saturday against Aston Villa, Ronaldo just wasn’t getting on the ball.
Jadon Sancho had the off burst but we are still to see what commanded his £73million transfer fee, although it is early days.
Solskjaer continuously belies the slow starts his team produce but they aren’t responding to his pleas to get on the front foot.
United had David De Gea to thank for keeping them in the game with a string of great savesCredit: PA
Telles enjoyed his cracking volley at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
Would the second-half get better? Well not immediately as Villarreal took a deserved lead.
Manu Trigueros slipped the ball behind a hapless Dalot for Danjuma to fire to the near post and Alcacer strode between the two centre backs to side foot home from close range.
It was training ground stuff against the youth team, all too easy…
Then out of nowhere the Red Devils were level. They won a free kick outside the box next to the byline.
Fernandes ignored everyone in the area and pinged it to Telles standing 20 yards out unmarked.
He smacked it on the full with a tremendous angled volley that bounced past the goalkeeper and into the far bottom corner.
Old Trafford was now alive. On came Edinson Cavani and 11 minutes from time came his chance.
Mason Greenwood put a great cross into the far post and there was the veteran goalscorer, who somehow headed wide of a gaping goal.
There would be one more chance, there is always one more chance when it comes to United and that man Ronaldo took it.
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USAIN BOLT personally thanked Sir Alex Ferguson for Cristiano Ronaldo’s return as the sprint legend watched Manchester United comeback to beat Villarreal.Huge Red Devils’ fan Bolt was back at Old Trafford after a lengthy absence and made a beeline for Fergie.
The Red Devils were quick to mark to mark Usain Bolt’s latest appearance at Old Trafford, for Wednesday night’s Champions League tie vs Villarreal
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning late winner as Man Utd completed a comeback to winCredit: EPA
Usain Bolt watched on nervously during United’s ding-dong tie with Villarreal
Legendary ex-United boss Ferguson helped secure 36-year-old Ron’s shock re-signing from Juventus on deadline.day.
And eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt was thrilled to finally see a United game as he is excited by Ron’s return.
He told United’s media team before kick-off: “He helped to build the club and it was wonderful when he was here, the energy. So I’m happy he’s back. 
“I just saw Alex Ferguson inside and I thanked him for bringing Cristiano back, so I’m happy about it.
“I’m happy to be here, I haven’t been back to Old Trafford in a while.
“So I’m just happy to be here in the stands with everybody to watch the game.”

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Bolt has already predicted Portugal and ex-Real Madrid frontman Ronaldo will play another six years.
The Jamaican told the BBC: “Cristiano demands a lot, so he will demand a lot from these players and it will only make them better. 
“He’s on a different level, he is a machine.
“I think he will play until he’s 42 because he will always be so fit and on a higher level to a lot of the younger players because of the work he puts in and the dedication he has.”
Bolt won’t have been disappointed by what he saw.

After Paco Alcacer gave Villarreal a deserved lead, Alex Telles equalised with a stunning volley.
As United pushed and pushed for a winner, it looked like they would have to settle for a point.
But then Ronaldo popped up in the 95th minute to fire home and send Old Trafford crazy.
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