Manchester maintained unbeaten in the Champions League as they pipped Benfica on Wednesday night at Estádio da Luz, according to Evening Standard. Manchester United held more possession especially in the opening 45 minutes, creating chances through the midfield. They broke the deadlock in the sixty-fourth minute courtesy of Marcus Rashford's brilliant long range angular free-kick that put his side ahead and eventually they won the match at full-time. The loss is a disappointing result for Benfica, losing in front of their 57,684 home crowd and are yet to earn a point in three matches played so far.
Benfica manager Rui Vitória handed Mile Svilar his first European debut in the match. The Belgian rookie became the competition's youngest goalkeeper at 18 years and 52 days. The victory puts Manchester United top of Group A with nine points, while Benfica is at the bottom with no point earned so far. Here's an analysis of the match
Benfica outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Mile Svilar (six points). Defender - Douglas (7.21), Luisão (5.02), Rúben Dias (6.88), Alejandro Grimaldo (seven points). Midfielder - Lubomir Fejsa (6.29), Eduardo Salvio (6.45), Filipe Augusto (6.51), Pizzi (6.41), Diogo Gonçalves (5.74). Forward - Raúl Jiménez (6.52). Used substitutes - Franco Cervi (6.21), Jonas (6.17), Andrija Zivkovic (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Benfica created chances in front of goal through individual efforts and through balls but weak at finishing. Also, they committed several individual stumbles and were aggressive in their tackles.
Style of play: The host attacked through both flanks, favored short and long passes.
Manchester United outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - David de Gea (6.43). Defender - Antonio Valencia (7.37), Victor Lindelöf (6.78), Chris Smalling (7.32), Daley Blind (6.73). Midfielder - Nemanja Matic (8.23), Ander Herrera (7.72), Juan Mata (6.39), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (7.28), Marcus Rashford (7.52).
Forward - Romelu Lukaku (6.49). Used substitutes - Anthony Martial (6.42), Jesse Lingard (5.83), Scott McTominay (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: United often stole possession from Benfica players and went on to create opportunities through set pieces, counter attacks and individual efforts. Overall, they were good at finishing.
Style of play: the Red Devils showed no specific style or pattern of play throughout the encounter.
Man of the Match
Nemanja Matic contributions helped United gained more stability in the center midfield playing against his former club. Furthermore, Matic's work rate in the match was well above average. He had a whopping 104 touches.
Next fixtures for both teams
In their return leg tie, Manchester United will welcome Benfica at Old Trafford on Tuesday 31 October.
