Manchester United came back to beat Germany’s Wolfsburg 2–1 in Wednesday’s Champions League action on a night that saw Ryan Giggs score his 150th goal for the Red Devils and Wayne Rooney make his 50th Champions League appearance.
Wolfsburg was going to have to do something special to take this game from United. And for a while it was in the realm of possibilities. However, Manchester United was and still are undefeated at home in their last 22 games.
United secured the three points they needed to top Group B.
The visitors started well and put the home team under pressure for the first 20 minutes.
Dimitar Berbatov replaced Michael Owen after 20 minutes of play as Owen’s fitness was doubtful with a groin injury sustained earlier in the week. Owen’s injury is disappointing, as the former England great seeks to prove he’s not injury prone. Also, he misses a chance to impress England manager Fabio Capello who was in attendance. Owen was hoping to make a return to the England squad.
Berbatov did to bring some life to United’s play but the first half ended goalless.
The second half started with more urgency and Wolfsburg threw down the gauntlet after 56 minutes with a towering header from Edin Dzeko.
But Wolfsburg only managed to stay ahead for three minutes before a Ryan Giggs free kick evened the score. Giggs has now scored 150 goals for United to date. His Champions League record shows that he has scored in every one of Manchester United’s last 14 Champions League campaigns.
United finally went ahead in the 78th minute from a short pass by Giggs to Michael Carrick who drove a terrific shot past the Wolfsburg keeper. That was Carrick’s first goal this season.
In the end, United had plenty of chances to pull even further ahead. They deserved the three points.
Other Action
Wednesday night’s big surprise took place in Milan as Zurich stunned AC Milan 1–0. Milan is now officially struggling in Champions League as well as Serie A. The pressure is on new coach Leonardo.
Real Madrid defeated Marseille 3–0 as Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals and Kaka added another. Chelsea won 1–0 over Apoel Nicosia and Bayern Munich and Juventus played to a scoreless draw.