Champions League: United bring back 'old memories' against PSG
It was one of the most inspired comebacks in UEFA Champions League football for Manchester United. Almost 20 years ago, United had sealed a dramatic injury-time goal to beat Bayern Munich in the final. And now they scored a last-gasp penalty to beat Paris Saint-Germain and progress on away goal basis. United ensured that they brought back old memories.
How United came to Paris and did the unthinkable?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side got the perfect start after Romelu Lukaku built on Thilo Kehrer's misplaced back pass after just two minutes. PSG responded with Juan Bernat scoring after Kylian Mbappe found him unmarked at the near post. Lukaku then, once again, fed off from a mistake from goal-keeper Gianluigi Buffon to make it 2-1. Marcus Rashford scored the winning penalty in injury-time.
Controversial VAR decision the talk of the town
Diago Dalot's late strike hit Presnel Kimpembe's arm as he jumped to block the shot. United players appealed and Slovenian referee Damir Skomina consulted with Video Assistant Referee (VAR). He came to the side of the pitch to review the incident on the monitor. The referee signalled to the spot. There have been divisive views on the penalty awarded from many quarters.
Mistakes from PSG hand United a memorable win
This match saw PSG make costly blunders as United capitalized on the same. Moreover, the hosts also spurned some big chances in front of goal especially before half-time. Ligue 1 leaders PSG's inability to kill off ties in the UCL will be discussed. Two seasons ago they lost to Barcelona in a dramatic fashion despite having a 4-0 lead from the first leg.
PSG vs Man United: The numbers game
The Premier League side managed to seal its ninth straight away win under Solskjaer and reached the quarters for the first time since 2014. PSG bowed out of the last 16 for the third time in succession. The hosts also conceded with three of the four shots they faced on target. United have scored in 21 consecutive away matches in all competitions.
Reaction from the managers
Solskjaer, who scored that famous injury-time winner against Bayern said, "It's this club. It's what we do, that's Man Utd. That's the Champions League, it's what it does." Thomas Tuchel said, "To get a reward for shooting from 22 metres over the bar and get a reward from 11 metres doesn't make sense, but we played on the thin line for 60 minutes."
