Champions League Nights Braga vs Manchester United by Dr. Michael Calleja
O
n the 7th of November 2012, Manchester United produced one of their most clinical performances on foreign soil when they ruthlessly dispatched a stubborn and resilient Braga side by three goals to one in the seething rain. Having suffered the ignominy of an early elimination in the 2011-12 Champions League campaign, Sir Alex was determined to ensure the Red Devils would commence their Group H commitments in a determined and propitious fashion. Gritty wins against Galatasaray (1-0),
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CFC Cluj (2-1) and Braga at Old Trafford (3-2) ensured the Reds headed into this fixture with great alacrity and conviction. In the lead up to the game, Sir Alex had pinpointed that a win was a must as it would all but ensure that United would win the group stage - affording a relative degree of comfor t whilst ensuring young blood could get a taste of Champions L eag ue nig ht s! In t his conne c t ion, Sir Alex decided to field a strong starting eleven. David De Gea started in goal, and the back four consisted of Patrice Evra, Jonny Evans, Chr is Smalling and Antonio Valencia. Anderson was deployed as the holding midfielder whilst Nani and Ryan Giggs were tasked with marshalling the wings and tracking back when necessary. Offensively, Sir Alex opted to start Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez with Wayne Rooney deployed as a false nine – tasked with often dropping to receive the ball and assist Anderson in the middle of the park.
As was often the case during Sir Alex’s glorious years, United made things hard for themselves and it would take a monumental (yet spirited) comeback to ensure the Reds emerged victorious. On the night, Braga were plucky and certainly not bereft of courage. Eder had almost opened the scoring on 22 minutes when he latched on to a beautiful cross from Hugo Viana only to see his header cannon off the post. Apart from this fleeting moment of danger, the first half was by and large, a drab affair. Things became slightly convoluted when United conceded a penalty (Jonny Evans allegedly fouling Custodio) moments after the restart which prompted the referee to immediately point to the spot. Alan promptly dispatched the spot kick with confidence and United suddenly found themselves trailing. What followed next was certainly bemusing and borderline surreal. Close to the 60 minute mark, the entire stadium suffered a power failure plunging the entire area into darkness. This prompted the game to naturally pause and all players and technical staff returned to their respective dressing rooms. Thankfully, the
