image source: thesun.co.uk
Manchester United vs Rostov FC, the last time these two team locked horns, the tally reflected 1-1 and the decisiveness from both clubs to carry on their Europa League dreams. The Reds new that after a tie last week, a victory here will give them a safe path to enter the quarterfinals but the task never seemed easy.
Manchester United and Rostov FC battled throughout the first half for the opener, the former showing its dominance and the latter offering little attacking threat as they relied on defensive stubbornness and good fortune. It was the goalpost itself that saved Rostov FC from Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s strike, twice.
However, the home side suffered a big blow after losing Paul Pogba, who was enjoying a strong first half, to a suspected hamstring injury moments after the break. United’s hold on the midfield suffered slightly after his departure with Romero being questioned on a couple of occasions.
But Mata finished off a fine move to punish a Rostov error to prevent the match going into extra time. The Spaniard arrived at the back post and met Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s backheel, sending the ball past the stranded Rostov goalkeeper Nikita Medvedev in the 70th minute.
Here is that magical goal:
(Video source: Real Madrid)
Rostov FC tried everything to stop United’s Chariot but at the final whistle, the home team entered the quarterfinals of the Europa League with a 2-1 aggregate.
Red Devils remain unbeaten in their last 16 European games played at home (including qualifiers, W13 D3). Manchester United’s last defeat came in March 2013 to Real Madrid.
Russian clubs have faced English teams eight times since the start of the 2015-16 season in European competition and have not won a single game (W0 D3 L5).
Juan Mata’s goal was his 10th of the season, equalling his highest tally of the previous two seasons (10 goals in each).
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been directly involved in at least a goal during his four Europa League outings at Old Trafford this season (4 goals, 2 assists).
Here is how Twitter Reacted to Manchester United easing their way to Europa League quarterfinals.
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