Man Utd 5-0 Bayer Levekusen: Match Review
Here’s the detailed take on United’s remarkable 5-0 win at Bayer Leverkusen…
The Match United
were ruthless in dismissing the obvious threat of the Bundesliga's
second-placed side and, in truth, the scoreline could have been even
more embarrassing for the Germans. Wayne Rooney was a central figure but
Antonio Valencia's display will cause teenager Emre Can nightmares
after a fluid formation reaped dividends. This was the club's
biggest-ever win away from home in the Champions League.
Goals Rooney
was behind both first-half goals as his cross allowed Valencia to steal
in and open the scoring while a dangerous set-piece was headed into his
own net by Emir Spahic eight minutes later. Jonny Evans touched in
after Bernd Leno kept out a Rooney effort and another assist by the
centre-forward allowed Chris Smalling to grab number four. Nani's cheeky
fifth, from a Ryan Giggs through ball, was a moment of sheer class.
Star men MUTV
pundits Lee Sharpe and David May opted for Evans, Shinji Kagawa and
Valencia as their Man of the Match nominees with Kagawa coming out on top
but Rooney was also in irrepressible form once again. Giggs impressed
in central midfield and, as you would expect from a 5-0 victory,
everybody performed superbly.
Sub-plots Many fans were pleased to see Kagawa start in his preferred central role and the Japan international did not disappoint on his return to Germany. Home
coach Sami Hyypia's Liverpool past received plenty of attention in the
build-up and many observers expected a real examination for the Reds on
the back of the draw in Cardiff and Leverkusen's outstanding home form.
Opposition
Leverkusen appeared to miss Sidney Sam, who was ruled out through
injury, and star striker Kiessling was often too deep to make a telling
impact. The Germans are above Borussia Dortmund and only behind Bayern
Munich in the Bundesliga on merit and had won their last eight home
group games in the Champions League. However, they were very much
second-best on the night.
Move of the match The
first goal actually came from a corner for the hosts. Kagawa won
possession and found Giggs, who played the ball out wide to Rooney. A
dangerous cross allowed Valencia to arrive late at the far post and
finish off a clinical counter-attack.
In the stands Sir
Alex Ferguson was among the crowd and will have enjoyed the proceedings
just as much as the noisy travelling supporters who were vocal from the
outset. Numerous chants rang out but there was some special serenading
reserved for Giggs, who turns 40 on Friday. Those in attendance
witnessed a special, record-breaking performance.
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