Round I, ManUtd vs Benfica play Goalless Counter

Henrikh Mkhitaryan dropped Benfica players. (Reuters / Carl Recine)

The first round match of Group A Champions League between Banfica host Manchester United, at Da Luz Stadium on Wednesday (18/10) evening local time, ended goalless.

Since the beginning of the game, Manchester United continue to be pressed Benfica who play aggressively. The Red Devils seemed to focus more on strengthening the defense by relying on counterattacks.

Benfica opened the first chance in the 14th minute. Attack from the left side, Grimaldo sent a low cross into the penalty box and greeted Eduardo Salvio's kick, but the ball was still wide of De Gea's goal.

Manchester United only rely on counterattack against the onslaught of Benfica. 

(Reuters / Carl Recine)

Jose Mourinho's lead squad began to develop the game midway through the first half. Red Devils even almost scored into the goal Benfica.

Romelu Lukaku's header in the 17th minute just hit the crossbar Benfica after receiving a corner kick from Marcus Rashford.

Manchester United often provide direct feedback from the back line forwards to counterattack. However, Benfica is still able to prevent it with the offside trap that so far works effectively.

Benfica also got a golden opportunity when the ball kick Benfica players had about Ander Herrera. However, if it is dammed player ManUtd.

Antonio Valencia made a careless act by menyikuy Benfica player, Raul Jimenez in the 41st minute. The referee immediately gave him a yellow card.

The match looked pretty monotonous because the Red Devils waited too much for the Benfica attack and relied on counterattacks.

Several times the players of the Red Devils are so easily trapped offside. One of them is Daley Bind who received feedback directly from behind.

The first round match was ended with a score without a goal.

Skuat Benfica vs Manchester United
Benfica 4-3-3
1 Mile Svilar; 3 Alex Grimaldo, 66 Ruben Dias, 4 Luisao, 8 Douglas Pereira; 6 Filipe Augusto, 5 Ljubomir Fejsa, 21 Pizzi; 8 Eduardo Salvio, 84 Diogo Gonçalves, 9 Raul Jimenez
Coach: Rui Vitoria

Manchester United 4-4-1-1
1 David de Gea; 17 Daley Blind, 12 Chris Smalling, 2 Victor Lindelof, 25 Antonio Valencia; 19 Marcus Rashford, 31 Nemanja Matic, 21 Ander Herrera, 8 Juan Mata; 22 Henrikh Mkhitaryan; 9 Romelu Lukaku
Coach: Jose Mourinho

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