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Dimitar Berbatov equalised with hisfirst Champions League goal since

2008.

Napoli’s lethal Uruguayan strikerEdinson Cavani struck a brace toleave Manchester City’s hopes of

qualification on the brink

Previous Topic: Rediscover DavidBowie’s ‘Slow Burn’ with Films of Colour

Champions League Tuesday:Manchester United stunned by Benficainside Old Trafford, Manchester Cityon the brink after defeat at Napoli Manchester United 2 -2 Benfica

Defensive frailties again cost Manchester United as they were held to a disappointing2-2 draw by Benfica at Old Trafford, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side now needing apoint in the final round of Champions League fixtures to progress.

United had the worst possible start,falling behind after only three minutesas the much heralded Phil Jonesdiverted a Nicolas Gaitan cross intohis own net.

Benfica’s defence was well organised,while United missed the injuredWayne Rooney’s dynamism in attack.His stand-in, Dimitar Berbatov, untilthen anonymous, needed an ounce ofluck to restore parity, his 33rd minutestrike shrouded in more than a hint ofoffside.

United laid siege to the Benfica goalafter half time, as Ashley Young andFabio both went close to scoring. Theythen deservedly took the lead after59 minutes, Darren Fletcher finishing at the second attempt.

But the Portuguese giants equalised almost immediately after another defensiveblunder. ‘Keeper David De Gea, who has looked vulnerable in his first season at OldTrafford, gifted the ball to Bruno Cesar, who crossed for Pablo Aimar to smash homefrom close range.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side clearly missed the banned Nemanja Vidic and the Reds’faithful showed their frustration. Benfica looked every inch a team unbeaten in 20games, but United could have won it, had Berbatov not volleyed over from only 10yards out.

United must be on their game to secure at least a draw away to Basel on December7.

Napoli 2 – 1 Manchester City

Manchester City’s Champions Leaguehopes are in jeopardy as they lost toan Edinson Cavani inspired Napoli atthe San Paolo.

The Uruguayan striker scored a braceeither side of Mario Balotelli’s tap in,leaving the Blues the tough task ofhaving to beat Bayern Munich in anervy last round of fixtures to standany chance of progression.

City’s defence looked shaky dealingwith the outstanding trio of Cavani,Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsikand fell behind on 17 minutes whenCavani flicked the ball in at the nearpost from a corner.

With the infamous and hostile Naplescrowd behind them, the Azzurri pressed for a second. But it was City who, out ofnowhere, equalised. Italian Balotelli had the simplest of tasks after David Silva’sshot was parried.

The away side were in the ascendency, but Napoli looked dangerous on the break,and it was the much-coveted Cavani, nicknamed El Matador, who turned out to bethe match winner, as Roberto Mancini’s side lost for the first time in 10 matches.

The Blues looked a shadow of the side that has taken the Premier League by stormthis season and rarely looked like equalising, until five minutes from time when aBalotelli header was saved by Morgan de Sanctis.

Lavezzi hit a post late on as Napoli preserved their record of being unbeaten inEuropean competition at the San Paolo since 1994.

City must also hope Villarreal take at least a point against Napoli in Spain to keeptheir European dream alive.

Graham Vincent

Related Tags: benfica, champions league, darren fletcher, dimitar berbatov,edinson cavani, europe, manchester city, manchester united, mario balotelli,napoli

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Added: November 23rd, 2011Author: Graham VincentCategory: Football, Sport

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