Never Count Out the Reds!

Mancester United faced off against CSKA Moscow once again, this time at Old Trafford in Manchester. With some key injuries keeping players out of the match, including the dynamic defensive duo of Ferdinand and Vidic, United did not look to be as strong of a side as they have been in recent ties. CSKA went ahead first after being fairly threatening in the 25th minute, but Moscow couldn't celebrate for too long, as Owen made it 1-1 in the 29th.

A mere two minutes after Owen's goal, CSKA responded and made it 1-2. The half ended with this score and the Red Devils went into the dressing room looking discouraged. When the second half begin, their discouragement only grew as the Russians scored again in the 47th. Milo Krasic, in particular, was a very dangerous player who managed to be involved in every goal, in some way.

United made some key changes around the 60 minute mark, bringing on Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra. This brought some much needed creativity and speed for United. Things looked more threatening, but the goals were still not coming. In the 82nd, United's new Frenchman, Obertan, came on to make his mark. He must have been a good luck charm, because United started looking fast and furious. In the 84th, a ball found its way into the box and onto the head of Paul Scholes. The ball flew into the upper left corner and it was 2-3. Whispers of a United comeback began. It looked possible.

AND IT WAS! In the 90th minute, a shot from outside the box from the boot of Valencia deflected off of a CSKA defender and the ball found its way past the keeper. It was 3-3 with only seconds left, and CSKA had their brilliant victory snatched right at the death. The match ended as a draw and United marched off the pitch triumphantly. It takes a team of tremendous quality to play poorly for 80 minutes, and then be able to comeback from a 2 goal deficit, and United is a team like that.