Ronaldo rides to United’s rescue as Chelsea stay on track for last 16
Cristiano Ronaldo once again got Manchester United out of jail in the Champions League as the veteran's stoppagetime strike secured a scarcely deserved 2-2 draw at Atalanta.
Having wrapped up comeback wins against Villarreal and the Italians at Old Trafford, the 36-year-old rose to the occasion in Bergamo as he saved under-fire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side from defeat.
Ronaldo had already levelled once at the Gewiss Stadium, where Josip Ilicic's strike went underneath David De Gea at the start of a first half that ended with the forward firing home from Bruno Fernandes' exceptional backheel.
Duvan Zapata looked to have sealed Atalanta victory when his strike was awarded after an interminable VAR review, but United's star scored at the death to salvage a point.
The late goal saved the blushes of his team-mates after a poor, error-ridden display - hardly the response Solskjaer wanted to the 3-0 win at Tottenham, especially with Manchester City coming to Old Trafford.
But, like so many times before, United found a way to fight back and stay top of Group F heading into the final two fixtures.
Chelsea remain on course to reach the knock-out phase after Hakim Ziyech struck in the second half against Malmo to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Sweden.
The Blues attacker tapped home after a wonderful cross
by Callum Hudson-odoi, who continued his encouraging recent form to help Thomas Tuchel's side clinch a third win in Group H.
With Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner still sidelined, Ziyech stepped up for the holders in a much tougher game than the first meeting with the Swedish side which ended 4-0.
Chelsea head coach Tuchel challenged Ruben Loftuscheek to "use his full potential"
after the midfielder was praised for his performance.
The academy graduate started only his second Champions League match, with his full debut in the competition occurring more than six years ago.
Loftus-cheek took time to make his mark but created two great chances and produced several other excellent touches to continue his encouraging recent form which has seen him start
three games during the past month.
"I was a bit worried in the first 15 minutes if Ruben can find another gear but I heard before it was his first Champions League match since 2015 from the start," Tuchel said after the narrow victory at Eleda Stadion.
"Yeah, I think we can give the boys credit sometimes to be maybe nervous and find their way into the match. I am happy he fought his way
through and in the moment it is symbolic for me he does not disappear or stay invisible.
"He wants to dominate opponents, he wants not to just be a part of the game because I think he is too talented to just be a part of the group. He needs to use his full potential – that is the absolute key for him – and if he does like in this moment he can be a big part of the squad.”