Ronaldo scores, but United taught a lesson by Young Boys
SUBSTITUTE Jordan Siebatcheu struck with the last kick of the game as Swiss side Young Boys claimed a sensational 2-1 Champions League win over 10-man Manchester United last night after Cristiano Ronaldo had earlier opened the scoring.
USA striker Siebatcheu pounced on Jesse Lingard’s short back-pass to tuck the ball past David de Gea for a 95th-minute winner in front of a delirious crowd at the Wankdorf Stadium.
Ronaldo had earlier put United ahead with his third goal in two games since returning to Old Trafford.
However, the match hinged on Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s sending-off late in the first half for a dangerous tackle on Young Boys midfielder Christopher Martins, which gave the home side hope.
The Swiss outfit hit back to equalise in the second half through Nicolas
Moumi Ngamaleu, and Ronaldo was substituted before Siebatcheu got the winner.
Young Boys had a boisterous support behind them in a packed stadium, with Covid-19 restrictions in Switzerland now eased.
However United silenced the crowd as they took an early lead, Bruno Fernandes
delivering a glorious pass with the outside of his right boot from the left for Ronaldo to steal in behind Ulisses Garcia at the back post and score.
Goalkeeper David von Ballmoos made contact with the shot but failed to keep it out, and Ronaldo had the first goal of this season’s Champions League. He has now scored in the Champions League in 16 straight seasons, and he had another shot saved at the end of a quick break forward, just after Switzerland winger Christian Fassnacht had tested De Gea at the other end.
At that point, it seemed only a matter of time before the visitors picked off their opponents on the break, but then came the sending-off of Wan-Bissaka in the 35th minute.
The fullback’s studs caught Luxembourg international Martins above the left ankle, and French referee Francois Letexier had no choice but to show a straight red card.
Solskjaer immediately removed Jadon Sancho to send on a replacement right back in Diogo Dalot. He then brought on Raphael Varane for the second half in place of Donny van de Beek.
That meant a back five for the second half, with Ronaldo left alone upfront, while Young Boys pushed forward looking for an equaliser that came in the 66th minute when Ngamaleu got in front of Varane and prodded home Meschack Elia’s cross from the right to the delight of the home fans.
Ronaldo came off in the 72nd minute, and right at the end of five added minutes, Young Boys won it as Lingard provided the perfect assist for Siebatcheu.