Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as Manchester United’s hero again as his late goal in the Champions League on Tuesday helped the Red Devils escape what could have been a devastating defeat
The veteran striker’s stoppage-time strike helped United to a 2-2 draw away to 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 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 seal a 2-2 draw.
In the other Group F tie, Samuel Chukwueze came on just before the hour mark to help Villarreal to a 2-0 win over Young Boys.
The win takes the Yellow Submarines level on seven points with United but with an inferior goals difference.
Elsewhere, Ansu Fati saved the day for Barcelona as his lone strike gave the Catalan giants a scrappy 1-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv to keep them still in contention in the Champions League.
While Barca were struggling, Bayern Munich put up another ruthless displaying; crushing Benfica 5-2 at the Allianz Arena
In the game played much earlier, Chelsea inched closer to a place in the Champions League round of 16 following their 1-0 away win to Malmo at Eleda Stadio
While the Blues had enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 win in the previous meeting on matchday three, Tuesday’s outing was much tougher as the Londoners were pushed to the limit without the extra attacking impetus of the injured Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner, as well as the ill Mason Mount.
However, Hakim Ziyech struck what proved to be the winner early in the second half after being picked out superbly by Callum Hudson-Odoi.
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