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Van Nistelrooy strikes late to rescue United
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-09-28 09:11
Another scything Cristiano Ronaldo run was halted by a foul and Giggs's free
kick from just outside the corner of the Benfica penalty area took a wicked
deflection off the wall before looping into the far corner of the net.
United's first goal should have settled their young side but they conceded an
equaliser just before the hour.
Midfielder Alan Smith was booked for a clumsy foul just outside the area and
Sabrosa curled a perfect 20-metre shot over the wall and past the groping Van
der Sar.
The hosts responded well, roared on by the Old Trafford crowd with no hint of
the booing that marred Saturday's 2-1 Premier League defeat by Blackburn Rovers.
Ronaldo's rasping angled drive was brilliantly turned away by Benfica keeper
Jose Moreira and Paul Scholes just failed to connect with a cross at the far
post with the goal gaping.
United manager Alex Ferguson, without six first-team players through injury
and suspension, had few experienced options on the substitutes' bench and the
game looked to be heading for a draw until his side won a corner.
Giggs swung it over, Rio Ferdinand headed on and Van Nistelrooy turned to
hook the ball over the line from a metre out.
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