What a game. What a great, great game.
I thought, seeing as this was such an important match, at least for the first forty-five minutes, this would have been a really tight game. But no way. This has to be the most action-packed Champions League match so far. The amount of chances in this game was astonishing. It really could have been 6-5, and that is no exaggeration if you watched the game.
The big question about this match had to do more with Man United than Wolfsburg. With so many goalless draws, injuries, you wouldn't expect United to trouble a really good football team at home. But again, going in line with their schizophrenic season, it wouldn't have come as a surprise if United suddenly decided to show up. And there you had it, out of nowhere they remembered how to attack and create chances. As I tried to urge in my preview, it was important that Mata took center stage, and he did.
After Schurrle missed a great chance, United kept themselves in the game. Then it was Martial with that run between Naldo and Dante, using the striker's instinct in him and Mata's ball that was complete and utter perfection that put him through. Just like he's done mostly this season, Martial did not waste his chance and provided a great finish. I was in shock. United took the lead, and they had made their intent clear that they were looking for the win and not to sit back. But unfortunately for United, it woke up the beast of Wolfsburg.
About four minutes later, Naldo equalized showing that Wolfsburg had the resilience and character to go with their talents. Bad defending from United, especially with how quickly they conceded. Then that's when the match really opened up, with both teams going at it. But it was Wolfsburg who elevated their game, and really showed how great of a football team that they are.
It all started with Schurrle controlling the ball well, and instead of rushing, he looked up and played the ball across to Draxler. Then the Drax showed why people hyped him up, by showing his dribbling skills to cut inside and playing a quick one-two with Kruse, running into the danger area, receiving it and then laying it across to Vieirinha to place it an empty net.
It was just a great, great goal to see and I applauded and screamed when I saw it. It perfectly showed what made Wolfsburg Germany's second best team last season.
Man United almost equalized just before halftime, but Mata stood in an offside position which denied Lingaard getting the G. So with halftime and Wolfsburg leading, I thought the match would slow down and United would take the more measured approach in the second half. Heck, I assumed the match would slow down and become tighter, because of the next goal being so crucial.
Nope.
The amount of chances that were in this second half was incredible. De Gea was using every part of his anatomy to block Wolfsburg whilst Man United had some superb chances to score. It was just end to end and did not let up. Somehow, United got back in the game through an own goal, but again which is what was United's undoing was their lack of concentration. To concede again so quickly, by the same player, is just unacceptable. This is elite football, and you have to be more professional than that if you want to be taken seriously. Once Wolfsburg lead, it was all over. Especially with PSV winning their game.
Round of applause for United, and you would hope that they can play like this more often in the Premiership. When they do, they can beat any time in their league. But they need the players to do so, and in January if they can get two more strikers, they should be in a great position to go for their Premier League.
For Wolfsburg, it's onwards and upwards. I picked them to top the group, and they did so after an up and down story. For any team facing them in the second round, they won't find it easy against these boys who play very well together, have very good players as well as a strong fighting spirit and will to win.
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HH
