Manchester United
United in Success: Reds Reach Champions League Quarter Finals
Sensational...brilliant...something not seen in 30 years! Manchester United turns around a two-goal first-leg deficit, beating Olympiacos in a 3-0 thiller that sends the boys from Old Trafford through to the Champions League quarter finals.
The home crowd was crazy loud and fully behind their boys on Wednesday, despite the two-goal deficit against Greek title-holder Olympiacos. United fans know only too well the power of the so-called 12th man. Indeed the Reds needed to be every bit United on this night – not since 1984 (30 years ago this week) had Manchester United turned around a two-goal first-leg deficit in Europe.
"It's a good feeling." We knew it was possible before the game; we were quite positive and knew we were capable of a performance and a result like that, even after the weekend. We were very down for a couple of days after Liverpool but, at the same time, we knew we had enough to pull it off, so we're happy." (Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick)
Flying Dutchman
United’s top striker Robin van Persie led the way, netting a hat trick to inspire his team to a thrilling 3-0 victory (3-2 on aggregate). The Dutchman opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 25th minute, following it up 20 minutes later in first-half over time when he swept home Wayne Rooney’s cross from close range.
Up 2-0 at the half, United had pulled level with Olympiacos and – more importantly – had both the momentum and confidence to ride to victory.
Van Persie completed his hat trick just six minutes into the second period, fooling a frozen goalkeeper Roberto with a brilliant dipping free kick from 25 yards.
Man of the Match
While the Dutchman sealed United’s success, goalie David De Gea certainly save the day. His stunning double save on 40 minutes – first from David Fuster's bullet header and then Alejandro Dominguez's follow-up at the near post – proved just as pivotal.
Fans voted him Man of the Match after the game thanks to his epic saves.
"I was very pleased with all the saves and happy I was able to help the team. I'd like to thank the fans for their support and for always being there. They are amazing."
Legendary Giggs continues to marvel
Despite his gray hairs and 40 years, Ryan Giggs produced an instrumental 90-minute display in United’s 3-0 win and has since received much praise.
"The legend, Ryan Giggs... I don't know how many words you can say about his class,” said Patrice Evra. “I have so much respect for him. He's such an example to me. When I joined this club, a lot of people were talking about Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney but Ryan was always my favorite, along with Scholesy and Gary Neville.”
"What's left to say about him?" added Michael Carrick. "It's incredible to come into a game like that, having not played a lot of football recently, and get through it physically"
Have you been following the United Trophy Tour, Delivered by DHL? Catch up with this world-wide tour - watch all the highlights on DHL's YouTube channel and stay tuned for the next and final European leg.
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