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Benfica, Villarreal and Bremen into last 16, United out
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-12-08 09:02
They made the ideal start with a Paul Scholes goal after six minutes but
their hopes of a first away win in the competition for more than two years
nosedived when Geovanni headed an equaliser in the 16th.
Manchester United's
Wayne Rooney reacts after losing to
Benfica. | Benfica, who began the day bottom of
the group, immediately grew in confidence and took the lead with a deflected
Beto shot after 34 minutes.
Despite dominating possession after the break, United never really looked
likely to grab an equaliser that would have been good enough to send them
through after the Villarreal result.
"It's a big success, this is not an experienced Benfica team said victorious
coach Ronald Koeman.
"After the initial draw was made, United were the big favourites but I think
the best teams in this group have gone through."
United manager Alex Ferguson said: "It's a low moment as we have prided
ourselves on our performances in Europe over the last 13 years.
"We were in a winning position at 1-0 but gave it away by losing possession.
"Our home form has let us down." Villarreal seized the only goal against
Lille when substitute Guayre showed neat control to score in the 67th minute.
"The team found it had to deal with the fact that we were favourites to make
the knockout stage and it took us some time to find the rhythm and confidence
that eventually brought us the goal," said Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini.
Lille, who managed only one goal in their six group games had to settle for a
UEFA Cup slot.
Bremen raced into a 3-0 first-half lead against Panathinaikos with two goals
by Nelson Valdez after a second-minute Johan Micoud penalty.
Miroslav Klose notched the fourth after 51 minutes but it was all looking of
little use as Udinese held on against Barcelona.
The Italians, also Champions League debutants, got to within five minutes of
the last 16 before Santiago Ezquerro and Andres Iniesta won it for Barcelona.
That opened the door for Bremen, who capped a 5-1 win with an injury-time
Torsten Frings goal.
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