| Shunsuke Nakamura celebrates his winner (Action Images) |
Written by: Stephen Sharp
GLASGOW/LISBON, Nov 21 (SW) - Celtic booked their spot in the Round of 16 and put themselves in position to win Group F in the Champions League after a stunning victory over Manchester United. Meanwhile, Fabrizio Miccoli lifted Benfica past FC København in the other game in the section.
Celtic - Manchester United 1-0
Manchester United looked the better side in a rather drab first half, their best chance coming when a Bobo Balde error allowed Cristiano Ronaldo through on goal, but his shot was turned away by Artur Boruc.
The half-time introductions of Shaun Maloney and Jiri Jarosik nearly had an immediate impact as Thomas Gravesen fired a shot from distance on goal after a poor Edwin van der Sar clearance, but the Dutchman recovered to make the stop.
Celtic picked up the pace although United looked dangerous particularly down the Ronaldo flank, but it was a controversial free kick that led to the dramatic goal.
Manuel Mejuto González whistled Nemanja Vidic for what he thought was a foul on Jarosik, and up stepped Shunsuke Nakamura who sent in a glorious curling effort from 30 yards out inside the near post, almost identical to his free kick strike on Matchday 1 against United, sending Parkhead into a frenzy.
But they nearly gave it away when Gravesen was whistled for a handball in the area on a free kick, but Louis Saha's penalty was saved by a diving Boruc to his right, giving Celtic a big win.
The Scots can now win the section with a victory in Denmark on Matchday 6. The standings, though, have no scenario where Celtic cannot go through to the next round.
Benfica - FC København 3-1
The Danish side, coming off of an historic victory over Manchester United on Matchday 4, were quickly brought to reality as defender Léo blasted a shot into the net, and Miccoli struck just two minutes later after Nuno Gomes' pass.
The always physical FCK tried to frustrated the Portuguese side with fouls and hard play, but it didn't bother the hosts as they went 3-0 up in the 37th minute when Miccoli grabbed his second of the game when Jesper Christiansen spilled a shot by Nuno Gomes.
Benfica, although they continued to dominate after the restart, failed to break through for any more goals and in fact conceded a late goal to Marcus Allbäck, although it was no more than a little consolation.
The Eagles now will travel to Old Trafford on Matchday 6 in a match they must win in order to advance to the next round.
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GLASGOW/LISBON, Nov 21 (SW) - Celtic booked their spot in the Round of 16 and put themselves in position to win Group F in the Champions League after a stunning victory over Manchester United. Meanwhile, Fabrizio Miccoli lifted Benfica past FC København in the other game in the section.
Celtic - Manchester United 1-0
Manchester United looked the better side in a rather drab first half, their best chance coming when a Bobo Balde error allowed Cristiano Ronaldo through on goal, but his shot was turned away by Artur Boruc.
The half-time introductions of Shaun Maloney and Jiri Jarosik nearly had an immediate impact as Thomas Gravesen fired a shot from distance on goal after a poor Edwin van der Sar clearance, but the Dutchman recovered to make the stop.
Celtic picked up the pace although United looked dangerous particularly down the Ronaldo flank, but it was a controversial free kick that led to the dramatic goal.
Manuel Mejuto González whistled Nemanja Vidic for what he thought was a foul on Jarosik, and up stepped Shunsuke Nakamura who sent in a glorious curling effort from 30 yards out inside the near post, almost identical to his free kick strike on Matchday 1 against United, sending Parkhead into a frenzy.
But they nearly gave it away when Gravesen was whistled for a handball in the area on a free kick, but Louis Saha's penalty was saved by a diving Boruc to his right, giving Celtic a big win.
The Scots can now win the section with a victory in Denmark on Matchday 6. The standings, though, have no scenario where Celtic cannot go through to the next round.
Benfica - FC København 3-1
The Danish side, coming off of an historic victory over Manchester United on Matchday 4, were quickly brought to reality as defender Léo blasted a shot into the net, and Miccoli struck just two minutes later after Nuno Gomes' pass.
The always physical FCK tried to frustrated the Portuguese side with fouls and hard play, but it didn't bother the hosts as they went 3-0 up in the 37th minute when Miccoli grabbed his second of the game when Jesper Christiansen spilled a shot by Nuno Gomes.
Benfica, although they continued to dominate after the restart, failed to break through for any more goals and in fact conceded a late goal to Marcus Allbäck, although it was no more than a little consolation.
The Eagles now will travel to Old Trafford on Matchday 6 in a match they must win in order to advance to the next round.
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