David Moyes feared late equaliser in narrow win

Man United beat Real Sociedad 1-0 to take control of Champions League group.

MANCHESTER: Manchester United ground out a tight 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford to move closer to a place in the Champions League knockout phase.

The decisive goal in the first ever meeting between the teams came within moments of kick-off, Inigo Martinez scoring an own goal after the excellent Wayne Rooney had struck the post.

Both sides hit the woodwork thereafter, Real Sociedad on two occasions, but unlike in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Southampton in the Premier League, United were spared the pain of shipping a late equaliser.

“I thought we played well,” said United manager David Moyes.

“I thought we created opportunities.

“But while it was 1-0, I still had feelings of Saturday left inside me and while it was 1-0, you know you can always lose a goal from a corner kick or a free-kick.

“But it wouldn’t have been right if we hadn’t taken all three points tonight.”

Moyes also declared that he had had his eyes opened by Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa during the win.

Kagawa has made only four competitive starts since Moyes joined United, but he played the entirety of the game at Old Trafford and produced an effervescent, determined performance on the left flank of the hosts’ attack.

“He was really good. His effort when we didn’t have the ball was fantastic.

“His attitude and his energy was excellent and I was pleased for Shinji. As I said, that was the best I’d seen him play since I’ve taken over.”

Victory, coupled with Bayer Leverkusen’s success against Shakhtar Donetsk, leaves United a point above the German side at the top of Group A ahead of their return fixture against La Real on November 5.

Conte takes heart from Juve’s defiance in defeat

Juventus face a stiff test to qualify for the last 16 after a 2-1 defeat at Real Madrid but coach Antonio Conte believes his players’ defiant performance showed they are capable of turning things around.

Juve played most of the second half with 10 men following the dismissal of centre back Giorgio Chiellini and although they rarely looked like forcing an equaliser they avoided capitulating tamely with a battling display.

Spain forward Fernando Llorente cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo’s early opener at the Bernabeu before Chiellini dragged Sergio Ramos down in the penalty area and Ronaldo converted the spot kick.

“Unfortunately we were beaten in a match that was conditioned by one or two incidents,” said Conte.

“But what I am more interested in is that the lads showed that we can compete on a stage like this against a Real side that is fighting to win the Champions League. Now it’s going to be an uphill battle but playing like we did we are capable of coming back and qualifying.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 25^th, 2013.

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