Gabriel Obertan, 21, and Bebe, 20, scored while Chris Smalling, 20, impressed in defence as United moved to the brink of the last-16.
“I’m very pleased with them,” said manager Sir Alex Ferguson. “They played very well. Obertan’s developing very well and getting much stronger now. He’s a real good talent. His goal showed that.”
Questions have been raised over the depth of quality in Ferguson’s squad. However, after United won in Turkey to move on to 10 points in Group C and within a point of qualification, Ferguson suggested that the club’s young players are blossoming nicely
Spurs stun defending champions
Spurs, who staged a remarkable comeback a fortnight ago in a 4-3 defeat away to Inter Milan, outclassed the defending champions 3-1 with another fine display of attacking football inspired by Welsh winger Gareth Bale, making it one of the most memorable nights in the club’s history.
Although Rafael van der Vaart, Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko scored the goals for Tottenham, it was Bale who took centre-stage with a truly spell-binding display of great performance. An 80th-minute goal from the Cameroonian superstar Samuel Eto’o had only a faint whiff of consolation as Spurs sit top of Group A, ahead of Inter on goal difference, and look well set to reach the knockout stages.
Barcelona draw in Denmark
Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Copenhagen, the Danes frustrating the aims of the Spanish league giants who remained top of Group D and on course for the last-16. The result means that the winners of Group D will be decided in the final two matches. Lionel Messi gave the visitors the lead but it was short lived as Claudemir equalised from the next attack ending the game in a draw.
Valencia dance to victory
Valencia moved up to second place in Group C after a 3-0 romp over Rangers as the Scottish champions failed to break their unwanted hoodoo of never having won a European fixture in Spain.
Valencia had Spain forward Roberto Soldado to thank as his brace set up with Tino Costa added a late third to inflict a first defeat of the season on Walter Smith’s side. After four rounds of group games, no team has yet qualified for the knockout stage of the competition where teams play each other home and away in a bid to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2010.
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