Manchester United 2-1 CSKA Moscow Champions League 2017-18 Report

Manchester United - CSKA Moscow – Decembre 2017

[ UEFA Champions League 2017-18 Match ]

45′ 0 – 1 Vitinho

 64 1 – 1 Lukaku

   66 2 – 1 Rashford

Manchester United moved into the knock-out stages of the Champions League last night thanks to two second-half goals in the space of 66 seconds by Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford

Manchester United came from behind to beat CSKA Moscow and top their Champions League group as Jose Mourinho's men took their unbeaten home run to a club record-equalling 40th match.

It always appeared a case of when rather than if United would progress to the round of 16 for the first time since 2013-14, despite their winning start to Group A ending with the last-gasp defeat at Basel in the previous group game.

Not even Alan Dzagoev's controversial opener had the Old Trafford faithful concerned as only a record seven-goal defeat would deny United, who turned things around through quick-fire Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford goals to triumph 2-1.

Victory puts United among the group winners for the last-16 draw and saw them equal the club record of 40 successive home games without defeat ahead of Sunday's visit of runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Mourinho's men dominated from the outset and were aggrieved to be behind at half-time, with many players claiming offside against Dzagoev as Vitinho's shot went home off his back.

It mattered little as Lukaku stayed strong to direct home a fine Paul Pogba pass, with Rashford keeping his cool to wrap up victory.

United players were angered that offside was not called against Dzagoev, but officials correctly pointed to off-the-field Daley Blind playing him onside.

Rashford stung the palms when play resumed after half-time as Mourinho's side pushed on.

Chris Smalling nodded wide from Mata's volleyed cross and Rashford's free-kick took a slight deflection wide as United pushed for a deserved leveller that arrived in the 64th minute.

Pogba sent a superb wedged ball over the top to Lukaku, who showed impressive strength to hold of Viktor Vasin and direct past Akinfeev.

Just 66 seconds later United were ahead. Rashford raced onto fire in a looped Mata pass, showing impressive skill and no little composure.

Pogba curled over as the wind appeared to be taken out of CSKA's sails, although Sergio Romero had to be alert to deny Dzagoev on a rare voyage forwards late on.