Manchester United Still in Fight for Champions League Round of 16 Despite Loss to Galatasaray
Ten Hag Says Team Has "Double Game" With Copenhagen to Play and Can Keep Options Open
According to manager Erik ten Hag, Manchester United are still in the fight for a spot in the Champions League round of 16 despite their 3-2 loss to Galatasaray on Tuesday, which sent them to the bottom of Group A.
Rasmus Hojlund gave United a 2-0 lead over the Turkish champions in their matchup, but goals from Wilfried Zaha and Kerem Akturkoglu pulled them back before Mauro Icardi scored the game-winning goal. United lost their season opening 4-3 against Bayern Munich last month.
Everything is available. After United fell for the sixth time in all competitions this season, Ten Hag told TNT Sports, "There are still four games left, and we have a double (game) with Copenhagen.
Every game is challenging, but we are prepared. We are aware of what we are asking for: to remain in this group and to keep our options open.
Brazilian player Casemiro was given a penalty when United goalkeeper Andre Onana erred, and as a result, he was dismissed after collecting a second caution.
Icardi absolved United of responsibility by missing his penalty shoot, but nine minutes from time, the Argentine scored a magnificent winner to move Galatasaray into second place in the group with four points.
After a 2-1 victory at FC Copenhagen, who are in third place with one point, Bayern Munich is in first place with six points from two games. United are having difficulties domestically as well, as their top-flight season is off to their worst start since 1989–1990.
Naples Thriller
In their Group C match, Real Madrid rallied to defeat Napoli 3-2, with the Italian team's goalkeeper Alex Meret scoring an unfortunate own goal late in the second half to seal the victory for the Spaniards.
Leo Ostigard's header for Napoli was offset by goals from Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham for Real in the first half, but the Italian team was even by a Piotr Zielinski penalty early in the second.
In the 78th minute, Federico Valverde's long-range drive gave Real the lead when it deflected off Meret's flailing head and into his own net after hitting the crossbar.
Forward In RC Lens's 2-1 victory over Arsenal, Elye Wahi scored one goal and assisted on another as they flamboyantly welcomed back Europe's premier club competition.
After Gabriel Jesus's opening goal in the first half, the 20-year-old fed Adrien Thomasson for the equalizer before scoring the game-winning goal.
