A 95th-minute winner from Jordan Siebatcheu handed BSC Young Boys a famous 2-1 win over Manchester United in their UEFA Champions League tie on Tuesday. Cristiano Ronaldo had given United the early lead, with Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu equalising for the hosts.
The English outfit started the game on the front foot, taking the lead through their Portuguese striker as early as the 13th minute. However, United were reduced to 10-men soon after as Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent off in the 35th minute for a clumsy tackle on Christopher Martins.
Given a route back into the game, the hosts attacked with renewed vigour and got back on level terms in the 66th minute. United, who had been on the defensive since the red card, seemed to have done enough to hold on for a draw. However, a misplaced backpass by Jesse Lingard allowed Siebatcheu to sneak in and complete the comeback for the Swiss champions.
So with Atalanta and Villarreal yet to play, Young Boys temporarily top the group while the Red Devils begin their campaign with a shock defeat.
On that note, here are five hits and flops from a thrilling encounter at Stadion Wankdorf.
#1 Hit: Cristiano Ronaldo
Fresh from scoring a brace on his second Premier League debut for United, Ronaldo repeated the feat in the Champions League as well. The Portuguese international stabbed home from close range in the 13th minute to give his side an early lead in the tie.
The 36-year-old showcased clever movement and flashes of pace and trickery to go along with his goal as he led the line admirably. Already the leading scorer in the tournament, Ronaldo equalled the record for the most appearances in the Champions League as well.
#2 Flop: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
While it is rare to see Wan-Bissaka mistime a challenge, he chose the wrong moment to put in a particularly clumsy one here. The United right-back received his marching orders in the 35th minute, leaving his side in a world of trouble.
The red card saw United go from comfortably being in the ascendancy to firmly on the back foot, messing up their game plan entirely. The necessary sacrifice of forwards meant that their attacking output diminished, while a change in defensive structure was also required.
#3 Hit: Jordan Siebatcheu
Brought on at half-time as Young Boys looked to press home their numerical advantage, Siebatcheu proved to be the matchwinner for his side. The American striker showed excellent composure at the death to slot home the winner and claim the three points for the Swiss champions.
The American international had been a handful for the United defense throughout the second half even before scoring the winner. With his height and physicality, Siebatcheu served as a great target for his wingers to aim crosses at throughout.
#4 Flop: Jesse Lingard
Having come off the bench to score at the weekend, Lingard’s substitute appearance in this game had the complete opposite effect. It was his ill-judged back-pass that handed Young Boys the win in the final few seconds of the game.
Having done just about enough to hang on for a draw, the late goal was an absolute sickener for the 10 men of Manchester United.
#5 Hit: Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu
Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu was a constant threat to the United backline, defending from the front throughout the game. Showcasing great energy and determination, he was extremely tough to defend against and was equally dogged in the tackle.
As such, the Cameroonian international’s second-half goal was well deserved for his tireless attacking effort.