Benfica vs Manchester United - as it happened: Marcus Rashford strike hands visitors all three points
Re-live all the action from the Estadio da Luz
Manchester United travel to Portugal on Wednesday night to face Benfica as Jose Mourinho’s men strive to make it three wins from three in the Champions League so far. The Red Devils have already seen off FC Basel and CSKA Moscow and know victory in Lisbon puts them in an excellent position to top this relatively easy Group A.
The Portuguese side, once managed by Mourinho for just three months, have endured a tough start to the competition, losing both their opening group games - including a 5-0 thumping at the hands of the Swiss. They will not have been boosted by their league form - they sit five points off the pace in the Primeira Liga - but they have picked up one win, a draw and a defeat in their previous three meetings with United at the Estadio da Luz.
Can they pick up an unlikely win this time around?
Follow all the action below:
Here’s everything you need to know about the game:
What time does it start?
The game kicks off at 7.45pm (BST) at the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday 18 October.
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport Showcase and BT Sport 2 will be broadcasting the game. Alternatively return to this page for updates from our live blog.
It’s a big game for…
Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian centre-forward came in for criticism once again following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool. His detractors pointed to the fact that it was another ‘big game’ in which he had failed to score, although in reality United’s game plan hardly provided him with the best opportunities to get on the scoresheet, such were their defensive priorities. A couple of goals in Europe’s elite competition would be a good reminder for everyone of his quality.
Player to watch…
Victor Lindelof. The Swedish centre-back moved for big money between these clubs in the summer but has found playing time hard to come by at Old Trafford. He arrived with a big reputation, and was closely monitored by Mourinho for some time, but a series of shaky performances in pre-season means he has only been trusted with four competitive starts. Two of those have come in the Champions League and he may well be given another chance tonight in familiar surrounds. Can he prove a point?
Form…
Benfica: WDLWD
Man Utd: DWWWW
Odds…
Benfica: 18/5
Draw: 13/5
Man Utd: 5/6
Atletico held by Qarabag
We've already got one result to bring you from tonight's action - and it's not good news for Atletico Madrid.
They've been held to a 0-0 draw by Qarabag in Azerbaijan, a result which leaves them third in Group C with just two points from three games.
If Roma win at Chelsea tonight, Atletico will find themselves four points adrift of the qualification spots for the knockout phase with just three games left to play.
Benfica vs Manchester United - last five meetings
United have had much the better of the two clubs' previous encounters, winning six times and losing just once. Here is how their last five meetings have panned out:
- Manchester United 2-2 Benfica, Champions League (November 2011)
- Benfica 1-1 Manchester United, Champions League (September 2011)
- Manchester United 3-1 Benfica, Champions League (December 2006)
- Benfica 0-1 Manchester United, Champions League (September 2006)
- Benfica 2-1 Manchester United, Champions League (December 2005)
Steven Gerrard hails Romelu Lukaku
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard just had this to say about Romelu Lukaku on BT Sport:
"He's one of the toughest opponents I played against. He's very leggy, he's good in the air, he competes, he always gets a toe in, he can run.
"He's very aggressive with and without the ball - he can burst past you with it and he can catch you if you do manage to stride past him on the odd occasion.
"I couldn't believe Chelsea let him go and I think, out of all the Manchester United players I've seen them sign over the last couple of years, he's the one that, as a Liverpool fan, I thought, 'oh no, I hope not' and then it happened so I was very disappointed about that as a Liverpool fan."
Pre-match comments from Jose Mourinho
On Victor Lindelof starting against his former club: "I think the emotion is always present when you come back home, but no pressure, no pressure.
"Phil Jones is injured, Bailly is injured, Rojo is not yet ready so he (Lindelof) plays and no pressure on him. He has been doing well in the Champions League matches and I trust him.
"He is a good player and he is at home so he must make sure emotion doesn't influence his performance."
Quotes from BT Sport
"Test the keeper early doors, lads."
Benfica's goalkeeper tonight is a fresh-faced 18-year-old.
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