Manchester United pulled off a miraculous comeback to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League on away goals, winning the second leg 3-1 at the Parc des Princes.
Many believed that PSG had a safe hold on their 2-0 first leg lead, however Marcus Rashford converted a 94th minute penalty that sent United fans into delirium.
As was the case in yesterday’s clash between Real Madrid and Ajax, many records were broken by the time the referee blew the final whistle.
In an amazing statistic, Manchester United became the first club in Champions League history to overturn a two-goal home first leg deficit in the knockout stages and progress to the next round. The 21-year-old Rashford was able to show no fear to ensure that United would break this record.
Even more unbelievable was the fact that this was Rashford’s first penalty kick for United in a competitive match. The forward showed composure and highlighted that he can be called upon in pressure situations.
Romelu Lukaku’s 2nd minute opener ensured that United scored in their 21st consecutive away match, which equalled the 62-year-old record that was set when Sir Matt Busby was managing the club. United had scored in consecutive away matches from November 1956 until September 1957.
Lukaku’s goal was even more special, as it was scored just after two minutes. It was their quickest goal scored in the Champions League knockout stages since the 2009/10 season, when Wayne Rooney hit the back of the net after 63 seconds against Bayern Munich.
Last night’s match was also the first time that United had scored more than one goal in an away Champions League knockout match since the 2010/11 season – their semi-final against Schalke was the last time that this happened.
Records were also broken for PSG, who would be extremely disappointed following their elimination from the Champions League.
It was the first time since 1997 that they conceded two goals in the first half hour of a Champions League match – the last time came in the 1997/98 edition of the competition against Bayern Munich.
PSG’s elimination ensures that their wait for their maiden Champions League title will continue, while United are a step closer to European glory and continue to avenge their poor start to the season.
Going by the last two days, many will be waiting in anticipation for the next set of Champions League matches, which look to further add to the excitement.
