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Man United, AC Milan still chase places in last 32
(AP)
Updated: 2005-12-05 11:35
LONDON (AP) - Manchester United has another incentive to beat Benfica on
Wednesday and reach the last 32 of the Champions League.
A tribute to George Best.
The former Reds hero, who died just over a week ago at age 59, was one of the
leaders of United's first triumph in the competition in 1968 and Alex Ferguson's
current team won't want to let him down.
While many of their rivals already are sure of places in the last 32 and are
awaiting the December 16 draw, Manchester United and six-time winner AC Milan
still haven't secured spots in the knockout stages of Europe's most prestigious
club competition.
There is one round of group games remaining Tuesday and Wednesday, and
failing to qualify not only means losing huge amounts of revenue but also the
shame of going out early.
After an emotional farewell to Best, who was buried Saturday at a funeral
worthy of a head of state, United has to concentrate on beating Benfica in
Lisbon on Wednesday.
It was in Lisbon 39 years ago that Best scored twice in the first 12 minutes
on the way to a 5-1 United victory at the old Stadium of Light and the local
fans nicknamed him the "fifth Beatle."
Two years later, he scored another memorable solo goal as the Reds beat
Benfica 4-1 to win the European Cup final at Wembley.
"It is really ironic we should be going to Lisbon," said Ferguson, who
attended Best's funeral in Belfast. "Now we want another performance he would be
proud of."
Just one victory in five games is not good enough for United which has scored
just twice. It is so close that any of the four teams can qualify. Villarreal,
unbeaten in all competitions since September 22, needs only a draw with Lille to
qualify and that would mean United has to win in Lisbon. Villarreal tops the
standings with seven points, Lille and United have six and Benfica five.
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