XtraTime Web Desk: Another memorable night at Turin, as Manchester United snatched a memorable victory when first Juan Mata’s late free-kick then Alex Sandro’s even later own goal cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo’s superb precise volley to give José Mourinho’s men great heart before Sunday’s derby with Manchester City
Ronaldo – as his right – had celebrated scoring against his former team but so, too, could Mourinho’s men: this was a win that is the latest in what is a resurgence under the Portuguese that began with last month’s come-from-behind victory over Newcastle United.
Mourinho made two changes from Saturday’s win at Bournemouth. In came Ander Herrrera and Jesse Lingard for Fred and Marcus Rashford, each of whom were replacements.
For Juventus Blaise Matuidi and Joao Cancelo missed out from the meeting two weeks ago, Massimiliano Allegri dropping them to the bench for Mattia De Sciglio and Sami Khedira.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s sweetly struck 65th-minute volley that broke a five-match Champions League drought had moved him to celebrate against his former team and seemed set to give Mourinho the task of picking his side up ahead of Sunday’s derby at Manchester City.
Instead, Jose refused to buckle and throwing on the pairing of Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini with 11 minutes remaining proved a masterstroke. As he did with the opener in the comeback victory over Newcastle United last month, Mata struck with a superb free-kick, beating Wojciech Szczesny from 20 yards and, with four minutes, remaining United were level. Better was to come.
Fellaini made a nuisance of himself under a high ball, Paul Pogba tried to make contact, and in went the winner off Bonucci and then Alex Sandro. When the final whistle blew seconds later, United was heading for a jubilant trip home.