David de Gea’s mind blowing first-half save helped Manchester United claim a respectable draw at Sevilla in the 1st leg of their Champions League round of 16 match.
The Spainish shot stopper had kept out shots from Steven N’Zonzi and Joaquin Correa before demonstrating brisk reflexes to come up with a one-handed save right at the stroke of half-time and deny Luis Muriel’s header.
United, who were playing their first Champions League knockout match in 4 years, offered little offensively, with Lukaku spurning their best opportunity when he volleyed well over the crossbar at an early stage of the game before substitute Marcus Rashford dragged a shot wide in the closing stages of the game.
Paul Pogba began on the bench for United, but had to brought on only after 17 mins, following an injury to Ander Herrera.
Sevilla completed the match with 25 shots on goal but a blend of De Gea’s saves and poor finishing from the hosts left them baffled at the final whistle.
Manchester United will be the happier of the two clubs heading into the 2nd leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday, 13 March with Jose Mourinho’s side winning 15 of their 18 games on home turf this season.