UCL: Man Utd Fights Back To Beat Braga …Chelsea Falls To Shakhtar 1-2

Manchester United survived the shock of conceding two early goals to move a step closer to the Champions League knockout phase with victory over SC Braga.

The Portuguese side’s veteran Brazilian striker Alan punished carelessness from United’s reshuffled defence – without the rested Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra – with two clinical finishes to stun Old Trafford.

It was the sort of slow start that has threatened to undermine United this season, but Mexican Javier Hernandez took advantage of the opportunity to make his mark by leading the fightback.

Hernandez scored with a far post header to put United back in the game before half-time and, after Jonny Evans scrambled an equaliser, he was on the mark again as he rose to beat Braga keeper Beto for the winner with 15 minutes left.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wanted a third successive victory in the group stage to move his side closer to the target of 10 points he believes will ensure a safe passage into the last 16.

In Donetek, Ukraine, Chelsea’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown suffered a setback in Donetsk as Shakhtar dominated a firecracker of a match.

With John Terry back captaining the side, Chelsea were well beaten thanks to goals from two Brazilians.

Alex Teixeira poked home after three minutes before Fernandinho doubled Shakhtar’s lead in the second half.

Oscar thumped in a late consolation for Chelsea, who would have lost more heavily but for goalkeeper Petr Cech.

English teams have now failed to win in Donetsk in four attempts and the result leaves Chelsea with a less than straightforward path to the last 16.

The failure of Juventus to beat Nordsjaelland in Denmark was the only saving grace, but Shakhtar are now firmly in control of Group E.

At Barcelonia Nou Camp, Celtic produced a performance full of heart and tactical discipline but lost out to an injury-time Jordi Alba goal.