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Atletico Madrid logo
Champions League | Group Stage
Sep 30, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Benfica

1-2

Correa (23')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Gaitan (36'), Cuedes (51')

Half-Time Report: Juan Mata draws Manchester United level from the spot

Juan Mata's penalty cancels out Daniel Caligiuri's opener as Manchester United head into the break level with Wolfsburg.

Manchester United and Wolfsburg head into the interval at 1-1 in the Champions League clash at Old Trafford after Juan Mata drew the hosts level from the penalty spot.

The Red Devils found themselves trailing with just four minutes played as Max Kruse's through-ball split their defence down the middle, allowing Daniel Caligiuri to nip in and slide the ball beyond David de Gea.

Daniel Caligiuri of VfL Wolfsburg (L) celebrates with Bas Dost as he scores their first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Manchester United FC and VfL Wolfsburg at Old Trafford on September 30, 2015© Getty Images

United responded with a period of intense pressure, with Mata curling an effort towards the top corner in the 13th minute, kept out only by an inch-perfect header from Dante.

They threatened again moments later as the free-scoring Anthony Martial escaped his marker and went for goal, bending his strike just wide of the target.

Louis van Gaal's side had the chance to edge their noses in front from the penalty spot less than 10 minutes before the break when Mata's cross struck the hand of Caligiuri in the box.

The Spaniard stepped up to take the kick himself and drove the ball beyond Diego Benaglio from 12 yards to level things up.

United almost went into the interval with a slender lead as Mata picked out Memphis Depay in front of goal. The Dutchman struck it on the turn, only to be denied by Benaglio's legs.

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Juan Mata of Manchester United (8) celebrates as he scores their first and equalising goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Manchester United FC and VfL Wolfsburg at Old Trafford on September 30, 2015
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