All eyes were on Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday as he made his highly-anticipated Champions League return with Manchester United. But Young Boys And USMNT striker Jordan Pefok diverted their attention by scoring a final-minute of added time game-winner over Ronaldo’s squad, sending Wankdorf Stadium into a joyous frenzy.
The game was locked at 1-1 until Pefok — who came in as a substitute — slid past goalkeeper David De Gea to score with less than 40 seconds of added time remaining. It was the 25-year-old American’s first Champions League goal, and it couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.
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Though the Swiss Young Boys eventually pulled out the victory, the match was all Manchester United to start. Ronaldo provided the game’s first goal — his third in two games in stint No. 2 with United — in the 13th minute. United right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka then earned a red card in the 35th minute after illegally tackling midfielder Christopher Martins, leaving his side undermanned and opening the door to an upset from the Young Boys.
Young Boys midfielder Nicolas Ngamaleu blew that door wide open by tying the game in the 66th minute, and Pefok sealed the upset with his shocking final-minute goal.
Manchester United have five games to right the ship in Group F of the Champions League, and it’ll also have rematch against Young Boys on Dec. 8. Ronaldo hopes to lead his side to a better result that time around and further his all-time record of 135 Champions League goals.
Young Boys have five games left in the Champions League group stage as well, including two against Atalanta. Pefok and his side hope to continue the magic they made against United on Monday in those upcoming games.
