Manchester United players celebrated a goal against Benfica during a Champions League group A soccer match between Manchester United and Benfica at Benfica's Luz stadium in Lisbon, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
The Associated Press
LISBON, Portugal (AP) - Manchester United took advantage of an embarrassing mistake by the youngest goalkeeper ever to play in the Champions League to beat Benfica 1-0 and maintain its Group A lead on Wednesday.
Belgian goalkeeper Mile Svilar, making his Champions League debut at age 18, was deceived by a long free kick taken by Marcus Rashford in the second half, going over the line while holding the ball with his arms outstretched in front of him.
He misjudged Rashford's shot and couldn't stop his momentum after stepping back toward the goal to make the catch.
The ball just crossed the line and the referee confirmed the strike with the help of goal-line technology.
Svilar appeared calm throughout the match at the Stadium of Light, but he had already struggled with a few crosses into the area.
Manchester United reached nine points with its third straight win in Group A. It has a three-point lead over Basel, which defeated CSKA Moscow 2-0 in Russia. CSKA stayed with three points, while Benfica has zero point after three losses.
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Benfica's Luisao, fights for the ball with Manchester United's Marcus Rashford during their Champions League group A soccer match between Manchester United and Benfica at Benfica's Luz stadium in Lisbon, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
The Associated Press
Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho gives instructions to his players during a Champions League group A soccer match between Manchester United and Benfica at Benfica's Luz stadium in Lisbon, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
The Associated Press
Benfica's Raul Jimenez, left, jumps for the ball with Manchester United's Victor Lindelof during their Champions League group A soccer match between Manchester United and Benfica at Benfica's Luz stadium in Lisbon, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
The Associated Press
Benfica's Alejandro Grimaldo, center, fights for the ball with Manchester United's Ander Herrera, left, during their Champions League group A soccer match between Manchester United and Benfica at Benfica's Luz stadium in Lisbon, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
The Associated Press