We need to improve in Champions League matches – Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says his team still needs to improve if they are to go far in Europe after their 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Wolfsburg.

Daniel Caligiuri’s early goal had put the visitors in front, but replies from Juan Mata and Chris Smalling meant that United secured their first European group win of the campaign.

But, van Gaal, who was pleased with his team’s spirit, claimed the team must improve after a poor showing following Smalling’s goal.

“When you can create such chances and fail to score, it is a matter of being unlucky. I have said it already; sometimes you need luck in football,” said the Dutch.

“We did not give a great performance after we scored the second goal. That should not be the case because ball possession is very important.”

All four teams in Group B are now on three points after CSKA Moscow beat United’s opening-day conquerors PSV Eindhoven in Russia.

Van Gaal said the penalty was a stroke of luck for Manchester United stating that there are referees who would have let the handball slide.

The manager however stated that the team’s first half display was pleasing saying they created many chances that should have been converted into goals.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone said his team simply missed too many chances in their 2-1 home loss to Benfica in the UEFA Champions League.

Angel Correa had put the hosts ahead, but goals from Nicolas Gaitan and Goncalo Guedes meant last season’s Primeira Liga champions walked away with all three points.

Simeone was largely positive about the performance, indicating his team did everything they could to score more goals and win the game.

Atletico’s next game is against city rivals Real in La Liga on Sunday.

In other matches played Wednesday, goals from Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza, and an excellent display from Sami Khedira on his debut was enough to ensure Juventus beat Sevilla 2-0 and continue their perfect record in Europe.

Aguero’s penalty in the 90^th minute helped Manchester City to secure a 2-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach, their first in the 2015 campaign. Stindl was the first to open the score for Monchengladbach in the 54^th minute before Otamendi equalized 9 minutes later.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini has singled out goalkeeper Joe Hart for praise, after the England international made a number of acrobatic saves during the match, including blocking Rafael’s 20th minute spot-kick.