FREDDY ADU (BENFICA)

The News: Freddy Adu became the youngest American to play in the UEFA Champions League proper when he came on in the 61st minute of Benfica’s 1-0 win over Scottish champion Celtic in their Group D match on Wednesday.

Of Note: Adu entered the game early in the second half while the score was still knotted at zero. The Portuguese club bombarded the Celtic goal for the duration of the second half, hitting the crossbar and the post, before Óscar Cardozo eventually scored the winner five minutes from time.

In the game last night against Celtic, Freddy was the first sub off the bench, and was also involved in the passing movement which built up to the goal. At 18 years, 4 months, Adu broke the record for the youngest American to play in the group stage of the Champions League held by Jonathan Spector (18 years, 11 months). That mark was set when he came on as a sub for Manchester United against Turkey's Fenerbahce in 2004.

Up Next: On Sunday, Benfica host Maritimo in a Portguese League match. Benfica have arguably underachieved thus far this year in the domestic league, and though they have yet to lose, sit at fourth place in the table due to four ties. The Lisbon club can go a long way toward rectifying their problems in their match this weekend; Maritimo currently are one point ahead of Benfica.