NERVY WIN
English champions United were made to work hard and defend resolutely at times in a nervy 1-0 win over Olympique Lyon at Old Trafford, courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo's 30th goal of the season in all competitions.
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo (L) celebrates scoring with his team mates Anderson (C) and Patrice Evra against Lyon during their Champions League first knockout round, second leg soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, March 4, 2008.
The winger pounced on a rebound from Anderson's initial effort and threaded his shot past Gregory Coupet in the 41st minute as United equalled the record held by Juventus of 10 straight Champions League home wins.
United manager Alex Ferguson was pleased with the outcome that left his side on course to repeat the elusive 1999 treble although he acknowledged his troops struggled at times.
"We should have done more with the possession we had in the second half and we made it difficult for ourselves. But defensively we did well, they didn't have any chances in the game," he told ITV.
Barcelona completed a 4-2 aggregate win over Celtic with a 1-0 second leg win at the Nou Camp after Xavi rounded off a flowing team move with a clever flick into the top corner.
In contrast, their Spanish Primera Liga rivals Sevilla made a dramatic exit after taking a 2-0 lead against Fenerbahce in the opening 10 minutes through a pair of howlers by goalkeeper Volkan Demirel.
The keeper let in long-range efforts by Daniel Alves and Seydou Keita but turned hero when he denied Julien Escude, Enzo Maresca and finally Alves in the penalty shootout.
Goals by Brazilian striker Deivid either side of Frederic Kanoute's effort had made it 3-2 to Sevilla at the end of regular and extra time to tie the score 5-5 on aggregate and force a thrilling climax.
(Agencies via China Daily March 5, 2008)
