Champions League Roundup: Part 2

A late away goal from substitute Carlos Tevez for Manchester United salvaged their night after Karim Benema’s 20 yard drive put Lyon ahead.

Benzema, despite being linked to a summer move to Old Trafford and highly-rated by Alex Ferguson, was given too much time and space and could have extended his tally.

Lyon, six time Ligue 1 champions running, are overdue European success as are the Red Devils, who have failed to pass the semi-finals after their win in 1999

Despite conceding late, Lyon will take heart from their first leg performance.  Expect an uncomfortable night for United come March 5.

AC Milan (0) vs Arsenal (0), Emirates Stadium

Despite a good performance, Arsene Wenger was disappointed with his team’s lack of composure in the final third which saw them squander good chances. Emmanuel Adebayour should have won the game but his injury time header struck the bar. Fagregas, Bendter, and Silva all had clear cut opportunities but failed to score.

Milan goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac, who has replaced Dida as their starter, was their player of the night thwarting the Gunners on numerous occasions.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti will be happy with the away draw and Wenger’s young guns will be hard pressed to overcome last years champions at the San Siro.

Celtic (2) vs Barcelona (3), Celtic Park

Young Argentinian Lionel Messi’s two goals handed Barcelona a come-from-behind victory against the Scots at Celtic Park. Barcelona came from behind twice after goals from Vennegoor of Hesselink and Barry Robson for Celtic.

Thierry Henry curled in a ball from the edge of the box after a careless pass from Gary Caldwell allowed Ronaldinho to intercept and supply the Frenchman for Barcelona’s second. Messi sealed the game with a cool finish after another defensive error, this time by Stephen McManus.

Despite their defensive frailties Celtic provided a stern test for the Catalans, although one wouldn’t give them much chance of going through to the quarters.

Fenerbache (3) vs Sevilla (2), Sukru Saracoglu

Fenerbache took the lead twice in each half through Mateja Kezman and Lugano respectively, but both goals were snuffed out within minutes by an own goal and a Julien Escudé strike for Sevilla.

The winner was scored by substitute Semih Senturk with three minutes remaining to take a slender into the second leg in Spain.

Given their two away goals, Sevilla will probably have done enough to edge through in the return leg.