Champions League Review: United denied despite Ronaldo return

Champions League / Maxliu / 17 September 2008 / Leave a comment

United and Celtic fail to score at home and Arsenal are saved by captain's last gasp equaliser.

Manchester United's long run of consecutive Champions League home wins came to an end on a frustrating night for British clubs.

United had won 12 European ties in a row at Old Trafford but tonight Villareal held out for a clean sheet which was backed at high of [6.4]. Cristiano Ronaldo came on as second-half subsitute to a rapturous reception and looked in good shape but despite dominating possession the European Champions lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.

The draw was matched in the match odds market at a [4.5] high while United traded at a low of 1.49. 0-0 was backed at a high of [13.5] for the correct score. The Red Devils are now out to [8.2] to retain their Champions League crown.

Arsenal were relieved to get a draw against Dinamo Kiev after Ismael Bangoura, who was [13.5] in the first goalscorer market, put away a second-half penalty before William Gallas equalised for the Gunners with three minutes remaining. The draw traded at a [6.0] high and 1-1 was matched at [12.5] in the correct score market. Kiev's Match Odds reached a low of [1.2]. The half-time 0-0 was backed at a [3.25] high.

Celtic missed a penalty on their way to a 0-0 draw with Aab Aalborg. A clean sheet for Aab was matched at an [8.6] high and the draw reached [5.4]. The stalemate was backed at [16.5] as the correct score.

There was drama in France where Lyon came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Fiorentina. The Italians were backed at a [1.10] low and the draw reached a high of [12.0]. Karim Benzema was again the hero for the French champions as he scored to make a 2-2 scoreline was backed at [23.0].

Real Madrid didn't trade above [1.14] as they sauntered to victory at home to BATE Borisov.

Alessandro Del Piero scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 Juventus victory over Zenit St Petersberg. The Turin side were backed at a high of [3.75].

Porto were comfortable 3-1 winners over Fenerbache and did not trade above 1.86.