Barcelona 0-0 Manchester United

Ronaldo misses a penalty, but United managed to keep Barca at bay at the Nou Camp.

The game opened up straight away when Manchester United almost got off to the perfect start. They were awarded a penalty after just two minutes when Ronaldo met a corner with his head, but the ball was blocked by the flailing hands of Milito.

As expected Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot kick, but the pressure of a packed Nou Camp must have got to him as he saw his penalty clip the outside of the right hand post and away to safety.

Ronaldo should have had another chance at a penalty when just before the half hour point, Marquez pushed Ronaldo over as he was running towards goal. It looked a clear penalty but the referee, perhaps concerned about his first penalty decision, did not give United the kick.

Manchester United would have been the happier of the two sides at half time. Although Barca had the lion’s share of possession, United managed to defend well and Barcelona had no clear cut opportunities at goal.

Barcelona started confidently in the second half. A fine move orchestrated by Messi culminated in an Eto’o strike which narrowly missed the target. Eto’o had looked lively, but seemed to be unable to make anything of his possession.

Henry was brought on with fifteen minutes to go to bolster the Barca attack and it almost paid dividends straight away. Henry cut in from the left and with a yard of space unleashed a drive which may Van der Sar work for the first time in the half. Henry’s free kick from outside the box two minutes from time also called the keeper into action.

United will feel like they have won the first battle and will be confident of progressing at Old Trafford.

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