By DPA,
London : Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had no complaints after the title holders were held to a goalless draw by Spanish side Villarreal in their Champions League opener at Old Trafford.
United struggled for fluency but still created plenty of chances before eventually settling for one point, a disappointing start to their campaign Wednesday.
“No complaints. On another day we might have scored four or five,” Ferguson said.
“I think the important thing tonight is that it was a return to our football. We played really good football in terms of speed. I have to give them a lot of credit for their commitment, their expression.”
Cristiano Ronaldo made his first appearance of the season as a substitute and received a superb reception from the crowd, despite his summer transfer wrangle with Real Madrid.
The Portugal forward set up a near goal, but team-mate Jonny Evans headed against the post. Villarreal also hit the post but were grateful for United’s profligacy for snatching a point.
In other matches, William Gallas scored a late equaliser as Arsenal pinched a 1-1 draw at Dynamo Kiev.
Gallas bundled the ball home from close range with two minutes to go, cancelling out Ismael Bangoura’s first-half penalty.
Italy forward Alessandro Del Piero scored the only goal as Juventus edged out Zenit St Petersburg 1-0.
“What am I happiest with?” Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri asked. “The goal and the victory: it was a complicated match, very tactical.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy and Sergio Ramos scored as Real Madrid beat BATE Borisov 2-0, while Daniel van Buyten was the scorer as Bayern Munich won 1-0 at Steau Bucharest.
Celtic were held to a goalless draw by AAB Aalborg, Porto beat Fenerbahce 3-1, and Lyon came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home with Fiorentina.