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English sides secure ties

Lyon's Sebastien Squillaci, left, reacts after being struck by Manchester United's Wayne Rooney during their Champions League match in Lyon, France, on Wednesday. PHOTO: AP

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs failed to get victories on their 100th Champions League matches on Wednesday, but both can still dream of a place in the last eight.

Arsenal were held 0-0 at home by holders AC Milan, while United grabbed a late goal through Carlos Tevez to draw 1-1 with six-time French champions Lyon in France.

The two Spanish sides in Champions League action were both involved in five-goal thrillers.

A brace by Argentina star Lionel Messi and one goal from former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry saw Barcelona come from behind twice to beat Celtic 3-2 in Glasgow, while two-time UEFA Cup titleholders Sevilla lost 3-2 to Fenerbahce in Istanbul.

Wenger was happy with the result even though the Gunners missed a host of chances, none more painful than when on-fire Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor saw his header come off the bar.

AC Milan handler Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side could play a lot better with Brazilian playmaker Kaka all-but muzzled by the Arsenal defense.

Lyon manager Alain Perrin admitted that the Tevez strike -- which fell to him somewhat fortuitously off Brazilian striker Fred -- had been a real blow.

"Unfortunately we couldn't hold out to the end and now we are behind having conceded the away goal," said the former Marseille boss, who is rumored to have fallen out with both the coaching and playing staff.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was both delighted with the result and to have something to complain about -- in this case claims that Portuguese wing Cristiano Ronaldo had a laser shone in his eyes in the warm-up before the match.

"I am delighted to get the draw and it gives us a a good chance to qualify," Ferguson said.
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