Giggs fires United to European win

12 April 2012

Ryan Giggs curled home a controversial late free-kick to give Manchester United a priceless 1-0 away win in their Champions League knock-out clash with Lille.

The goal, which hit the net as keeper Tony Sylva was still lining up his wall, so incensed the home side, coaching staff called them to the sideline apparently in an attempt to abandon the game. The home players raced to Dutch referee Eric Braamhaar contesting why the official had allowed the goal to stand.

Thankfully, common sense prevailed although given the security scare that erupted in the visiting end at the start of the game, the ramifications of what was largely a dire contest will still be felt for some time yet.

Mercifully, no-one was injured, although that was hardly due to the actions of the riot police, who fired tear gas into the enclosure.

It was fully 42 minutes before either side mustered a shot on goal, Cristiano Ronaldo firing straight at keeper Tony Sylva, who blocked the shot with his body.

Lille responded almost immediately as Mathieu Bodmer drilled a 20-yard shot wide after Nicolas Fauvergue had extravagantly chested the ball into his path.

Ronaldo should have done better when he sped past Gregory Tafforeau into the Lille area in the second half but blasted against Sylva.

Lille responded and Bodmer forced Edwin Van der Sar into action.

The hosts also thought they had scored after 62 minutes when Peter Odemwingie rose above Nemanja Vidic to glance home Ludovic Obraniak's cross.

However, Braamhaar came to United's rescue, ruling the goal out for a push on Vidic before Giggs settled the game.

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