United held at Nou Camp

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty after only three minutes but Manchester United are still dreaming of a place in the Champions League final after a goalless draw with Barcelona.

Despite the absence of Nemanja Vidic, they refused to buckle at the back against Barcelona in the Nou Camp and that will put them in good heart for the return leg at Old Trafford next Tuesday.

Ronaldo was left frustrated as his penalty hit the stanchion after Gabriel Milito had been punished for a handball.

Swiss referee Massimo Busacca had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, waving away protests from Barcelona. Ronaldo stepped up to take the penalty kick but hit it high to the keeper's left.

The Portugal winger was left holding his head in his hands after missing a golden opportunity of giving United a precious away goal.

Lionel Messi then picked out Samuel Eto'o in the 13th minute only for Paul Scholes - on his 100th Champions League appearance - to make a vital interception.

Barcelona pressed forward again in the 21st minute and Rafael Marquez got clear of his marker but his header failed to trouble goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar, who was back in the side following a groin injury.

Ronaldo felt he should have had another penalty in the 30th minute when he was bundled over by Marquez after Xavi had carelessly lost possession but referee Busacca would have none of it.

Eto'o got clear in the 52nd minute but sent his effort into the side-netting, before Deco tested Van der Sar three minutes later with a low drive.

Former Arsenal favourite Thierry Henry was called into the action after 77 minutes with Deco coming off and he quickly picked up the pace of the game rattling in a shot after 83 minutes that Van der Sar beat away as United held out for a creditable draw.