Manchester United's resolute defense helped them claim a goalless away draw with Barcelona in the first-leg of the UEFA Champions League semi final. The Premiership leaders will have a slight advantage when they host Barcelona in the second leg on April 29th. A dreadful error by Gabriel Milito almost gifted United a stunning opener after two minutes. The Argentinean defender clumsily raised his hands to block Cristiano Ronaldo's header with his hands. The referee instantly pointed to the spot. Set-piece specialist Ronaldo stepped-up but blasted his penalty wide of the post. Barcelona found their rhythm afterwards and dominated possession but they rarely tested Edwin van der Saar. United's zonal defense was largely successful in blocking Barcelona's attacking attempts. Lionel Messi, who returned to action after a lengthy lay-off through injury, played some of his neat tricks but couldn't provide his teammates with goalscoring opportunities. Ronaldo appealed for penalty in the 29th minute but the referee adjudged the Portuguese winger's contact with Rafael Marquez to be minimal.
Messi didn't play the full 90 minutes Messi Off Barcelona's Italian full-back Gianluca Zambrotta, who put in an impressive display, tried his luck with a right-footed volley that went just over the bar shortly after restart. Samuel Eto'o had a decent chance to put Barcelona ahead in the 52nd minute. Andres Iniesta back-heeled Messi's through pass into the path of Eto'o, whose shot from inside the area hit the side-netting. United had a rare opportunity one minute later when Michael Carrick skipped past Marquez inside the area but his shot missed the target. Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard opted to take off Messi two minutes past the hour mark. The Argentinean prodigy appeared saddened by the Dutchman decision. Spanish youngster Bojan Kirkic was introduced but struggled to make an impact. French striker Thierry Henry replaced Portuguese playmaker Deco and could have opened the scoring, only to be denied by the in-form Van der Saar. Eight minutes from time, Henry gathered the ball on the left flank, cut inside and fired a powerful shot that was blocked by the former Fulham guardian.
