A goalless draw on the road in Europe is always a dangerous result. However, United will be pleased with the stalemate after suffering a battering at the hands of Barcelona at a packed Nou Camp.

It could have been very different for Sir Alex Ferguson's men. Gabriel Molito handled the ball after only two minutes - but Ronaldo missed the chance to score his 39th goal of the season by sidefooting a poor penalty-kick wide of the woodwork.

The miss rallied the home side and Barca went onto control the game. However, they were wasteful in attack and failed to create enough clear-cut chances despite bossing possession and always looking the more likely team to score.

The Red Devils, without Nemanja Vidic, will be pleased with their defensive display - but United's toothless attacking display will worry Ferguson. Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney were both largely anonymous as Barca's backline enjoyed a relatively quiet evening.

It's difficult to say which team is in the better position ahead of next Tuesday's second-leg. The Reds, despite the penalty miss, will be pleased to escape with a goalless draw but will be all too aware that a score draw at Old Trafford would send them crashing out of the European Cup.

Full Time - FC Barcelona 0-0 Manchester United
Attendance - 98,000

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