Manchester United 3-3 CSKA Moscow: Valencia Strike Rescues Point

A stoppage time goal from Antonio Valencia earned Manchester United a draw, and qualification for the next stage of the Champions League in a 3-3 draw with CSKA Moscow.

The Russian side had looked like escaping Old Trafford with all three points after goals from Allan Dzogoev, Milos Krasic and Vasili Berezutsky, while goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was found in inspired form.

Michael Owen had pulled United back into the game before Berezutsky's header extended CSKA's lead, but Paul Scholes and Valencia saw United level late in the game

The visitors had two chances from distance in as many minutes through Dzogoev, who shot well over, and Deividas Semberas, whose low effort skidded wide off the damp Old Trafford turf.

United responded almost immediately, as Antonio Valencia played a delightful one-two with Nani, before finding Owen inside the penalty area, but the striker failed to trouble Igor Akinfeev, shooting into his own legs.

Owen spurned a further opportunity as the ball deflected into his path, but he poked straight at Akinfeev from close range.

His strike partner for the night, Federico Macheda, came close with another shot from outside the penalty area, which was again narrowly wide of the target.

United were made to rue their missed chances as CSKA went ahead through Dzogoev.

The forward received the ball from the head of Tomas Necid was harried to the by-line by Johnny Evans, before finding van der Sar’s top left hand corner with a powerful strike across goal.

Owen finally found the net on the half hour mark though, as a cross from hit Nani’s heel and fell into the former Liverpool man’s path, and he made no mistake in beating Akinfeev at the third time of asking.

CSKA were back in front less than two minutes later however, as more good work from Necid saw him guide the ball to Krasic, who beat the offside trap, rounded van der Sar and finished into an empty goal.

Macheda had a further chance to pull the hosts level before the break, turning in the area and forcing Akinfeev into a low save, while Scholes hit a characteristic strike that caused the Russian ‘keeper to parry wide.

United finished the first half the stronger, but the second 45 minutes started in disastrous fashion as CSKA extended their lead through Berezutsky, arriving at the back post to head Dzagoev’s free kick home.

If CSKA’s lead was unexpected, referee Olegario Benquerenca’s decision to book Darren Fletcher for simulation came as even more of a surprise, as the Scottish midfielder was set to unleash a shot at goal, only to be brought down for what looked like a certain penalty.

Sir Alex Ferguson made two substitutions in quick succession in an attempt to change the game, bringing on Patrice Evra and proud new father Wayne Rooney for Fabio and Nani.

But it was Paul Scholes who forced Akinfeev into further action with a free kick from 25 yards which was struck low and heading for the Russia international’s bottom corner before he dived to his left and then kept out Evra’s follow-up effort.

With just over ten minutes remaining, Owen rose unmarked from six yards to glance the ball towards goal but was again denied by Akinfeev, who again blocked out a second chance, this time from Rooney.

Akinfeev was simply outstanding and, even when he was beaten by Macheda, the Italian could only hit the post with his header and the 'keeper's persistence paid off as he kept out Rooney's effort from the rebound yet again.

United were finally back in the contest as it entered the final five minutes, Scholes leaping highest to turn in a free kick, setting up a tense finish to the encounter.

With the game entering stoppage time, Valencia's low effort from distance eluded Akinfeev to find the bottom right corner of the goal and ensure United remained unbeaten in the competition.

There was time for more late action as an off the ball altercation with second half substitute Gabriel Obertan saw Semberas dismissed for a second caution, but that was the end of a thrilling encounter.

Jamie Dunn, Goal.com