Ronaldo strike guides United past Lyon

By Pete Oliver

MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 30th goal of the season as Manchester United beat Lyon 1-0 at Old Trafford to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Ronaldo's first-half goal, his sixth in the competition this season, gave United a 2-1 aggregate success and the chance to go on and surpass last season's run to the last four.

It was not a vintage performance from Sir Alex Ferguson's side, although their record of never having lost to French opposition in 11 Champions League games at Old Trafford was rarely in doubt.

Lyon striker Karim Benzema, who had scored in the first leg, was rarely a threat while substitute Kadita came closest when he struck the post in the second half.

"We should have done more with the possession we had in the second half and we made it difficult for ourselves," Ferguson told ITV after United equalled Juventus's record of ten straight Champions League home wins.

"But defensively we did well, they didn't have any chances in the game."

Ronaldo, whose return was one of six changes to the side that won at Fulham on Saturday, made sure of United's progress as he continued his remarkable season.

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