Sir Alex Upbeat Over Euro Chances

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident of progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals after his side's 1-1 draw in Lyon.

Ferguson's men fell behind to a superb strike from Karim Benzema before Carlos Tevez struck three minutes from time.

"It gives us a good chance," Ferguson said. "You're not sure you're going to get that type of away goal in Europe.

"There was an urgency to get back in the game and I think we are best in that situation."

Wayne Rooney had the best chance in a cagey first half, running on to Ryan Giggs's superb pass before being denied by Lyon keeper Gregory Coupet's legs.

But United were stunned soon after the break when Benzema - a player the Premier League champions have been linked with regularly - turned and fired home expertly.

Tevez, who impressed along with fellow substitute Nani, put the visitors in control of the tie by smashing home following a corner.

"We were in control and they scored out of nothing, which just shows the quality of Benzema," Ferguson added.

"It was a fantastic goal and it gave them the energy to make it difficult for us. I thought they defended very well.

"We made our substitutions and changed the pattern of play, and Tevez and Nani improved our chances.

"I thought they both did very well and we showed our determination to try to get back. I think we deserved it without question."

Manchester United captain Ryan Giggs was playing his 100th Champions League game for the club.

He said: "One hundred games is something special, they (Champions League matches) are special nights and you want to go out there and enjoy it.

"Lyon are a good team and it's a job half done. We will need to play well at Old Trafford to beat them."

Lyon boss Alain Perrin was downcast after the late blow, saying: "The way things stand at the moment, we are out of the competition and it was a strange goal we conceded - we have let ourselves down."

Man. United Ryan Giggs was presented with a silver salver before United's last 16 clash after following in the footsteps of Raul, Roberto Carlos, Paolo Maldini, David Beckham, Oliver Kahn, Luis Figo and Clarence Seedorf in passing the century mark.