Manchester United, inspired by an outstanding early goal from Diego Forlan, beat Rangers 3-0 to take a giant step towards the Champions League knockout stages at Old Trafford.
Champions League wins for United and Chelsea
Manchester United, inspired by an outstanding early goal from Diego Forlan, beat Rangers 3-0 to take a giant step towards the Champions League knockout stages at Old Trafford.
United took the lead after only six minutes of the Group E match between the two British champions when a cross from Roy Keane was headed out by Michael Ball straight to Forlan on the edge of the penalty area.
The Uruguayan striker positioned himself brilliantly and volleyed the ball wide of the diving Stefan Klos in the Rangers goal for his fourth goal in four matches. Forlan also created the second goal after 44 minutes, setting up the attack with a pass to Cristiano Ronaldo who crossed for Ryan Giggs.
The Welsh winger skewed the ball back for Forlan who cracked the ball against the crossbar, only for it to rebound back into the net off Ruud van Nistelrooy's knee. Van Nistelrooy made it 3-0 after 60 minutes when he prodded home a Giggs free kick for his 11th of the season, his all-time 33rd in the Champions League and 91st in 117 games for United.
In Rome, Chelsea moved to within touching distance of the Champions League knockout stages as they survived provocation to produce a superb 4-0 win which proved their European credentials beyond any doubt.
Lazio were reduced to 10 men by the dismissal of Sinisa Mihajlovic, who may also face a UEFA misconduct charge for spitting into Adrian Mutu's ear, an offence which was not spotted by the match officials.
However, even his disgraceful actions and the late dismissal of Glen Johnson should not take the shine off an assured Chelsea display, with Hernan Crespo joined on the scoresheet against his former club by Eidur Gudjohnsen, Damien Duff and Frank Lampard.