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Thursday 13 December 2007

Roma 1-1 Man Utd

A much-changed Manchester United side earned a draw against Italian giants Roma to protect their unbeaten record in the Champions League this season. A disappointing first-half livened up when Gerard Pique stole in at the near post to head United in front.

Mancini clipped a shot on to the bar as Roma fought back, before Louis Saha was denied by a fine save from Doni.

Mancini slammed in a leveller from substitute Mirko Vucinic's pass, before the Montenegran struck the woodwork.

Mancini's goal meant United do not become only the fifth team to establish a perfect record in the group stage - but their consolation is that none of the previous four went on to win the tournament.

With United already having won Group F and Roma having qualified in second place the game had an eerie start, with the opening 20 minutes dreadfully apathetic.

David Pizarro tried to rid the match of its lethargy by shooting from 25 yards, but Tomasz Kuszczak dived away to his left to make a fairly routine save.

At the other end, United's youthful side fashioned their first opening when Wayne Rooney clipped in a cross from the right and Doni had to be alert to tip over John O'Shea's looping header.

Just after Mauro Esposito missed a golden chance with a close-range header for Roma, United took the lead. The otherwise quiet Nani swung in a corner from the left and Pique sneaked in unchallenged six yards out to plant a header past Doni. (BBC Sport)