United Glory In Moscow

A nerve-shredding penalty kick out sealed Manchester United's victory in the Champions League final in Moscow last night.

Thousands of ecstatic - and downcast Chelsea fans - will be making the laborious trip back to English shores today.

A heart-stopping penalty shoot out saw United player Cristiano Ronaldo miss his kick which gave Chelsea's John Terry the chance to win the cup for the team.

However, it was not the Blues night as Terry's kick hit the post and Nicolas Anelka's 'sudden death' shot was saved by Edwin van der Sar, sparking jubilant scenes among the sea of Reds fans.

United's Ronaldo said after the game: "We showed this season that we are the best team in Europe and in England and it's a great feeling. Next season we will try to do the same. I feel very proud. It means everything to me - it's the happiest day of my life."

A disappointed Chelsea manager Avram Grant said: "It's very hard to lose on penalties, especially when after the first 30 minutes we dominated the game.

"We hit the post, we hit the bar, we had many more shots than them and in the shoot-out, we came to the last penalty and it was in our legs."

"I am very proud with the way we played the final. The spirit of the team was great, the quality was good."

United Manager Alex Ferguson commended Grant saying: "The remarkable job is he has maintained a consistency equal to Jose Mourinho."

There were no reports of trouble either inside or outside the Luzhniki stadium although there were a few minor scraps in the city during the day.

In England 12 Chelsea fans were arrested on suspicion of public disorder offences after confrontations with police near Fulham Broadway Tube station, south west London.

Culture Secretary Andy Burmham who attended the match said that "it was a great night for English football, and a thrilling game".

"It's been a great advertisement for English football," he added.

(DS)