Champions League press reaction: 'Marseille were in lockdown mode'

Vast swathes of last night's 0-0 draw between Manchester United and Marseille may have been unwatchable for the average viewer but for the French press it was a satisfying result. "OM can continue to believe in qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions League after managing to contain the Mancunians in the first round," reported La Provence. L'Equipe reckons United will be just as happy with the result as Marseille, though. "The 22 players delivered the expected results: Marseille were in lockdown mode, Manchester ditto. Marseille did not take any risks, neither did Manchester." The paper is generous in its praise for defenders on both sides. All, that is, expect one: a certain Argentinian meeting some old friends: "Only Gabi Heinze for his reunion with his dear Sir, had difficulty, especially in the first period, facing the whirling Nani." Le Monde is more critical of the match and believes the result had as much to do with inept attacking as brilliant defending. "A rain of technical errors and aborted attacks ... fell on a stadium delighted to host the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time in 18 years ." If Wayne Rooney had difficulty breaking down Crawley's defence, he was always going to struggle against Marseille but Le Figaro says that was down to how Sir Alex Ferguson deployed the striker. "Used against type by Ferguson, Wayne Rooney moved one notch lower than usual to participate in defensive duties. Apart from an audacious lob in the second half, the Englishman was never able to threaten the Marseille defence." The paper says that Marseille may not escape so lightly in the teams' next meeting. "There is, however, little doubt that Rooney will be much more difficult to outfox in three weeks." In Milan, it was another Champions League defeat for an Italian side as Inter conceded a late, late goal to Bayern Munich. The game ended 1-0 but there were a host of chances for both sides and Corriere dello Sport believes the result was the least depressing of Italian efforts in the last 16. "The game could have gone either way. Hopefully in the second leg the two teams will continue to compete head on, no holds barred." Inter's keeper, Júlio César, was at fault for Bayern's goal, fumbling a shot at the feet of Mario Gomez. Gazzetta dello Sport contrasted the Brazilian's performance with that of his excellent young counterpart, Thomas Kraft who made several brilliant saves. "Inter's Brazilian goalkeeper was the protagonist of the error that led to Mario Gomez's goal. He immediately apologised to team-mates and fans, then, released from the dressing room, preferred to leave the car and go home on foot. He lives near the stadium and probably needed to think. But it was a glorious evening for Germany's Kraft."