Frustration in Europe for top clubs

All three British clubs in action in the Champions League suffered frustrating draws. Arsenal captain William Gallas bundled in a late equaliser to rescue a point from the Gunners' opening game against Dynamo Kiev in the Ukraine. Emmanuel Adebayor, Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas all had good first-half chances for the visitors, who have still yet to win a European tie in the former Soviet Union. Kiev looked to have made them pay a heavy price when, on 64 minutes, Bacary Sagna was adjudged to have pushed over Ognjen Vukojevic and Ismael Bangoura scored from the penalty spot. Then, just as time looked to be running out, Gallas - who had made a mistake in the build-up to the goal - netted at close range following a low cross by Theo Walcott. Manchester United began their Champions League title defence with a 0-0 draw at home to Spain's Villarreal. The return of Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who came on as a 62nd minute substitute after recovering from ankle surgery, failed to spark the home side. Celtic's Barry Robson missed a first half penalty in a goalless draw with 10-man AaB Aalborg in their European clash. The Danes dominated most of the first half but failed to take their chances against the Scottish champions at Celtic Park.

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ITN | September 18, 2008

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