Ronaldo misses penalty in Nou Camp stalemate

RARE BLEMISH: It was Ronaldo's second miss from the spot in a season in which he has scored 38 goals.

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Barcelona: Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo fluffed an early penalty as his side drew 0-0 with a dominant Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.

The Portugal international, who has scored 38 goals in all competitions this season, sent his spot kick high and wide after Barca centre-back Gabriel Milito handled the ball in the area with just over a minute on the clock.

"I didn't change my style on the penalty, today I didn't score but no problem — I will score in Manchester," Ronaldo told Sky Sports. "Nil-nil away is a good result."

United appeared stunned and surrendered the initiative to Barca but although the Catalans dominated they failed to take advantage and visiting goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was only seriously tested by substitute Thierry Henry late in the game.

Barca, the only non-English side in the semis, have been poor in the league but gave a far more impressive performance against an out-of-sorts United and will feel short-changed by a result that leaves the tie delicately balanced before next week's return at Old Trafford.

United seemed to have got off to a dream start when Milito conceded a penalty in the second minute, handling the ball after Ronaldo had beaten him to a header in the area.

But the normally super cool Portuguese completely missed the target, sending the ball past Victor Valdes's left post after he tried to chip it into the top corner.

The crowd exploded with delight at the winger's error, while United seemed to be in shock at their team mate's miss.

Barca took advantage of the confusion in the United ranks to put the visitors under heavy pressure with Deco driving forward from midfield and providing some good service for attacking trio Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Samuel Eto'o.