Giggs goal splits rival camps

Sir Alex Ferguson insisted referee Eric Braamhaar was "absolutely right" to allow Ryan Giggs's late goal to stand after giving the Manchester United FC midfielder the chance to take a quick free-kick, despite the protestations of his LOSC Lille Métropole counterpart Claude Puel.

Sir Alex Ferguson, United manager
The goal was absolutely right because the referee gave permission to take the free-kick - I've seen this kind of thing in the English championship many times. I'm very happy about the result as the condition of the pitch was very bad to play football on, especially to pass the ball properly. In the first half it was a very nervous game but the second half was better. We have had four chances in the match but Lille have only had two or three. I think there was better penetration in the game in the second half for the two teams and less long balls than in the first half - the game was of a better quality.

Claude Puel, Lille coach
I'm very proud of my players. They've played a very good game and I was very sad for them about the situation with Manchester United's goal at the end of the game. But I don't want any talk before the match on 7 March about this goal. I just want to think about the good game between two very good teams. But it will be very difficult for us now to qualify for the quarter-finals.