Marcos writes off Nantes

Angel Marcos was quick to concede that FC Nantes Atlantique's UEFA Champions League campaign is all but over, after his side were denied at the death by a resilient Manchester United FC in a pulsating 1-1 draw at the Beaujoire stadium.

'A crazy match'
After three games of the second group stage, Nantes are bottom of Group A with just one point and the return against United still to come. Marcos said. "It was a crazy match and I thought the draw was fair. We showed great heart but qualification to the quarter-finals is now beyond us. We have more pressing domestically."

Landreau inspired
The inspirational form of Nantes goalkeeper Mikaël Landreau had looked like giving the French club victory. The 22-year-old French international and club captain, certainly gave national team coach Roger Lemerre something to think about as he produced a string of super saves. It took a penalty to beat him, Ruud van Nistelrooij converting from the spot just before full time, after Mario Yepes had handballed.

Moldovan slotted home
The home side started the match in fine fashion and deservedly took the lead after only nine minutes. Olivier Quint's cross was deflected by Laurent Blanc and the ball in turn found the head of an off-balance Marama Vahirua before landing at the feet of Viorel Moldovan. The Romanian striker adroitly slotted home with Fabien Barthez going the wrong way.

Never-say-die attitude
Despite going a goal behind, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was confident his charges would get back into the match. He said: "We kept on fighting until the end; we got the goal we wanted and bagged the all-important point." Mikaël Silvestre reiterated United's desire to win but conceded that "this is does not always happen and sometimes the task is too difficult".

United still top
Sir Alex will be pleased with the point as his side not only remain top of Group A on goal difference but have the comfort of two consecutive home games to come including FC Bayern München's trip to Old Trafford. Both United and Bayern have five points, while third-placed Boavista have four. It is a different story for Nantes, who face an uphill struggle of Everest proportions.