Ronaldo fires Man Utd into last 8

MANCHESTER, England -- Cristiano Ronaldo fired Manchester United into the Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday when his second leg goal at Old Trafford clinched a 2-1 aggregate triumph over Lyon.

The Portugal international scored his 30th goal in all competitions in the 41st minute against the French to give United a slender 1-0 win on the night.

That put him within two of matching George Best's club-record from 1967-68, when United went on to win their first European Cup.

Wes Brown crossed the ball to Anderson, whose shot from the edge of the area was blocked by a combination of Lyon right back Francois Clerc and Ronaldo. Clerc stumbled and went to ground, while Ronaldo regained possession and shot past Gregory Coupet.

Karim Benzema, who has been upset at playing on the left, was restored to lead the front line from the center at Old Trafford. He troubled United defender Patrice Evra in the opening exchanges as Lyon searched for an away goal.

Evra was booked in the fourth for a crunching challenge from behind on Benzema. Nemanja Vidic then denied the 20-year-old France striker, who had a penalty claim dismissed in the eighth.

Ronaldo started United's response, rampaging down the right flank in the 10th, cutting inside Fabio Grosso until he was blocked from shooting by Cris. Darren Fletcher then attempted to find from the target from 25 meters in the 16th.

While goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar knocked away Kim Kallstrom's fierce shot in the 29th, United stamped their authority on the first half.

Lyon was menacing after the interval, with Juninho and Hatem Ben Arfa searching for the equalizer with long range shots.

United was given a scare in the 74th when substitute Kader Keita, after exchanging passes with Benzema in the 74th, hit the near post, although Van der Sar had it well protected.

But Ben Arfa's wayward backpass at the other end was intercepted by Rooney and it took Coupet's block at point blank range to prevent United from doubling their lead.

United had three players -- Fletcher, Nani and Evra -- booked by Italian referee Roberto Rosetti, while Grosso and Sebastien Squillaci were also shown yellow cards. E-mail to a friend