Ferguson hails fantastic achievement

(CNN) -- Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his side's "fantastic achievement" after they defeated Chelsea 6-5 on penalties to win the Champions League in Moscow.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Frank Lampard exchanged first half goals but that was the end of the scoring in 120 minutes of high drama at the Luzhniki Stadium.

"That's the first penalty shoot-out I've ever won," said Ferguson, after claiming the crown for the second time.

"When we missed the penalty kick (from Ronaldo) I thought we were in trouble but overall I thought we deserved the win.

"We had the best chances. In the second half they had more control but in extra time we were better. It's a fantastic achievement from the players," added the veteran Scotsman.

Meanwhile, United hero Edwin van der Sar savored the triumph after losing on penalties to Juventus when he was with Ajax in 1996.

The Dutch goalkeeper saved Nicolas Anelka's spot-kick after John Terry earlier missed a chance to win it at 4-4. Van der Sar told ITV Sport: "Twelve years ago I lost on penalties and we've won it now. It's unbelievable. We deserve it. It's fantastic."

Terry clipped the outside of the post with Van der Sar beaten and United defender Rio Ferdinand admitted he thought their chances had gone.

"I was thinking he wass going to score," Ferdinand said. "He's a great penalty taker normally but he slipped. Unfortunately someone's got to lose and tonight it's them."

It was also a special moment for Ryan Giggs as he broke Sir Bobby Charlton's United appearance record and collected his second European Cup winners' medal after also playing in 1999.

"I can enjoy it a little bit more this time," said Giggs, who felt United were worthy winners. "We deserved it, we've been the best team.

"Credit to Edwin, we came good in the end. The first half we dominated, the second half they had chances but we held our nerve in the end."

United lost to Manchester City on the actual 50th anniversary date of the Munich air disaster but Giggs felt this victory was a fitting tribute. "Looking back to City, we were all disappointed," he said. "Hopefully this has made up for it."

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Avram Grant sympathised with Terry after his missed penalty eventually cost Chelsea the trophy.

"What can I say? We dominated the game, we hit the post two times and then we lost on penalties," the Blues manager told Sky Sports.

"JT is the main reason we are here. We had a difficult time and he is part of the team. The team play excellently and I am very proud.

"He was great all season, he was great in the semifinal and this game. He is the reason they didn't create any chances -- I feel sorry for him and the team."

Grant, whose future at Stamford Bridge remains unclear, promised Blues fans his team would be back. "It's not the last time you will see Chelsea in the final," the Israeli vowed. "You will see us back and we will win the final."