Evra: We were a bit lucky

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has admitted he was lucky not to give away a penalty in Wednesday’s Champions League win at Chelsea.

United snatched the lead when the suddenly prolific Wayne Rooney found the net in the 24th minute, but Evra very nearly handed Chelsea a possible equaliser when he cut down midfielder Ramires in the box late in stoppage time.

Referee Alberto Undiano waved play on, however, much to the disbelief of the Chelsea faithful at Stamford Bridge, and the Red Devils held on for a 1-0 win.

Speaking after the game, Evra admitted he may have been fortunate not to have heard the referee’s whistle and insisted the tie is still very much alive.

“Sometimes, many times we have bad decisions when we play against Chelsea. Maybe tonight, our luck changed,” Evra said.

Asked if he feared the worst after the challenge, Evra said: “No, not at all.”

“I tried to go for the ball and if you see I touched the ball and I touched the player as well. I was not scared to give away a penalty.”

“I think we were a little bit lucky. But we deserved to win the game and now we are looking forward to Old Trafford and it will be again a big game, because it is still 50-50 which team will reach the semi-final.”

Chelsea travel to Old Trafford for the return leg next Tuesday.