Manchester United lost to Turkish side Besiktas in the Champions League today. Photo / AP

Manchester United lost to Turkish side Besiktas in the Champions League today. Photo / AP


PARIS - Manchester United's proud 23 match Champions League unbeaten run came to an end today as they lost 1-0 to Turkish side Besiktas.

United had already qualified for the knockout stages but they still need a point from their visit to Wolfsburg - who lost 2-1 to CSKA Moscow - in a fortnight to wrap up top spot.

Germany's ailing four-time champions Bayern Munich kept their hopes alive and handed a much needed lifeline to coach Louis van Gaal with a 1-0 win at home to bottom-placed Maccabi Haifa.

Bordeaux did them a favour by beating Juventus 2-0 to ensure they finish top of their group while Chelsea also ensured they finished top with an efficient 1-0 win away at Porto.

Nine-time champions Real Madrid took a huge step towards securing their place in the last 16 with a 1-0 victory over FC Zurich.

AC Milan failed to keep pace with Real in the same group as they were held 1-1 by Marseille in what has been a bad week in general for Italian clubs in the competition.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a largely young side and was proud of the way they played even if it meant the undefeated home run came to an end.

"I think we were a bit anxious but its not a bad thing - they're young and you expect that," said the Scot.

"It was a stellar performance in terms of the flow of the game and we've shown some really good things," added Ferguson, who said he might yet field a similar side against Wolfsburg.

Despite Real Madrid's victory coach Manuel Pellegrini was far from satisfied.

"Of course we are anxious because the team is not playing as was expected," said Pellegrini.

"The results are good but is not the type of football that please me nor the football that the team are looking to play."

Marseille coach Didier Deschamps, who was a member of the Marseille side that beat Milan in the 1993 Champions League final, was not happy as his side could easily have won the match.

"It is not a very good result, because we needed to win," said Deschamps, who guided Monaco to the 2004 Champions League final.

"Seeing what my team did here, there was every chance we should have won.

"However, the dream is still possible. We have a small chance."