Michael Ballack's penalty blew the title race open as Chelsea moved level on points with leaders Manchester United with only two matches left.

Joe Cole's shot hit the bar as United, who lost Nemanja Vidic to injury, backtracked before Ballack headed Chelsea in front on 45 minutes.

Wayne Rooney drove in the equaliser after Ricardo Carvalho's error to put United back in the driving seat.

But after Michael Carrick handled Mourinho gives Man Utd advantage ...
Man United gets 0-0 draw at Barcelona ...
Cech has surgery after accident ...
Vidic out for two to three weeks ...
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Football: ManU allege laser attack ... in the area, Ballack won it from the spot.

It was the first penalty United had conceded all season - and a contentious one at that - and could prove decisive at the end of the season when silverware is handed out.

And as United pressed at the very end of the game, it took goal-line clearances from Ashley Cole and Andriy Shevchenko to deny first Cristiano Ronaldo and then Darren Fletcher and ensure Chelsea claimed a vital three points.

(BBC)

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