Vidic: It felt like victory

United's hard work in a tough match against Lyon was rewarded with a late goal that Nemanja Vidic says made the 1-1 first-leg draw feel like victory.

The Reds enjoyed large periods of dominance against the French Ligue 1 leaders, but Lyon's impressive 20-year-old forward Karim Benzema hit a wonderful opener on 54 minutes.

The goal came against the run of play, and momentarily knocked the United players out of their rhythm.

However, substitutes Nani and Carlos Tevez gave United an attacking edge. And it was from Lyon's failure to clear a Nani cross that Tevez was able to fire home the equaliser three minutes from time.

"Lyon have some good players and Benzema caused us some problems," Vidic said after the match. "But scoring near the end makes it feel a little bit like a victory."

Vidic praised the influence of Tevez and Nani and says it is a sign of the squad's strength in depth.

"Nani and Tevez made a big difference when they came on," Vida added. "We are capable of finishing games strongly because we have so much strength on the bench."