LYON, France (AFP) - More than a game of two halves, it proved a game of two benches in Lyon on Wednesday, with Manchester United's Alex Ferguson ringing the changes to conjure a vital draw which left the 1999 winners' Champions League dreams alive.

United were staring defeat in the face after rising star Karim Benzema produced a brilliant finish for the French nine minutes into the second half of an evenly-matched contest.

But the wily Ferguson landed a potential knockout punch in his tactical battle of wits with Lyon counterpart Alain Perrin by sending on Argentine star Carlos Tevez and Portuguese wizard Nani for veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

Three minutes from time it was Nani's tantalising cross which preceded Tevez's close-range finish and, as Perrin conceded, essentially left Lyon hoping for a miracle in the return encounter at Old Trafford in a fortnight's time.

"I think we deserved the result, without question," said Ferguson afterwards.

"We're delighted to get the draw which gives us a good opportunity to qualify," added Sir Alex, who acknowledged his bench strategy had paid a handsome dividend.

"With the options I have on the bench you've got to make changes if you're 1-0 down. Nani and Tevez both did very well."

The pair's decisive contribution on a night where United generally left their fearsome attacking power dry was not good news for everyone on United's staff, however.

For Darren Fletcher, twice on target in last weekend's FA Cup canter over Arsenal, United's strength in depth is so strong he will have to wait a little longer for his own chance of a regular place.

"Obviously, you want to play in every game, but this is part of the business you're in," said the young midfielder when asked if he was worried about slipping further down the pecking order at a club with such an over-abundance of attacking talent.

"It's up to the boss to decide. Our bench is so strong - and Carlos and Nani made a big impact."

In contrast, while saluting Benzema's fourth goal of the tournament to three for Tevez to date, Perrin had to concede he was short of options as his starting eleven found their strength sapped beyond breaking point with little in reserve in what has been an injury-ravaged season for the French.

"Unfortunately, we weren't able to hold out until the end. I didn't have a bench geared to holding onto a 1-0 lead," said Perrin, who nonetheless praised his goalscorer.

"Karim was a little isolated up front, though he performed his role well," said the Lyon coach, under pressure to deliver a result after criticism from his chairman following a weekend league loss at Le Mans.

For Perrin, Lyon now have an uphill battle ahead of them.

"The situation before the match was 0-0 but 1-1 puts us in a difficult position," he said.

"Now we are an away goal down."

Lyon midfielder Kim Kallstrom agreed.

"We showed we can play at Manchester's level - but it will be very difficult for us over there," the Swede said.

But United's French star Patrice Evra, a 2004 finalist with Monaco, said United were not counting any chickens.

"Lyon are a good side and can score at our place. I think it's still 50-50."