LONDON - ARSENAL midfielder Abou Diaby believes he is now mentally strong enough to live up to comparisons with Gunners legend Patrick Vieria After several seasons as a bit-part player at Arsenal, Diaby has become a key member of Arsene Wenger's squad over the last year and should feature in Wednesday's Champions League clash against AZ Alkmaar at the Emirates Stadium.

The Frenchman, who joined Arsenal from Auxerre in 2006, has a similar physique and style to his compatriot Vieira, whose superb displays in midfield were a key factor in the club's Premier League title triumphs.

MANCHESTER - MANCHESTER United reached the Champions League knockout stages after Antonio Valencia struck in stoppage time to give them a 3-3 draw at home to CSKA Moscow in their Group B match on Tuesday.

Trailing 3-1 with six minutes to go, the English champions set up an exciting finale when Paul Scholes headed in a Gary Neville free kick.

MILAN - AC MILAN and Real Madrid took a small step towards qualification for the Champions League knock-out rounds following a 1-1 draw at the San Siro on Tuesday.

Ronaldinho's conversion of a dubiously-awarded penalty cancelled out Karim Benzema's opener for the visitors as the stalemate left both teams a point clear of Marseille, who thrashed FC Zurich 6-1, at the top of Group C.