Shunsuke Nakamura scored from a free kick in the 81st minute Tuesday to lift Celtic to a 1-0 win over Manchester United and, for the first time in club history, a spot in the second round of the Champions League.

Man United now needs a draw against Benfica in the final Group F game to advance. A draw against Celtic would also have been enough.

Louis Saha had a chance to equalize in the 90th minute, but Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc made the save.

With the victory, Celtic moved level on points with Man United atop the group with nine points. There is one game remaining.

Nakamura's left-footed free kick from 25 yards went in high to the left of diving Man United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

``Just to beat Manchester United alone is enough,'' Celtic captain Neil Lennon said. ``Shunsuke's free kick was world class, he's right up there with the best in the world for his free kicks. We've also got to thank the goalkeeper (Boruc) for saving the penalty.

``It means everything to me and a lot to the players. If this means we've gone through, I'm ecstatic.''

Manchester United dominated the first 20 minutes, but Celtic gained confidence late in the half and looked threatening in spurts.

Despite its superiority, United failed to test Boruc.

Celtic probably had the best chance in the first half. About eight minutes from the break, midfielder Thomas Gravesen headed a cross from Maciej Zurawski just wide from a sharp angle.

Celtic pressed early in the second half. In the 65th, Nakamura struck a bouncing shot from 25 yards that Van der Sar dropped to his knees to smother.

Cristiano Ronaldo nearly scored in the 78th for United, angling a shot from the right wing just past the far post.

Man United closes group play against Benfica on Dec. 6. Celtic plays at FC Copenhagen the same day.