Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his side's ''fantastic achievement'' after they defeated Chelsea 6-5 on penalties to win the Champions League in Moscow.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Frank Lampard exchanged first half goals but that was the end of the scoring in 120 minutes of high drama at the Luzhniki Stadium.

''That's the first penalty shoot-out I've ever won,'' Ferguson said.

''When we missed the penalty kick (from Ronaldo) we thought we were in trouble but I thought we deserved the win.

''We had the best chances. In the second half they had more control but in extra time we were better.

''It's a fantastic achievement.''

When asked whether he thought it was fate, with this year being the 50th anniversary of the Munich disaster Ferguson added: ''I think so. I think we deserved to win it.

''We started the British sojourn into Europe in 1955 and we deserved to get his trophy tonight.

''I'm delighted for my players. I think this has the making of my best team.''

Ronaldo told Sky Sports: ''I feel very proud for the lads. They believe all the time. The lads deserve the Champions League. I looked forward to winning this competition -and we won the Premier League. It's a magnificent season for me.''

Ronaldo shrugged off missing his penalty in the shoot-out, adding: ''This is football. I don't know what to say.

''I think we're going to lose. I score the goal and miss the penalty. The worst day of my life.

''But the lads did the proper job and I feel very proud for them. It means everything for me.''

United hero Edwin van der Sar savoured some personal redemption after losing on penalties to Juventus when he was with Ajax in 1996.

The Dutch goalkeeper saved Nicolas Anelka's spot-kick after John Terry earlier missed a chance to win it at 4-4.

Van der Sar said: ''Twelve years ago I lost on penalties and we've won it now. It's unbelievable. We deserve it. It's fantastic.''

Terry clipped the outside of the post with Van der Sar beaten and United defender Rio Ferdinand admitted he thought their chances had gone.

''I was thinking he's going to score,'' Ferdinand said. ''He's a great penalty taker normally but he slipped. Unfortunately someone's got to lose and tonight it's them.''

It was a special moment for Ryan Giggs as he broke Sir Bobby Charlton's United appearance record and collected his second European Cup winners' medal after also playing in 1999.

''I can enjoy it a little bit more this time,'' said Giggs, who felt United were worthy winners.

''We deserved it, we've been the best team. Credit to Edwin, we came good in the end.

"The first half we dominated, the second half they had chances but we held our nerve in the end.''