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Ballack and Neuville boost Bayer

Neuville celebrates after scoring Bayer's second equaliser

MANCHESTER, England (CNN) -- Michael Ballack ran the show as Bayer Leverkusen held Manchester United 2-2 in the first leg of their European Champions League semifinal.

Ballack, whose goals helped Germany push aside Ukraine to qualify for the World Cup finals, dominated the midfield and scored Bayer's first goal at Old Trafford.

Bayer twice came from behind and are now favourites to make next month's final in Glasgow where they will play Real Madrid or Barcelona. Real won the first leg 2-0 away.

Ballack's fellow German international Oliver Neuville scored Bayer's second on a good night for Germany.

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But England's preparations were hit by another injury, this time to right-back Gary Neville, who broke a bone in his foot -- a similar injury to club and country colleague and best friend David Beckham.

Meanwhile Republic of Ireland skipper Roy Keane completed a quick comeback from a hamstring injury, making an unexpected appearance as a United substitute for the last 10 minutes.

United took the lead in the 29th minute when Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's shot was deflected into his own net by Croatian defender Boris Zivkovic.

Ballack's first-time shot from the edge of the area after the ball had been pulled back levelled the scores in the 67th minute.

United restored their lead five minutes later through Ruud van Nistelrooy's penalty after the Dutch striker had been brought down. It was the 10th goal in the Champions League for the tournament's leading scorer.

But Bayer deservedly levelled again with 15 minutes to go when Neuville pounced on some sloppy defending.