Manchester United 1 Barcelona 0
Manchester United beat Barcelona by a goal to nil to book their place in the UEFA Champions League final in Moscow. An all English final is confirmed.
A 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou meant that Barcelona began this game with a slight advantage. United new that only a win would guarantee their ticket to the final. Sir Alex Ferguson had planned a more attacking strategy than their visit to Spain but options were reduce as Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic were ruled out prior to kick off. Barcelona knew that they would need to take advantage of the fact that they had not conceded any away goals and that goals would be worth all the more to them at Old Trafford.
United began as Barce did in their home fixture dominating play and playing the game at their pace. It was a half of chances for both sides and the deadlock was broken on 14 minutes with an absolute cracker of a goal from Paul Scholes. This only his second goal of this season was well worth the wait. A 25 yard effort powered into the top right corner. There was little Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes could do to stop it. At this point there was little to suggest that there wouldn’t be more goals in this game. United continued to dominate up until the break.
It happens so often in these mid week European encounters that a team defending a slender lead is subject to a late match pounding. This was no exception. Barcelona went for it knowing that a single goal could send them to Moscow. Deco hit some long range efforts whilst Lionel Messi ran around the United back line as if the ball was tied to his feet. Thierry Henry was close in the final 10 minutes heading the ball hard and low at the United goal. Edwin van der Sar stood firm to deny the French international.
The last 10 minutes of the game was a very nervy affair for the United supporters and the defence continually had to scramble the ball out of the area. United now await the winner of tomorrow’s tie between Chelsea and Liverpool.
Final score Manchester United 1 Barcelona 0.