Username
Password
Scholes' strike sends Red Army to Moscow

Finalists
By Chris, May 2 2008
They’ve done it! Sir Alex Ferguson’s heroes edged out Barcelona on Tuesday night as Manchester United booked their ticket to Moscow. Paul Scholes curled home a superb strike on 14 minutes to separate the two sides and secure the first all-English European Cup football. It was a simply superb night in the history of MUFC and the atmosphere in all corners of Old Trafford was exceptional.


Barcelona controlled the early exchanges but Scholes caught the Catalan giants cold with a truly exceptional strike. The midfielder hasn't had his best season for United - but he rolled back the years with a stunning, long-range effort which rifled beyond the reach of Victor Valdes.

The visitors dominated possession for long periods but couldn't find a way through United's determined backline. The Reds were missing Nemanja Vidic at the back, with Wayne Rooney also missing with a hip problem. However, the two-time winners adjusted superbly and produced a fantastic rearguard action to keep out the La Liga side.

Lionel Messi proved a constant threat to United's lead - but they failed to send long-spells of possession into clear-cut chances. Edwin van der Sar pulled off a handful of excellent saves, whilst Thierry Henry's introduction on the hour was a worry - but United held on with Scholes, who was suspended for the final at the Nou Camp in '99, the hero of the night.

United will now face Chelsea or the Scousers in the final on May 21st in Russia. Either way, it will be one of the biggest games in the club's history. Fergie's men are three wins away from a truly amazing season and a haul of trophies dwarfed only by the Treble glory of 1999.

Well done lads - superb!

Full Time - Manchester United 1-0 FC Barcelona
(United win 1-0 on aggregate)
Attendance - 75,061

Bookmark or share this story with: