Semifinal, second leg.
Old Trafford, Manchester.
Manchester United 1 Barcelona 0.
(Scholes 14)
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United hero Paul Scholes scored the winning goal as Manchester United were victorious last night, beating Barcelona 1-0 and setting up an all English final of the European Champions League for the first time in history.
Scholes found himself in space about 25 yards out and let fly with a long range spectacular goal into the top right hand corner of the net. The 14th minute strike sent the Old Trafford crowd wild and the United faithful remained vocal in their support and upbeat for the remainder of the game.
This was only Paul Scholes' second goal this season, but what a goal it was, and how important! He does have a reputation for scoring when it really counts, and it certainly did on this occasion!
Lionel Messi went close with a chance on 18 minutes, forcing a good save from Edwin Van de Saar. Park for United on 20 minutes had a good attempt on goal, but watched it go just wide of the far post.
Barcelona had several chances in the first half, as did Manchester United. It was the Catalonian side which made the majority of the play, while United were content soak it up and to counter - attack.
Nani went just wide on 40 after a good cross by Park, for the home side, and Barcelona eventually ran out of ideas.
The single goal turned out to be all it took, as the Red Devils defence was solid, thwarting goal scoring chances from Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi. Barca passed the ball around and retained possession but seemed to lack something vital in and around the penalty area. They just never quite looked like their best, or it was not enough.
United's defence never looked really threatened in the second half and they held on to set up an all-English final.
The winner of Chelsea v Liverpool tonight will join them in Moscow, Russia on May 21st 2008.
