Prior to the match, Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard asked the club’s fans to believe in the team following a series of poor results in the Primera Liga. Now that the Catalunyan club is in the semi-final of the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League, Rijkaard can dream of a second European title in two years. But for that to happen Samuel Eto’o and company would need to see-off two English opponents en route to the title podium in Moscow on May 21.
Coming to the quarter-final clash against German side Shalke yesterday at the Nou Camp, Barca’s performance was not ruthless yet comfortable laced with deep-rooted professionalism. No Ronaldinho and no Deco in the side but the red and blue brigade had enough of the quality to send Mirko Slomka’s side packing from the Champions League. Yesterday’s 1-0 home victory completed a 2-0 aggregate win for the Catalan club. The only goal of the match came in the 43rd minute scored by Ivory Coast defender Yaya Toure. According to Barcelona President Joan Laporta,
The reward for this win for Barcelona is a dream semi-final date with English champions Manchester United who put in an equally professional display to beat Italian side AS Roma at Old Trafford by a solitary Carlos Tevez goal. The win sealed a 3-0 aggregate win for Sir Alex Fergusson’s side over the side from Rome. United went into the match at Old Trafford with a comfortable 2-0 lead from the first leg but Sir Alex showed great faith in his squad to seal the semi-final passage by leaving out deadly duo Wayne Rooney and Christiano Ronaldo from the starting line-up. United’s upcoming Sunday clash against Arsenal in the Premier League contributed to the Red Devils’ Champions League team selection. Yet, there were enough quality players in the United squad to tackle Roma and the professional 1-0 victory was a proof of that.This team deserves a lot of credit for what it’s done. It’s fought to the end to achieve this result. It’s a moment to savor.
Although Roma missed a 29th minute penalty via Daniele De Rossi, the Old Trafford faithful was never expecting a shock comeback by Luciano Spaletti’s boys though one will never know what would have happened had the penalty went in. United’s Argentine striker Carlos Tevez put a lid on Roma’s comeback hopes when he struck with a diving header from an Owen Hargreaves cross after 70 minutes. United now visit the Nou Camp on April 23 to meet Barcelona with the return leg on April 29 at Old Trafford. The visit to Barcelona’s imposing stadium would rekindle happy memories for Sir Alex Fergusson as it was the setting where the Red Devils won a remarkable 1999 Champions League final beating Bayern Munich with two dramatic late goals. It remains to be seen if history repeats itself.
Via: IHT
