Scholes special sinks Barcelona
By Khilen Mehta
Since missing out on the Champions league final due to suspension in 1999, Paul Scholes has been itching to play in another one for 9 years. After his special strike last night, his name has already been guaranteed a spot on United´s team sheet for the final in Moscow. Last night had all the makings of a great Champions League semi-final. Two teams with so much to play for…United hungry for success, Barca trying their utmost to restore pride. In the end the game might not have provided the goals or the thrills but it kept fans on the edge of their seats and sent United on their way to a potential double.
With United missing arguably two of their most important players, many fans could be forgiven for thinking this tie could have been a lot closer than it eventually turned out. But as has belied United all season, in the absence of one superstar, someone else invariably steps upto the plate. Last night was the turn of Wes Brown and Park Ji Sung who propelled United to the first all English champions league final in the history of the competition.
Barcelona, for all their sexy football and poetry in motion, rarely threatened the United goal. They looked menacing, they attacked with flair but were just let down far too often in the final third. Lionel Messi was a joy to behold once again, and if anyone looked like providing a scare it was him. But he was also let down far too often by his teammates and in truth Edwin Van Der Sar had very little to do, much like the previous leg in the Nou Camp. Barcelona, of course, had the talent to make things tense as the game progressed but United looked comfortable and with the much maligned Wes Brown having the game of his life, it was Scholes who grabbed the headlines.
And what a beauty it was that won the game. It may have been a scrappy build up, but the finish was a moment of genius. As he picked up the ball 25 yards out, there was almost a collective shout of encouragement for him to shoot, and boy did he deliver. The ball flew into the top right hand corner, leaving Victor Valdes no chance.
And that was it all it took. It has been a long 9 years for United fans. A time period in which they know they have underachieved in Europe. But now they head to Moscow for the chance to make things right…
Tags: barcelona, Champions League, football, Manchester United, Scholes