Yes the title says it but it doesn't say it all. Words would do no justice for the brave hearts of the Red Devils who prevailed against the Catalan giants with a spectacular goal by Paul Scholes.
Man United came into the game with an advantage over their rivals. They had the 12th man behind them. The Red Army cheering their lungs sore although Barca had an advantage which Fergie and his guards feared. A goal draw or a loss.
The 12th man of United made sure that both the Home and away players were feeling the immense pressure. The moment the whistle sounded for the kickoff, the roar of Old Trafford drowned the voices of the Spaniards who came to visit.
Every single touch, tackle, throw-in or corner by the United guards were greeted with a warm and electric atmosphere. The fans cheered all of those as though they were the winning goals. The reception given to the United players by the fans forced the United players to play to their best so as to save the embarrassment.
The 1st and only goal from both ties came from a spectacular strike from Paul Scholes. Ronaldo weaved and turned and step-overed and tricked and worked his magic but he was cut off shortly by Carlos Puyol who tried to pass the ball to Deco in midfield.
Lo and Behold! Scholes intercepted the ball and he turned SIMPLY to beat his marker and sent a stinging and accurate shot to the top right (if you are looking at the post from Schole's view) corner beating Valdes.
The whole stadium was literally rocking and the whole stand erupted with cheers and Scholes ran like a dog possessed to celebrate the goal with his team-mates. The scarfs and the United flag was waved with much pride and passion by the Red Army.
United continue to show resilience, strength in depth and held on through the rest of the game. Thierry Henry with his pace, Messi with his wizardry, Eto'o with his intimidating presence and Deco, Iniesta, Xavi with their pin point passing piled on the pressure on the United back four.
However, United would not let their dream burst as they were that close to the final in Moscow. The fans were singing the names of Scholes, Ronaldo and Giggs. The whole United lineup was in their own half, defending and holding on to that precious 1 goal advantage.
Tevez was spectacular with his tracking back and hacking down of any players wearing the Barca uniform. Ronaldo on the other hand was bleak and he gave a rather lousy performance in the match. Although he managed to work some moments of magic, it often came to naught.
His child-like temper often times frustrates me. After losing the ball, he would stomp his feet on the ground and wail like a little kid who has just got his ice-cream knocked over. The United back 4 was marvelous. They held on through the immense pressure and that ensured the victory United needed.
At the closing stages of the exhilarating match, Ronaldo injured Evra. Both men went for the ball, trying their utmost best to clear the ball. However, Ronaldo's leg caught Evra in the head and Evra was stretchered off.
United continue holding firm and when the final whistle escaped, the cheers and the roars were deafening. The whole United stadium was jumping with joy and the ecstasy that filled the United players were beyond words. The whole team came together to celebrate their booking to the final in Moscow.
Sir Alex was at his usual jumping for joy. The willy old fox once again prevailed over his opponent with that sweet savour victory. He outsmarted Roma, Lyon and then Barca. However, the joy which filled Sir Alex was much more than the players. After toiling so hard on the battle field, he had been failing those 15 men placed under his charge to reach the final. And when he finally did, boy the smiles and ecstasy that he showed was buoyant.
Barca showed great sportsmanship and they exchanged shirts and handshakes and hugs.
The team must be feeling the dream. United are living the dream right now. All they actually needed was the BELIEVE. Kudos to the Red Army and the Red Devils...