FCBARCELONA.CAT

05.05.2009 22:42

Manchester United back in the final

Berta Brau

Goals from Park and C.Ronaldo (2) have secured a CL Final appearance for ManU for the 2nd consecutive season. The young Arsenal side was swept aside in Tuesday night’s second leg. Van Persie got a consolation goal for the Gunners.

Manchester United confirmed they are back in imperious form with a comfortable 1-3 win away to Arsenal (1-4 on aggregate). They will now fight to become the first team to win the new format Champions League two seasons in a row.

Man U seize the initiative

Manchester United needed just a few minutes to swing the tie firmly in their favour. In the 8th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo crossed into the goal area for Korean international Park to make it 0-1 for Man U.

Three minutes later…the second

Before Arsenal could adjust to the visitors’ early goal, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a second from a free kick in the 11th minute, leaving the tie almost certainly decided in favour of the reigning European champions.

Attacking pressure

After the 1-0 win in the first leg, Manchester United were now 3-0 up on aggregate but despite their advantage they continued to pile on the pressure in attack. Arsenal could make little headway against a hardworking Manchester United but to the Gunners credit they never gave up. At halftime, the score line remained 0-2.

Third goal after the break

Manchester United continued in the same style after the break and Cristiano Ronaldo scored his team’s third of the night after a rapid counterattack. (min.61). In the 75th minute, Fletcher was judged to have committed a penalty on Cesc Fàbregas and was sent off. Van Persie converted from the penalty spot to leave the final scoreboard at 1-3 on the night.