Barcelona vs Manchester United Highlights: UEFA Champions League 2009 Final

Manchester United discovered what it is like to lose a European Cup final as resilient Barcelona ruled Rome on Wednesday, securing a comfortable 2-0 win.

If there is any consolation in failure to become the first side to retain the trophy in the Champions League era, it is that they lost to a side as fluent and brilliant to watch as they themselves are.

Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi scored the goals either side of half-time but to single those two out for special praise would be unfair on their team-mates who were equally mesmerising, and particularly Xavi, who was simply awesome.

For once Cristiano Ronaldo could provide no magic of his own, instead World footballer of the year was getting increasingly frustrated as defeat loomed.

It was a shame really. Although having done so much damage to others down the years, Ronaldo does now know how it feels.

Twenty four hours earlier, Sir Alex Ferguson had spoken of reaching into the far corners of his brain for an inspiring word or two before the kick-off.

As half-time approached, that same grey matter might have preferred a word or two about Barcelona’s brilliant performance.

In the end the Scot admitted that the best team won.

Complete Highlights:

Watch Barcelona v Manchester United in Sports | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Short Highlights:

Chelsea vs Barcelona Highlights: UEFA Champions League Semi-Final Highlights

Ten-man Barcelona denied Chelsea of a place in the Champions League final in the cruelest of fashions with a 93rd-minute away goal at Stamford Bridge.

A stunning first-half volley from Michael Essien looked to have earned Chelsea victory and set up a repeat of last year’s Champions League final against Manchester United, where they could seek their revenge.

But Andres Iniesta beat Petr Cech in the third minute of added time to send the Spanish bench and their fans delirious and leave Guus Hiddink heartbroken.

At the final whistle, Chelsea’s players gathered around referee Tom Ovrebo, who had waved away at least four penalty appeals during the game.

The scenes descended into anger when Drogba came out of the tunnel to confront the Norwegian official and was shown a yellow card.

Ovrebo had a poor game and was marshaled down to the tunnel by Chelsea stewards as Drogba continued to complain about his performance.

Highlights:
Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona

Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona

Arsenal vs Manchester United Highlights: Champions League Semi-Finals

Like the great Emperors of the past, Sir Alex Ferguson will attempt to rule Rome in three weeks’ time after Manchester United produced an unbelievable offensive display to destroy Arsenal.

Park Ji-sung scoring the first goal from a defensive blunder from young Arsenal defender Gibbs, it was followed by a thunderous 40-yard free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo to effectively book a Champions League final date with Chelsea or Barcelona on May 27 after only 11 minutes.

Ronaldo capped a fine display and drew howls of glee from David Beckham, who had made the trip from Milan to witness a victory that will go alongside that staggering win over Juventus in 1999 that the former England skipper was a part of, by sliding home a third goal, taking his goal tally to 25 this season.

It was not quite a perfect night for United. How could it be when Darren Fletcher ended it in disbelief as he earned a red card for a tackle on Cesc Fabregas which will rule him out of the Italian job.

However, it was not far off, leaving United to await the events at Stamford Bridge tomorrow with so many neutrals, if not a Chelsea side hell-bent on revenge, hoping Barcelona will set up what would be a dream decider.

Highlights:

Manchester United vs Arsenal Highlights: UEFA Champions League

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the efforts of the Versatile John O’Shea after the Irishman put Manchester United in touching distance of another Champions League final.

O’Shea’s smartly-taken 17th-minute goal ensured United head to the Emirates Stadium for a tense second leg against Arsenal holding a slender advantage, but one achieved without conceding an away goal.

The Waterford-born star makes a habit of popping up with vital contributions and Ferguson felt his effort was worthy of special mantion.

That it is still an if and not a when for United was mostly due to the superb efforts of Manuel Almunia, who made four first-class saves in a one-sided encounter.

In addition, Cristiano Ronaldo rattled the crossbar, while Ryan Giggs had his second-half effort ruled out for offside on his 800th United appearance.

The one negative for United will be the probable absence of Rio Ferdinand from the second leg.

The one advantage Ferguson feels Arsenal do have is the ability to effectively name a reserve side against Portsmouth on Saturday given the Gunners are almost certain to finish fourth no matter what the outcome.

Ferguson cannot do the same as the Red Devils bid to cling onto the three-point lead they currently boast at the Premier League summit by beating Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

Wenger knows he has Almunia to thank for the fact Arsenal can still manage go through, with the Gunners chief as effusive of the Spaniard as Ferguson had been about O’Shea.

If they play like today Arsenal will struggle to acheieve the two goal victory needed next week.

However, in front of their own fans, Wenger feels the Londoners will produce a much better performance.

Highlights: