Barcelona booked their Champions League final place with a 3-1 aggregate semi-final victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday.
The Catalans went into the second leg at Camp Nou with a two-goal lead, and a 1-1 draw proved enough to get the job done for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Pedro’s second half goal looked like it had extinguished any hopes Real Madrid had, and although the visitors did manage to pull one back through Marcelo 10 minutes later, that was as close as they would come as Barca sealed a spot in the final at Wembley on May 28.
The home side had the first major chance on goal for the game, when Sergio Busquets rose highest – and unmarked – at a 21st-minute corner, but Madrid shot-stopper Iker Casillas was on hand to save.
A vintage Lionel Messi run 10 minutes later almost opened the scoring, as he cut inside Real defenders on the edge of the area, before firing a left-footed effort on target, only to be denied by a diving Casillas.
Minutes later, more Messi magic saw the 23-year-old midfielder charging at goal with team-mates either side of him and only two defenders in sight.
Messi went wide to striker David Villa, who’s curling far-post attempt was again denied by a strong-handed save from Casillas.
Real thought they had brought the tie to life in the first minute of the second period when Cristiano Ronaldo put through Gonzalo Higuain, who found the back of the net, but the referee had blown his whistle for a dubious Ronaldo foul on Javier Mascherano.
Madrid’s misfortune was compounded by Barca’s brilliance seven minutes later to open the scoring, and all but sew up their chance to win the illustrious Champions League in London.
A superb Andres Iniesta through-ball found Pedro, who fired home at the near post to all but seal their trip to Wembley.
Jose Mourinho’s side struck back via the boot of Marcelo, but it was Angel Di Maria who did the work in setting up the opportunity – firing on goal himself only to find the woodwork, but controlled the rebound to lay off to the Brazilian defender.
But Real failed to create any further chances, and could only watch as Barca celebrated a historic result.
Tue 3 May, 2011
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