Tevez strike sets up mouth-watering Barca clash

Goalscorer
By Chris,
April 12 2008

De Rossi blasted a woeful penalty-kick over the crossbar as Manchester United secured safe passage to the semi-finals of the European Cup. Fergie placed great faith in his squad as he left Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney out of the starting XI and, despite a few nervy moments, his side booked their last four spot with a 1-0 win on the night. Carlos Tevez was on target.

 

Manchester United professionally dealt with Roma on Wednesday evening to secure a 3-0 aggregate win against the Italians.

Prior to the match there was a minute's silence for a Uefa executive. There were a few grumbles amongst the United contingent about having a silence - but at least the Reds observed it. The travelling Roma fans couldn't keep stum for more than a few seconds.

Rio Ferdinand passed a late fitness test and was able to start the game alongside Gerard Pique. Cristiano Ronaldo was rested to the bench along with Wayne Rooney. Meanwhile, Gary Neville was amongst the substitutes and made his eagerly anticipated return nine minutes from time in an unfamiliar centre-midfield role.

Roma never really looked like turning the tie around but they showed plenty of spirit and determination to raise a few doubts amongst the home fans. They played some ambitious attacking football which kept United's makeshift back four on its toes.

United were playing some attractive football too. Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves were looking particularly useful as the Reds looked to extend their handsome advantage. Park Ji-Sung and Wes Brown both had good opportunities as the visitors committed more and more men forward.

Roma's golden opportunity came on 29 minutes. Wes Brown was adjudged to have brought down Mancini in the penalty box and awarded a soft, soft spot-kick. United's fans were furious - but justice was done as De Rossi fired a woeful effort way over Edwin Van Der Sar's crossbar and into the Stretford End.

Roma continued to push forward after the break but there was to be no comeback for the Italians. The tie was put beyond doubt on seventy minutes as Carlos Tevez met a Hargreaves cross with a diving header that booked United's trip to the semi-finals and a mouth-watering clash with joint favourites Barcelona.

Full Time - Manchester United 1-0 Roma
Attendance - 74,423

(MUFC win 3-0 on aggregate)